Especially if you or someone you know has a healing need, please don’t miss today’s message at: http://www.givehim15.com
An Important Referral
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Category Archives: Faith
Prayer for the U.S.A.
…in this year of 2024…
Father, preserve our country of America–we look to you for your hand of protection. We pray that its leaders will heed your Word, instead of dishonoring it with their rejection.
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” We pray for those in or running for office, who promise good, but may be speaking lies under their breath.
Convict them when they don’t really care about those whom they’re supposed to be serving. Dissuade the citizens from casting their votes for those who are undeserving.
Give us, Father, the wise leadership that we have prayed for and so very much need. Remove, and keep from office, those who are motivated only by their own ambitions and greed.
We pray against cheating and fraud in the upcoming election–and that the people will carefully study the records of the candidates before making any selection.
We pray there will be a turning away from supporting those who align with the darkness of abortion. When we stand for the innocent, then goodness and mercy in life will be our portion.
You’ve said, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” To have representatives who oppose you and your Word is something we have never been able to afford.
So, the citizens themselves need to seek you and your will in order for America to remain good. We plead the blood of Jesus over this land, in order to have the righteous leaders that we should.
…in Jesus’ name, Amen
There is a way that seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death. Proverbs 16:25
These six things the Lord hates,
Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
A proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil,
A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren. Proverbs 6:16-19
The counsel of the Lord stands forever,
The plans of His heart to all generations.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
The people He has chosen as His own inheritance. Proverbs 33:11-12
Wondrously show Your (marvelous and amazing) lovingkindness, O Savior of those who take refuge at Your right hand from those who rise up against them. Keep me (in Your affectionate care, protect me) as the apple of Your eye; Hide me in the (protective) shadow of Your wings. Psalm 17:7-8 AMP
(Protect your people everywhere, Lord, in these times. We lift up those in war-torn areas and those in any country where persecution or injustice exists for their faith in you–be to them their shield. And may many who don’t yet believe, come to saving faith in you… Thank you that you hear and answer our prayers…)
…prayers/by P. A. Oltrogge
Remind us, Lord, to:
Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah Psalm 46:10-11
The Children’s Bread
“And He was saying to her, ‘Let the children be satisfied first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.’” (Mark 7:27) These were Jesus’ words to a Syrophoenician woman, regarding the healing of her daughter… Here He was referring to healing as “the children’s bread.” She was not Jewish (“the children”) but persisted in faith, to ask for His help, which He gave.
Today, another healing account, of Aeneas, (shared below) is referred to, in reference to the upcoming Healing Summit at Oasis Church on August 30th, which will be available to all via the internet…read the message at: http://www.givehim15.com
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We read in the Bible’s book of Acts that in the course of Peter’s travels, he arrived at the town of Lydda to visit with some of the saints.
There he came upon a man named Aeneas, who’d been bedridden for eight years with paralysis and its constraints.
The account tells us that Peter spoke with sure faith, saying, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you: arise, and make your bed.”
At Peter’s words, the paralyzed man immediately arose; and all who lived at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord, having seen that healing is the children’s bread.
In another instance, in Joppa, there was a disciple named Tabitha, or Dorcas, who abounded with charity for others and deeds that were kind.
Just at that time, she had fallen sick and died–a loss which was felt deeply, for she had made garments for many; and by such acts of service she was defined.
Some of the disciples heard that Peter was in nearby Lydda, so they sent two men to him to entreat him to come and not delay.
He agreed to come with the men and there, in an upper room of the house where her body was lying, Peter sent out those who wept. He knelt and prayed–then turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, arise,” at which point, death couldn’t stay.
She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. He gave her his hand and raised her up, then called those who’d been there to return. Peter presented her alive to all of them, who were so grateful and amazed.
The raising of Dorcas became known all over Joppa and many there believed, too, on the Lord and that the Name of Jesus, of whom Peter preached, was greatly to be praised.
P. A. Oltrogge
A summary from Acts 9:32-43
Also refer to Acts 10 on the inclusion of the Gentiles in the Gospel, and Acts 11:18 “And when they heard this, they quieted down, and glorified God, saying, ‘Well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life.’”
“But He was pierced through for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5
“And when evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill in order that what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, saying, ‘He Himself took our infirmities, and carried away our diseases.’” Matthew 8:16,17
Other examples of Peter and the other apostles extending healing in Jesus’ Name: Acts 3:1-10, 16 and Acts 5:12-16; Acts 14:8-10; Acts 19:11-12; Acts 20:9-10; Acts 28:3-5 (Paul suffered no harm himself); Acts 28:7-9
Building Blocks That Blossom
Faith is the seed.
