An untold number of people haven’t resolved the human heart’s cry…to connect with the living God, knowing where they’ll go whenever they die. And regarding their daily lives, they still have not found out, that Jesus really loves them–and following Him is what life is about.
Though television has much programming pertaining to the Lord, there are so many other programs that people are looking toward. The internet has become an avenue for Christianity and its sharing, but a “gift” politely offered can personally tell of Jesus’ caring.
As Christians, we can consider having an unrealized, significant impact…on the lives of many others by giving an informative Gospel tract. Telling others what Christ means to us can be done with those we know, but a tract can go with strangers on their way to places that we may not be able to go.
We can ask the Lord to lead us to hearts that He’s prepared—then it will be much easier for a Gospel tract to be shared. Sure, sometimes we may be turned down or be met with verbal rejection; but others will be interested in it, taking our offer for later reflection.
There have been stories where, by a tract, a path was definitely paved…for people to find their God. From suicidal or other wrong plans, some have even been saved. And further testimonies reported were that the Gospel became more clear…to those with some knowledge of Jesus, but it was their hearts that still needed to “hear.”
P. A. Oltrogge
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 NIV
We read of Lydia in the book of Acts, chapter 16: “The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.”
…words of Jesus… “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest.” John 4:35 NKJV
…to find various ones to share, scroll down and click on “Shop, Tracts” at: http://www.crossway.org
When I was a child and had an anxious thought, a loving parent’s presence was the first thing I sought.
When they took me into their arms, I found the very best place to snuggle; their loving embrace would relieve me completely of my struggle.
There’s still a child within today that sometimes is unsure; and turning to our heavenly Father is what makes us be secure.
His arms are open wide for us–He says to cast our cares…upon Himself, and that’s because great love is what He shares.
Many are the words of faithfulness and comfort He provides. In His arms of shelter, we find the place where lifelong love abides.
Though I can’t see Him face to face, He says He’ll make my ears…to hear His voice, which will always bear a message to relieve my fears…
“Fear not, for IAM 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
And if I have a day where it seems like I’m just drifting about, perhaps I need to stop and ask the Lord to help me sort things out.
What should I do each moment–each day that would be best? I know if I stop and listen, I’ll hear a nudge towards the path most blessed.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.'” Matthew 11:28-29 NLT
“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered…” Luke 12:7
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it.” Luke 12:31-33 NLT
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me….” John 10:27 NASB
“…For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:5 NLT
“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.’” Romans 8:15
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:31-32
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’” Galatians 4:6 NIV
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
“There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.” Hebrews 4:9
“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 4:15-16
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you….” James 4:8
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7
“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11
“I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy, For You have considered my trouble; You have known my soul in adversities…” Psalm 31:7
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:18 NLT
“As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God.” Psalm 42:1 NLT
“Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Psalm 55:22 NASB
“Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah” Psalm 62:8
“He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.” Psalm 103:12-13 NLT
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
For an insightful series on fellowship with God: See Faith School, Week 11, “By Faith, Enoch” http://www.faithschool.org
“Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, ‘Who is on the Lord’s side?’” …from Exodus 32:26 KJV
The one true God is on OUR side, for JESUS’ BLOOD has been applied.
No good thing will be denied… for we are standing on the GOOD LORD’S side.
The devil’s power has been defied through JESUS’ BLOOD-BOUGHT OVERRIDE.
Heaven’s windows have been opened wide… As we give, every blessing will be supplied.
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is our faithful guide and Prince of Peace–in His peace, we abide.
Sins and sicknesses have been cast aside. By His stripes, Christ healed His church–His bride.
If the trustworthiness of God’s Word is being denied, we know and say, instead, that God has never lied.
God’s angels support us, traveling far and wide, hearkening to His Word, which is their constant guide.
For the persecuted, we pray that God will turn the tide, bringing daring help and angels to come alongside.
The world hated Jesus, and He Himself warned that believers, by the world, would also be scorned.
For the enemies of the Gospel, who’ve been deceived, we pray they’ll find the King, on whom they must believe.
From the Lord’s hand, the born-again believer can’t be snatched… Eternal life is ours by Jesus’ name and blood, which are unmatched!
P. A. Oltrogge
“And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” …spoken by Jesus in John 10:28-30
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11 KJV or Psalm 34:10
“‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,’ Says the Lord of hosts, ‘If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.’” Malachi 3:10
“…it is impossible for God to lie….” (from Hebrews 6:18)
“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
“The Lord executes righteousness and judgment and justice for all who are oppressed.” Psalm 103:6
“Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.” Psalm 103:20
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” …spoken by Jesus in John 15:18-19
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” …spoken by Jesus in Matthew 3:43-45
“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and are in him that is true, even in his Son, Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” 1 John 5:20 KJV
“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
“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 4:12
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised…”) Hebrews 10:23 KJV
The poem above was inspired by poetic words written by Trina Hankins in Mark Hankins’ book, “The Spirit of Faith” available at: http://www.markhankins.org
For more on healing, view Sid Roth’s interview of Becky Dvorak at: http://www.sidroth.org
“The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.” Psalm 121:8
I give no place to the torment of fear–
Only faith in Jesus is welcome here!
