We’ve heard the Word, and faith has grown–Jesus is our Cornerstone!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.
“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in theworld. They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.” 1 John 4:1-6
“…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. This 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.” Acts 4:10-12
_________________________
Oh Lord, my God When I, in awesome wonder Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder Thy power throughout the universe displayed
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee How great Thou art, how great Thou art Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee How great Thou art, how great Thou art
And when I think that God, His Son not sparing Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing He bled and died to take away my sin
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee How great Thou art, how great Thou art Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee How great Thou art, how great Thou art
When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart Then I shall bow, in humble adoration And then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee How great Thou art, how great Thou art Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee How great Thou art, how great Thou art How great Thou art, how great Thou art
“Then my enemies will be turned back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me.” Psalm 56:9
In any situation that you may be in, these words remind that God wants you to win. This I know, that God is for me… lifts you above the things that are “stormy.”
P. A. Oltrogge
Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Yes, Jesus loves me…
“Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs, And carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.” Isaiah 40:11
“In the same way, the Spirit helps our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27 NASB
“With all prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:18 NASB
“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
“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” Matthew 7:24-27
“The righteous person is rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead.” Proverbs 11:8 NIV
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” Psalm 34:17-18
“In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah Psalm 62:7-8
“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
…and the depiction of Jesus, above, can also remind us, who are under the care of the Good Shepherd, to pray for those who are lost…
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” Luke 15:4-7
“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32 KJV
“Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.’”John 8:58 NKJV
“Fear not, little flock…” for I AM your fortress, and I AM your rock.
My Word has endured throughout the ages, and I have been revealed in the holy Bible’s pages.
In perilous times that are evident in these days, you’ll sense My peace and presence as you offer Me praise.
My name and blood over your life are a powerful shield. My blood was shed for you for the benefits it would yield.
The world is passing away and the lust thereof; yet nothing will be able to separate you from My love.
I will never leave you, nor will I ever forsake you… Remember that, when troubles try, at times, to overtake you.
Call upon Me in the day of trouble, amid its distress, for I AM the Lord of all…and have all the power to bless.
So, trust your Lord Jesus and fear not, little flock… In Me, there’s safe harbor where your disciple-“ship” can dock.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Walk with Me,” by Greg Olsen. Used with Permission: www.GregOlsen.com
“Be to me a rock of refuge and a sheltering stronghold to which I may continually come; You have given the commandment to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress.” Psalm 71:3 AMP
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” 2 Timothy 3:1 KJV
“Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” Psalm 50:15 NKJV
“Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 RSV
“In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, For You will answer me. Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord; Nor are there any works like Your works.” Psalm 86:7-8 NKJV
“…For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5 NKJV
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 KJV
“They have taken crafty counsel against Your people, and consulted together against Your sheltered ones….Let them be confounded and dismayed forever; Yes, let them be put to shame and perish, that they may know that You, whose name alone is the Lord; are the Most High over all the earth.” Psalm 83:3, 17-18 NKJV
“Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; In You I take shelter.” Psalm 143:9 NKJV
“The Lord also will roar from Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; The heavens and earth will shake; But the Lord will be a shelter for His people, and the strength of the children of Israel.” Joel 3:16 NKJV
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most high will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’” Psalm 91:1-2 and all of Psalm 91
“And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:17 NKJV
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: ‘For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.’ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:35-39 NKJV
“For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.” Colossians 1:19-20
In Exodus 12, an unblemished lamb was slain and its blood was applied to the lintel and doorposts of the homes of the Hebrews for their protection and deliverance. Through His crucifixion, where His blood was shed on our behalf, Jesus became God’s pure sacrificial Lamb. Before His death, He said, “It is finished.”
Looking for a trusted leader? Then, you need to look no more, for Jesus Christ is the leader every one of us is looking for.
Kingdoms of this world arise, and there are those that fall; but Christ and His eternal kingdom reign preeminently over them all.
We can read of the rulers of history, both the bad or the good; but it’s the Lordship of Jesus Christ that must be fully understood.
Sent from His Father, God, Jesus came to us as a servant, sharing God’s love on earth in a manner that was selfless and fervent.
He emptied Himself of His position, to live and die as a man, winning redemption for all who’ll believe, in fulfillment of God’s plan.
He spoke of His Father’s goodness, and He told us how to live. He said that we were to love others, to serve them, and to forgive.
Jesus said that if we followed Him, we’d actually find what’s best. He taught the importance of prayer, and that, thereby, we’d be blessed.
Looking for a trusted leader? He can be contacted from any nation. “If anyone is in Christ, they’ve become a new creation.”
Receive, for yourself, Jesus’ leadership, the ruler who shall reign forever. What a true and faithful King He is. Will He fail us or forsake us? Never!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:5-8 NASB
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?’” Matthew 16:24-25 NKJV
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13 KJV
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV
“And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:23-24 NKJV
“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.” Matthew 6:9-13 KJV
“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 8:38-39 NKJV
“Love never fails….” 1 Corinthians 13:8 NKJV
“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5 NKJV
“Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.’” Revelation 11:15 NKJV
“And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, ‘Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns.’”