Love is the power.
Hope is the light.
Joy is the flower.
…author unknown, but the meaningful thoughts are appreciated…. P. A. Oltrogge
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
“How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house; And You give them to drink of the river of Your delights. For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.” Psalm 36:7-9
“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4
“They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs; You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy.” Psalm 65:8
“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
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:1-5
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
“But now faith, hope, love abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13
The One Who Sent Jesus
When you believe in Jesus Christ and have settled that He’s the God who is true, you will not simply be believing in Him, but in the One who has sent Him, too.
Jesus came into the world as God’s Light, so that darkness would be dispelled–that none should miss knowing their God, nor have their salvation withheld.
God desires to be a loving Father to all, but His justness will require judgment one day. Jesus did not come to judge but to save, and to teach us to be followers of His Way.
All Jesus ever said or that He did, were things only from His Father that He’d heard. A blessed life now and eternally are the gifts of which a Christian can be assured.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Jesus shouted to the crowds, ‘If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. I will not judge those who hear me but don’t obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken. I don’t speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it. And I know His commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells Me to say.’” John 12:44-50 (NLT)
“Then Jesus cried out and said, ‘He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me.” John 12:44-45 (NKJV)
“Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.” Hebrews 9:27-28 (NIV)
“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
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” John 5:24
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“Then they said to Him, ‘Who are You?’
“And Jesus said to them, ‘Just what I have been saying to you from the beginning. I have many things to say and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I heard from Him.’
“They did not understand that He spoke to them of the Father.
“Then Jesus said to them, ‘When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.’ As He spoke these words, many believed in Him.” John 8:25-30
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“Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.'” John 8:58
“I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” John 10:9-11 (NASB)
“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
“These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I.” John 14:25-28
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” John 17:3
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6
Scriptures: NKJV or as noted
Genesis 1:1
Exodus 3:14
Psalm 45:6
Micah 5:2
Matthew 14:33
John 1:1-14
John 3:34-36
John 20:28
Colossians 1:16-17
Colossians 2:9
Titus 2:13
Hebrews 1:8
Hebrews 9:22
Hebrews 10:14
photo/Pixabay
Don’t Underestimate Your Prayers
by Kenneth Copeland
“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2
That verse is clear, isn’t it? The instruction is plain. Yet even in these tumultuous days when our nation is so desperately in need of God’s guidance, most of God’s people don’t do what that verse commands.
Why not?
I believe it’s because most of us are overwhelmed by the problems we see around us. How could my prayers make a dent in the national debt? we think. How could my faith affect foreign policy?
In other words, we fail to pray because we fail to realize just how powerfully our prayers can affect this country.
It’s time we caught hold of that. It’s time we realized that if we’d just be obedient to 1 Timothy 2:1-2, there’s no council of any kind on earth, no king, no president, no congress, no anything that could overthrow God’s purpose for His people.
God has called us to intercede. He has commanded us to pray for those in authority. He has given us His Word, His power, His Name, His authority and His faith. We have all the tools necessary to pray effectively for our government and its leaders.
I urge you to intercede. It is your responsibility as a believer to get involved in the affairs of your country. God wants this great land of ours, and the only way He’s going to get it is through His ambassadors—you and me.
Pray for your nation. Every day. And never again underestimate the world-changing power of those prayers.
Reprinted with permission from Kenneth Copeland Ministries
And visit today’s: http://www.givehim15.com
Another Visit to Timothy’s Ministry
…having fun getting the food ready in the kitchen
Thank you to everyone who helped out at our Potluck Luncheon and Worship on Sunday, especially Nina and Jen and their amazing family and friends who hosted our lunch! Wow! It was beyond amazing and such an overflowing with such delicious dishes, and all I can say is that God always provides abundantly! Thank you Nina and Jen and friends! It’s always wonderful when there are lots of bags with containers of leftover food for each person to take with them because more than ever before, I continue to hear about the need for food and people being ‘out of food’ so this is a special gift! Thanks to other friends who brought food as well!
I am so grateful to each of you including those who donate financially so that we can purchase all of the coffee and paper goods and McDonald’s cards as well as bus passes…thanks to all of you!