I close the door on letting fear come inside.
It’s under the shadow of the Almighty that I 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 (…and all of Psalm 91)
“The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.” Psalm 121:7-8
“For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:32-33
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3
“Fear not, for IAM 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
“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
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:6-8
“…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
“My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.” 1 John 2:1-2
“Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:17-19
“Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:1-5
“And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.” 1 John 5:20
“Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.” Deuteronomy 28:6 (See all of Deuteronomy 28 for blessings through obedience versus disobedience to God)
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.” Psalm 110:10
“In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge.” Proverbs 14:26
“By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.” Proverbs 22:4
“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
Father, thank You for ministries, such as Samaritan’s Purse and others, which go forth to help people who haven’t experienced the security expressed in this post–who are having to rebuild after devastation. Help believers worldwide to grow in confidence in You and your Word, which promises goodness and mercy to them all the days of their lives… in Jesus’ name, Amen
The book, “A Mighty Tempest” may no longer be in print (my copy of the book is from 1992). But it tells the story of Michelle Hamilton, of Australia, who, in the midst of a remote island vacation that she and her mother, Rachelle, had taken, clung to a capsized canoe (bunca), for three days and two nights off of the Philippine coast, drifting for a hundred miles.
Having received permission to share, the following is a brief excerpt from Michelle’s book, about the night of her encounter, of visibly seeing God’s mighty protective angels. Her entire testimony can be found on You Tube and in the archives of this blog, where it’s titled, “Lost at Sea.” Her testimony IS better called “Saved at Sea,” as there, she cried out to and found God, who she recalled something of from an occasional visit to a Sunday school as a child.She dedicates her message to Jesus, the One who the wind and waves of the sea obey….
_________________________
Without warning, I sensed something near me. Swiveling around in every direction, I was confronted with only the dense blackness of the night. Suddenly surrounding me was an aura of magnetic, vibrating forces that electrically charged the air around me, so much so that I could tangibly feel it! Terrified, I tried to shrink into obscurity under the surface of the ocean. Up to my neck in water, with the acid taste of abject fear in my mouth, I waited, instinctively knowing I was about to experience a spiritual encounter.
Suddenly, before my eyes the vibrating energy took form, an effervescent movement massing together like molecules of light and materializing into the visible images of three angels, not more than five feet from my bunca. Absolutely stunned, I was unable to move. I wanted to swim away from these intimidating spiritual beings. Closing my eyes, I tried to eliminate this vision, truly hoping that when I opened my eyes again, the angels would be gone and I would realize that this was just an apparition, a figment of my haunted mind.
Opening my eyes again, I was assaulted with the truth: It was no apparition–I was in the presence of three angels. Angels from God, sent from heaven to protect me. I’d heard of people having heavenly visitations before, but I had dismissed these people as having overactive imaginations. Would my friends do the same to me? I experienced an eerie sensation as if the meeting of physical and spiritual beings was forbidden. Pure, blinding white light emanated from these three angels which stood together on the surface of the ocean. Towering above the surface, they appeared to be about nine feet tall. Coming from the area of their shoulders was the rounded protrusion of clearly defined feathery wings. With my mouth open in awe and fear, I looked on at these angels that stood on the ocean in a very stoic stance until the white aura of light from them diffused and disappeared. After several minutes, the visual sight of the three angels had dissolved, yet I continued to feel surrounded by what I can only describe as an electromagnetic force.
A tingling sensation rippled up and down my back as I felt a fourth angel directly behind me. Like a cloak, it spread its wings and wrapped them around my body, totally enveloping me. Looking down, I could see the clearly defined, but translucent, wings of the angel, looking very much like those of an enormously large bird. I was completely swathed in a protective covering. The angels were my defensive shield against the murderous ocean. I consciously knew their God-given mission was to keep a vigil throughout the night and guard me from the jaws of death.
Although initially it was a chilling sensation to be in such close proximity to supernatural beings, the eerie feeling soon dissipated, and for the first time since the ordeal began, I felt safe! I felt an overwhelming sense of relief and comfort to know that God was watching over me. The thundering seas continued to pound my body mercilessly, and yet I felt cocooned by the angelic covering God had provided. As if encased in a glass screen box, I viewed the stormy tempest around me with a calm instilled in me that went beyond all human comprehension.
_________________________
…the excerpt above is posted by P. A. Oltrogge
“Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.” Psalm 91:9-12
“Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His word.” Psalm 103:20
“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
“The voice of the Lord is over the waters; The God of glory thunders; The Lord is over many waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; The voice of the Lord is full of majesty.” Psalm 29:3-4
Just a reminder… You can still hear messages at the Southwest Believers’ Convention by clicking on the advertisement/banner for it, to sign up for free access through livestream, at: http://www.kcm.org
2024 Southwest Believers’ Convention, July 29 – August 3, 2024
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. …from Psalm 103
A cross on a hillside beckons for our attention, and can bring to mind something that Jesus Christ mentioned, when He and His disciples launched out for a sail. “Let’s cross over to the other side,” were His words that didn’t fail.
