Category Archives: Faith

Angels on Assignment

Posted on by
Reply

The delicate beauty of this Queen Anne’s Lace 
was designed by the Lord, who gives amazing grace…
Those who make Jesus their Lord, gain the gift of salvation;
and angels are assigned to minister to them in every nation.

When Joseph, betrothed to the virgin Mary, learned that she was pregnant, a situation troubling for him to understand,

an angel in a dream revealed to him that the child had been conceived by the Holy Spirit, for the Savior’s birth, which God had planned.

At Jesus’ birth, in Bethlehem, then, the skies were filled with rejoicing angels of great number,

appearing to shepherds, keeping watch over their flock, amid people’s nighttime slumber.

Again, in a dream, an angel spoke to Joseph, to flee to Egypt to escape Herod’s attack,

until he would tell him, at a later time, when and where it would be safe for them to come back.

As an adult, and after His baptism by John, Jesus experienced a time of temptation.

He fasted in the wilderness and withstood the devil’s taunts. Then angels ministered to Him after its duration.

Much later, at prayer in Gethsemane’s garden, Jesus began to feel very great distress

about fulfilling His Father’s will at the cross. So His Father sent an angel there to bless,

strengthen, and comfort Him…as the time for His trial and crucifixion had begun to loom.

Perhaps the angel reminded Jesus that He would be raised up—in victory over the tomb.

Scripture states that Jesus endured the cross because, ahead, He could see the joy—

He would be loved as our Redeemer…from the devil’s works, which He had come to destroy.

Upon His resurrection, heaven sent angels to greet early mourners at the tomb’s site,

to tell them that Jesus had been raised from the dead, dispelling any sorrow they’d had or fright.

Then, we read in Acts, of when Simon Peter, the Lord’s disciple, had been wrongfully jailed,

that God sent an angel to work a jailbreak, proving that Peter’s brethren’s prayers hadn’t failed.

And the apostle, Paul, was on a ship to Rome, sailing in a turbulent storm at sea—

when an angel appeared to him with a message, that no loss of life would there be.

Angels are noted throughout scripture. They minister to the heirs of salvation.

As believers, we are recipients of their aid, and they serve throughout every nation.

I thank the Lord for their service, for their presence as we walk life’s many trails.

I can think of times past when I sensed their protection. Through faith, prayer, and their help, God’s Kingdom never fails.

P. A. Oltrogge

References: Matthew 1:18-24; Matthew 2; Luke 2:1-20; Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:9-12; Luke 22:41-44; Hebrews 12:2; 1 John 3:8; Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:11-13; Acts 12; Acts 27:23-25; Hebrews 1:13-14

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

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

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

“Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ, the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.’” Luke 2:10-12 NKJV

“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.” Matthew 18:10-11 NKJV

“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 NKJV

”He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8 NKJV

“Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” Hebrews 1:13-14 NKJV

“For He shall give His angels charge over you , to keep you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11 NKJV

“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts! Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all you stars of light!” Psalm 148:1-3 NKJV

____________________

Today is Tim Sheets’s birthday and Dutch sends a message by Tim. Find it at: http://www.givehim15.com

You can find Tim’s books on angels in the “Store” at: http://www.timsheets.org

They Hearken Unto the Voice of His Word

Posted on by
Reply

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

Thank you, Lord, for the angels, though I can’t see them with my eyes.

Thank you that in using your word, I can thereby cause them to arise…

to minister on my behalf as I’m an heir of God’s wonderful salvation.

He gives His angels charge over me, to keep me in any situation.

The devil and his cohorts, as they typically do, may try to alarm me;

but with my God-given authority and angelic help, they’re unable to harm me.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19 NKJV

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

“For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11 NKJV

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

“Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” Hebrews 1:13-14 NKJV

“Do not neglect to extend hospitality to strangers [especially among the family of believers—being friendly, cordial, and gracious, sharing the comforts of your home and doing your part generously], for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2 AMP

“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts! Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all you stars of light!” Psalm 148:1-3 NKJV

…There have been encounters with angels who were seen visibly as men…only later did the believer realize that a miracle had happened then…

…for such an angelic encounter, search: You Tube Jerry Savelle Supernatural Intervention

“Little Heaven”/Unsplash

Train Ride

Posted on by
Reply

I was traveling on a train that had many stops it would be making…but I knew my destination and which stop that I’d be taking.