Such a beautiful time of worshipping together; and as we were listening and worshipping to the song, “I trust in God,” I couldn’t help think that this is a glimpse of Heaven because people come together from all walks of life and somehow there is love that flows through the Holy Spirit throughout our gathering. I think this is what God has intended for us when we come together and share food and clothing and each person shares their hearts and time with one another, and it could only be God that has orchestrated this special place!
The man who just moved into a room at the YMCA after living outside for a few years, showed up with a smile on his face, looking rested and showered and told me, “I feel real good!!! I got a good night’s sleep, and it’s wonderful!” He could not believe it when someone gave him a TV to take back on the bus.
God bless each of you for all that you do and all that you give so that our friends experience the hope and love of God in their lives.
When people arrive from Chicago, they take a name tag and everyone was so happy to see one another and each person receives a bus pass (for another time) and a McDonald’s card!
Getting a cup of coffee and a bagel before our Worship time!
Written by Marian Alvarado, Founder/Timothy’s Ministry, pictured above, behind those helpers in the front of the picture…
Timothy’s Ministry first began in December 2002 as God’s answer to my prayer after I cried out to God on my knees the day before my son Tim’s birthday (Tim passed away the year before). I remember saying, “Help me, God, if only I could have had the simple joy of baking Tim a cake, what I would have given.” Click on “Stories” to read the rest of Marian’s story at:
Keep Speaking to the “Mountain”
“Is not My word like a fire?” says the Lord,
“And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?”
Jeremiah 23:29
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Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” Immediately the fig tree withered away.
And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither away so soon?”
So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done. And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” Matthew 21:18-22
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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. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. Mark 11:22-24
Sometimes there are more than one mountain…but we persevere in faith… The testimony of a person at my church was that a problem (mountain) resolved for him in continuing to speak to it, in Jesus’ name…
If an illness is a “mountain” presently to you, consider obtaining Andrew Wommack’s book, “God Wants You Well,” in the Store at: http://www.awmi.net
photo/Pixabay
The Light of the Gospel of the Glory of Christ
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 a 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
“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
“But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day.” Proverbs 4:18
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Be sure to take in today’s message and be reminded of the upcoming healing summit for notable miracles, which will take place this August 30th. Read of it at: http://www.givehim15.com
There is no registration needed to watch the FREE livestream. It will be available on YouTube, Facebook, and OasisWired.org at 7pm EST on Friday, August 30th.
…Of course, if you have a need, we know the Lord hears and answers prayer at any time, even now…
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 John 1:2
photo/ Pixabay
Lydia Becomes Part of the Royal Priesthood
“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
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It’s recorded that the apostle Paul received a vision—of a man putting forth a request, that Paul should come over to Macedonia, so that the people there could be blessed.
So Paul, and those with him, pursued the vision, setting sail on the Aegean Sea–landing at Neapolis, they went to Philippi, a leading city of Macedonia in which to be.
On the Sabbath, they went out to a riverside, where some women were who customarily prayed. Prayer and worship were woven as fabric in Lydia’s life, while selling fabrics of purple was her trade.
She listened to that which Paul spoke to them about Jesus Christ being the Lord—then took heed in her heart that it was through Jesus, that true relationship with God is restored.
Embracing what Paul said, she went from reverencing God to knowing Him in a personal way. God had opened her heart to respond to the good news, just as anyone can do today.
Then she and her entire household were baptized, representing their being washed from sin. With joy, she invited the missionaries to her home to stay, prevailing upon them to come in.
This woman, Lydia, who sold fabric of a royal color, had found peace at the riverside that day. Through the Prince of Peace, her Lord, Jesus Christ, she’d been welcomed into His royal family to stay.
P. A. Oltrogge
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9
A reference to baptism by Peter in Acts 2:38-39: “…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. For the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God shall call to Himself.”
“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace..” Isaiah 9:6
(The poetic account is based on Acts 16:9-15 about Lydia from Thyatira)
Some references to purple’s use in the Bible:
“Moreover you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twisted linen and blue and purple and scarlet material; you shall make them with cherubim, the work of a skillful workman.” Exodus 26:1 (for the Tabernacle)
“And now send me a skilled man to work in gold, silver, brass and iron, and in purple, crimson, and violet fabrics, and who knows how to make engravings, to work with the skilled men whom I have in Judah and Jerusalem, whom David my father provided.”
2 Chronicles 2:7 (for Solomon’s Temple)
…photos/Pixabay
The Porch of the Lord 