“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True….”
“And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” Revelation 19:6, 11, and 16 NKJV
Many believers live with a small view of how God can move in their life. From drive-through orders like this devotional story to healing and deliverance, God’s children can live in victory. God is sovereign and He doesn’t owe us, but just like many fathers, He gives good gifts to His children. Talk to Him today and just as Scripture encourages, boldly bring your requests to the throne!
by Cassey Nathan, from CBN
One of my favorite things to do after an amazing church service is to meet up with friends and family for a meal. Sometimes we opt for a home-cooked meal, and other times it’s a quick drive-through kind of day. When it’s a drive-through time, I can almost smell and taste my order while on the drive to the restaurant!
One evening, I decided to go to a popular chicken take-out place to order a quick bite to eat. There were two lanes open, and as I drove up in the line, an employee advised me that the person in front of me was the last order. It was close to closing time, so I’m sure she was tired and ready to end her shift. I get it, but the green lights were still on and I didn’t really think she was empowered to have the final say. At that point, I politely said thank you and drove around to the main window.
The manager was at the window. I asked if him if I could place an order, seeing as the drive-thru was still showing a green light. I began to tell him my experience of how I couldn’t make an order with the employee taking orders from the drive-through lane. He immediately asked what I would like to eat that evening, and I gave him my order. Now my senses were going off—I could smell the waffle fries, and already began thinking about how the food would taste so yummy!
The manager came back with my food and drink, and apologized for the inconvenience. I thanked him and pulled out my debit card to pay. Instead of accepting my payment, he said, “I will be taking care of your tab tonight, I want you to have a great evening!” After all that took place that night, the only way to respond was with a praise of thanksgiving! I chuckled and thanked God for His favor! I learned an important lesson, the more persistent I am, the more opportunities I’ll have to see the goodness of God in my life.
I believe that is how the Apostle Paul encouraged many of the churches in the New Testament. In Philippians, chapter 1, he told the church how much he prayed and thanked God for the love they showed him. They were known as a generous church who sought opportunities to bless him. He also proclaimed a blessing over them that they would have the opportunity to partake with him in God’s abundant supply.
Whether it’s our favorite order from a fast-food restaurant or a blessing needed for schooling or employment, etc., I believe God wants us to have it! We should be encouraged to always look for opportunities where God sees our faith and showers us with His favor!
I can’t help but reflect on that encounter at the drive-through and how I believe the Lord wants to do that and so much more for His children. Will you be bold enough to ask for what you want? You will not be disappointed if you put your trust in the Lord!
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. (Philippians 1:3-4, 6-7 NKJV)
Cassey Nathan joined CBN in 2022 as a Product Owner for CBN Bible and myCBN apps. She serves as worship leader for Kingdom Church of Houston. Cassey enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her husband. She is grateful to work in the Kingdom while awaiting the return of Christ.
Father… Thank you for your merciful grace to your children in every situation… in our individual lives and over our families, over our own and every nation.
By grace, anyone can receive the wonderful assurance from you of eternal life through Jesus Christ and grace for this life, too.
By grace, through faith, we receive, as well, of your promised peace. From anxious thoughts and from our sins, you’ve given us release.
Where sin has abounded, there abounds your grace to us much more. Because of the depth of your love, unmerited blessings for us are in store.
P. A. Oltrogge
“But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.
“Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.
“Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Romans 5:15-21 NKJV
“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:4-10 NKJV
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.”
I will extol You, my God, O King; And I will bless Your name forever and ever. 2 Every day I will bless You, And I will praise Your name forever and ever. 3 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable.
4 One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts. 5 I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, And on Your wondrous works. 6 Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts, And I will declare Your greatness. 7 They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness, And shall sing of Your righteousness.
8 The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy. 9 The Lord is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works.
10 All Your works shall praise You, O Lord, And Your saints shall bless You. 11 They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom, And talk of Your power, 12 To make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, And the glorious majesty of His kingdom. 13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.
14 The Lord upholds all who fall, And raises up all who are bowed down. 15 The eyes of all look expectantly to You, And You give them their food in due season. 16 You open Your hand And satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17 The Lord is righteous in all His ways, Gracious in all His works. 18 The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. 19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them. 20 The Lord preserves all who love Him, But all the wicked He will destroy. 21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord, And all flesh shall bless His holy name Forever and ever.
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due seasonwe shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do goodto all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:9-10
Don’t lose heart, even if you’ve experienced hard disappointments, for according to this scripture, we can count on seeing divine appointments.
Serving the One who, in love, died for you, can only be right to do; and it will help you forget any hurts, to serve and love others, too.
There are people looking for hope that there still is a God who cares; and those of the household of faith may need His help through your prayers.
“Those who trust Him wholly, find Him wholly true,” it’s said. He’s seen every tear, so thank Him, for the good along the way and up ahead.