I thought I’d ask the traveler next to me where he was going to go; then, surprisingly, he said it wasn’t something he could know.

I thought that that was rather odd, for one needs to be quite sure, for travelers can’t ride indefinitely on a never-ending tour.

I’d researched my destination, having heard it was a beautiful place; but my fellow traveler’s plans were vague and uncertain in his case.

Eventually, he’d need to get off—there would come an end to the trail. It reminded me of those who travel equally vaguely, but on a spiritual rail.

They think that any exit will get them to a final place of peace, but they haven’t secured the ticket to where God’s love will never cease.

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life…don’t travel until it’s too dark. Secure your ticket by taking Him as Savior—then you’ll KNOW where you will disembark.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:6 NKJV

“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2 NKJV

A Song in the Snow

Posted on by
Reply

“I know all the birds of the mountains….” Psalm 50:11

“Offer to God thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High. Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” Psalm 50:14-15

There isn’t any situation of which God, the Father, doesn’t know. He cares for the little birds in the midst of the winter snow.

Right in the midst of worrisome trouble, He’s the One upon whom to call. Deliverance is ours through prayer to Him, in the name of Jesus, who is Lord of all.

Let every care be cast aside–it’s in the shelter of the Most High that we abide.

P. A. Oltrogge

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.’”  Psalm 91:1-2 (Protection from plague, pestilence, and peril is proclaimed in the entire Psalm)

“I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4

“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 NLT

“What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31 NLT

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:13-14

“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. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:23-24

“Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks.” Philippians 4:6 GW

“Turn all your anxiety over to God because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 GW

“But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ–He is Lord of all–that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached.” Acts 10:35-37

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9

“Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses.” Psalm 107:6

“The Lord upholds all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look expectantly to You, and You give them their food in due season. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.” Psalm 145:14-16 (and all of Psalm 145)

“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.
The Lord executes righteousness
And justice for all who are oppressed.” Psalm 103:1-6

“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it, with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

Divine Intervention

Posted on by
Reply

…in your own life…

When the going gets tough, the tough get going…
Ever more diligently, God’s Word be sowing!

When it seems to you to be your darkest hour,
it’s THEN that your attitude must NOT turn SOUR.
Instead, keep trusting in God’s supernatural PLANS and POWER!

Do not fret; don’t be glum…believe that the best is yet to come!

P. A. Oltrogge

“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

“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

“But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.” Acts 16:25-26

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.” – Psalm 34:1


…for encouragement in these times, visit: http://www.govictory.com

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Jesus, Closer than a Brother

Posted on by
Reply

“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24 NKJV

Dear Lord Jesus,

You thought of the lowly, the forgotten, the oppressed…
You thought of us all; and, through You, we are blessed.

You’re always the Good Shepherd, our Savior and friend.
If any setbacks befall us, you help things to mend.

You’re closer than a brother; and we can draw near
to You for Your assurance that there’s nothing to fear.

You loved the little children and do to this day.
For the unborn, young, or old, You’ve taught us to pray.

And also our enemies, You’ve said, are in great need
of prayers to be enlightened, that Your Word they might heed.

Obedient to Your Father, You went to Calvary’s hill.
You prayed that cup might pass, but accepted Your Father’s will.

Yes, what a friend we have in Jesus, as the hymn goes…
You died for all of mankind, and, praise God, You then arose.

P. A. Oltrogge

“He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, ‘O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.’” Matthew 26:39 

“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

“Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead.” Acts 10:40-41

What a Friend

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!  What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!  Oh, what peace we often forfeit–oh, what needless pain we bear.  All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.  