Have you been on the side with those who have apprehensions, or reject that Christ is Lord or doubt God’s intentions? Look thoughtfully to the cross, for a strong message it bears–God wants you to cross over to knowing that He cares.
Any other “religion” hasn’t the cross’s personal touch. God sent His Son to die for you because He loved you that much. There, Jesus made the sacrifice for your well-being and sins–so you could cross to the place where new life in Him begins.
Despite a storm, His words didn’t fail in that Biblical account recorded. They won’t fail in your destiny either, but you’ll be greatly rewarded, as you come under the shadow of the Almighty and cross to the other side. You’ll be so thankful you heeded the message of the wonderful cross as your guide.
P. A. Oltrogge
“On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, ‘Let us cross over to the other side.’ Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, ‘Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?’
“Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, ‘Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?’ And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, ‘Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!’”
Mark 4:35-41
“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
“The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
John 3:35-36
“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears My Word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.”
John 5:24 (NIV)
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
John 10:10
“…that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
Romans 6:4
“…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
“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 (and see all of Colossians 1)
Scriptures: NKJV or as noted
You may be blessed by an internet search for: Thomas Kinkade Unveils The Cross at the Billy Graham Library Youtube
“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
Our Lord Jesus doesn’t do things for us in a manner that’s halfway. We need to keep that in mind in regard to that for which we pray.
Just as He provided Peter with a net-breaking, miraculous catch, or made a few fish and loaves into an enough-for-a-multitude batch…
and as He healed the blind man who first saw men as trees that were moving, Jesus went on to heal the man’s sight totally, His “completion” power proving.
Still today, He’s with us always, not doing things by half-measure; but He desires to see us whole, for that’s always His Father’s will and pleasure.
And for any kind of “answer to prayer” that doesn’t seem quite right, we wait upon the Lord for His very best, for His is the power and might.
Remember the wedding banquet in Cana, where the best wine served was the last. It was Jesus’ miraculous touch that caused the first wine to be outclassed.
Let’s be assured He will answer our prayers in a way that’s truly complete, thereby displaying to all, once again, that Jesus secured the devil’s defeat.
P. A. Oltrogge
See Mark 8 for the feeding of four thousand and the instance of the blind man receiving full sight. John 2:1-11 tells of Jesus turning water into wine.
“And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:16-17
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” …spoken by Jesus in John 10:10
“But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8 NLT
“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.” …spoken by Jesus in John 16:23-24
“…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
And Jesus’ words on the cross, “It is finished!” were words of completion of the will of God and His Father’s calling upon His life.
“But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 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. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:25-32
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you with all joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, 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….” Philippians 1:3-6
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” …from Psalm 107
“And Jesus was going about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.
“And seeing the multitudes, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd.
“Then He said to His disciples, The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”
Matthew 9:35-38
_________________________
There wasn’t any kind of sickness or disease which Jesus couldn’t cure. Today, He’s still alive; and, of His mighty healing power, we can be equally sure.
Jesus felt compassion for the multitudes, knowing that they were downcast and distressed. Like sheep without a shepherd, they were in need of His touch to be blessed.
It’s still the same in the world today–there’s need for healing and protection, even from any plague. But of greatest need is healing for the soul–as the ability to know God, for many people, has seemed vague.
Jesus said the harvest is plentiful and that we’re to pray for workers to bring it in before the night. And we ourselves can answer the call to share with others, near or far, about His love and light.
Yes, “like sheep without a shepherd” is descriptive of multitudes still today. Open their eyes, heavenly Father, to the Lord Jesus, as their healer, Savior, and Shepherd. This, for them, we pray.
“I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.” John 10:14 NASB
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” John 10:27-28 NKJV
“This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” John 17:3 NASB
“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
__________
Type “101 Things God Said About Healing” (or just 101) into the search bar for scripture references on healing.
_________________________
…for those in war-torn areas…
Father, give them time to be enlightened to secure their eternal destiny with You, through Jesus. We pray and thank You for sending out workers, in various ways, into the harvest. Protect and preserve lives everywhere. Thank You for those times we’ve seen Your clear intervention in the wars. We pray and thank You for continued angelic help. Heal those who have been wounded physically and emotionally… And we “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Psalm 122:6)… in Jesus’ name, Amen
Lord, Make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred–let me sow love, where there is injury–pardon, where there is doubt–faith, where there is despair–hope, where there is darkness–light, and where there is sadness–joy.
Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive– it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi
…Some versions of this prayer add “where there is friction, union, and where there is error, truth.” You may want to add those thoughts in praying the prayer, as well.
“…Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’” …from John 20:19
The Porch of the Lord 