P. A. Oltrogge
“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13
“You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book? When I cry out to You, Then my enemies will turn back; This I know, because God is for me.” Psalm 56:8-9
“Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.” Psalm 25:5 NLT
“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:11-12
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
“We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 NLT
“Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing. We proudly tell God’s other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering. And God will use this persecution to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering.” 2 Thessalonians 1:3-5 NLT
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” James 1:2-3 NASB
“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart….” Luke 18:1
“You will keep in perfectpeace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3 NLT
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3
A statement that’s sometimes made, which needs to be corrected…is “We are all God’s children.” Not true–but by those words, it seems to be suggested.
That we’re all created by God is a fact that’s certainly true. But to become a child of God requires something every person must personally do.
“But as many as received Him (Jesus), to them gave He the right or power…to become the children of God”–an offer that, when accepted, becomes your most blessed hour.
Jesus said to Nicodemus, a teacher of Israel, that a man must be born again. He had visited the Lord in the night, having seen the miracles He’d wrought among men.
And Jesus told a group of Pharisees plainly that they were of the devil, their father. If they were already God’s children, then why did He die for them or even bother?
No, He was sent to die for the sins of anyone living here on the earth. The firstborn among many brethren, Christ became Man through the virgin birth.
Obedient to His Father’s plan, Jesus paid the ransom for our restoration…to relationship with the Holy One–for those who believe, from out of every nation.
“I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God,” Jesus said. They’re still words that speak of “Family” to those who’ll believe that He rose from the dead.
No, we can’t all be called God’s children until we’ve put faith in His Son. That’s the defining moment when a new life, as God’s child, has begun.
P. A. Oltrogge
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name….” John 1:12
“There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, ‘Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’” John 3:1-3
“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.” John 3:16…and see all of John 3
“Jesus said to her, ‘Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’” John 20:17
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV
“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:29
“Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources for he is a liar and the father of it. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.’” John 8:42-47
“Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” Romans 8:12-17
_________________________
Christian minister Kenneth E. Hagin quote: Yes, God is the Creator of all mankind, but a man must be born again to become His child. He is God to the world, but Father only to the new creation man…
“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
“Then they set out from Succoth and camped in Etham on the edge of the wilderness. And the Lord was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.” Exodus 13:20-22
“And with a pillar of cloud Thou didst lead them by day and with a pillar of fire by night to light for them the way in which they were to go.” Nehemiah 9:12
Moses, a Hebrew by birth, was called by God to lead His Hebrew people out–from the ancient land of Egypt to a prayed-for promised land route. Through his obedience and God’s powerful hand, their burdened lives as slaves…came to be changed forever because the good Lord hears and saves.
God had heard their desperate cries–and had seen the severe oppression. After many God-sent plagues, Pharaoh finally made his concession. So hardhearted had he been, that it had taken a very mighty blow, to his own and all Egyptian families, before he would let God’s people go.
Many pestilences had been tried–including frogs and boils on man and beast–hail, insects, darkness, and finally, death of firstborns of the greatest man’s home to the least. That was the deciding plague, which caused the barrier to the Hebrews’ freedom to be broken–while they, in Goshen, were spared, for blood on their doorposts had “spoken.”
Yes, blood from an unblemished lamb on each lintel and doorpost was spread. This proclaimed that their lives should be preserved because of a lamb that had bled. They had shared the first Passover meal–a feast remembered to this day, which points to God’s sacrificial lamb in Christ–now the Good Shepherd who leads our way.
After the Passover, God guided His people with a pillar of cloud in their sight. And for gains through night-time travel, He led by a pillar of fire for needed light. Quick to regret, Pharaoh pursued the former captives to the brink of the great Red Sea; but the angel of God and God’s pillar of cloud kept the Hebrews secure and free.
This protection and time were needed, for Moses to stretch forth his hand. The Lord swept back the sea with a wind all night, creating, for the Hebrews, dry land. God’s people then made their way safely, with walls of water on each side. They followed the leadership of Moses, casting any fears they might have had aside.
God brought Pharaoh’s army into confusion. Then the Lord gave Moses the instruction–to stretch forth his hand again, which made way for the pursuers’ destruction. From out of the pillar of cloud, God caused the Egyptian’s chariot wheels to sway. The waters turned back and drowned them all, giving the Hebrews victory that day.
Protection and guidance were provided back then through God’s pillar of cloud and fire. Therefore, let’s seek the same Lord of those ancient days, who calls us to a life that’s higher. Today a “promised land” is yours through the leading of the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ, God’s Son. Abundant life now and an eternal home with God are freely offered to everyone.
P. A. Oltrogge
(Based on the Old Testament account in the book of Exodus)
New Testament references:
“…For, indeed, Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” 1 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’” John 1:29 NKJV
“And Peter said to them ‘Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 2:38
Words of Jesus:
“The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly.” John 10:10
“And while they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body.’ And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.’” Matthew 26:26-28
“These things Jesus spoke; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He saiid, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify Thy Son, that the Son may glorify Thee, even as Thou gavest Him authority over all mankind, that to all whom Thou hast given Him, He may give eternal life. And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.’” John 17: 1-3
“’Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going.’ Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.’” John 14:1-7
The Porch of the Lord 