Have we trials and temptations?  Is there trouble anywhere?  We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.  Can we find a Friend so faithful, who will all our sorrows share?  Jesus knows our every weakness.  Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?  Precious Savior, still our refuge–take it to the Lord in prayer.  Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?  Take it to the Lord in prayer.  In His arms, He’ll take and shield thee–thou wilt find a solace there.  

Amen

Joseph Scriven/author
Charles C. Converse/composer

“You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.” John 14:15-16

With You Always

Posted on by
Reply

“…For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” from Hebrews 13:5

May this scripture encourage you today… Jesus never leaves you; Jesus never forsakes you…

And don’t miss today’s message by Dutch Sheets–a history lesson from the Bible, and a reminder for continued prayer yet regarding the U.S.A. and the election…found at: http://www.givehim15.com

To Pray and not to Faint…

Posted on by
Reply

Photo by Porch of the Lord…
Sunset at the Pitons Anchorage, St. Lucia,
Caribbean

“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint…” Luke 18:1 KJV

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

Thoughts from a guest contributor:

Pray always without being weary. Do not stop or give up. Do pray, even when you feel tired from or distressed about a problem. Do pray when you wake up or before you fall asleep. 

Keep praying, always looking for the Holy Spirit in action all day. Keep God on your heart and thank Him throughout your day.

____________________

If I were ever to discontinue this blog, I believe I’ve shared many excellent sites on Christian faith–the most important, in these times, would be Eagle Mountain International Church, which can be found on Sunday mornings at: http://www.govictory.com

Govictory runs all week 24/7. If you would want to listen to some reflections/prayers regarding the recent election and America’s future, as well as that of Israel, check out this past Sunday’s service at: http://www.emic.org

Honoring America’s Brave

Posted on by
Reply

Oh say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Through the years…

Many warriors have set aside the joys of life,
to enter into battles that were born of strife.
All gave their service, but some gave their all.
With courage, they answered their country’s call.

We’re reminded of them on Memorial and Veteran’s Day.
Death or injuries were the price that many did pay.
As we go about our lives, we tend to forget…
for our freedom and stability, they’re owed a huge debt.

Even if you feel your role of service was small,
every role is important and an answer to your country’s call.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Every post is honorable in which a man can serve his country.” — George Washington

“The United States and the freedom for which it stands, the freedom for which they died, must endure and prosper.  Their lives remind us that freedom is not bought cheaply.  It has a cost; it imposes a burden.  And just as they whom we commemorate were willing to sacrifice, so too must we–in a less final, less heroic way–be willing to give of ourselves.”  
Ronald Reagan, Arlington National Cemetery, May 31, 1982

See also: http://www.givehim15.com

Thank you to those who’ve served and are presently serving our U.S.A.!

Faith in God’s Heart of Grace

Posted on by
Reply

Sometimes…

It’s nothing but God’s mercy and nothing but His grace
that can take over for my faith, in running the Christian race.
When I’ve exercised my faith, but find there is no trace
of a faith that will endure–then I just need the solid base…
of Christ as my life’s Savior, who’ll extend His hand of grace.

If troubles overwhelm, we need to sense the Lord’s embrace.
So think of “grace” through any circumstance; and in every case,
Christ’s love will lift you from discouragement–there is no disgrace.
Sinking, by fear of wind upon the water, Peter then looked to Jesus’ face.
“Lord, I believe–help my unbelief,” is understood by God’s heart of grace.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.  And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’  And they cried out for fear.  But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer!  It is I; do not be afraid.’  And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’  So he said, ‘Come.’  And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.  But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’  And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’  And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.  Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly You are the Son of God.’”  Matthew 14:25-34 NKJV

…from the account of Jesus healing a boy with a mute spirit: 

“…’But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.’  Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’  Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, ‘Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!‘  When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, ‘Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!’  Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him.  And he became as one dead, so that many said, ‘He is dead.’  But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose.” Mark 9:22-24 NKJV

“Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.” 2 John 1:3 NKJV