Category Archives: Faith

Forgiven and Forgotten…Merciful to our unrighteousness

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“As far as the east is from the west”

is how far God removes our sins.  We, also, will find rest…

in following the example of Jesus, God’s Son,

who forgave from the cross, knowing God loved everyone.

“Father forgive them, for they know not what they do”

was Jesus’ heartfelt prayer, despite what He was going through.

He came to seek and to save those who were lost…

and was willing to go to the cross to pay sin’s high cost.

“Their sins and lawless deeds, I’ll remember no more…”

are words of our God that we simply can’t ignore.

If the Almighty can forgive sins and then even forget,

then we should not be focusing on another person’s debt.

If we break one of God’s laws, we’ve broken them all;

this is stated in His Word, we have to realize and recall.

To judge a fellow, repentant believer is not for us to do,

but we’re to greet them, with love, as the Lord wants us to.

P. A. Oltrogge

“For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him: As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.  As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him.” Psalm 103:11-13

“And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left.  Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.’ And they divided His garments and cast lots.” Luke 23:33-34

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”  Matthew 6:14-15

“Judge not, that you be not judged.  For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.  And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?  Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?  Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:1-5

and see Matthew 18:21-35

“So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, ‘He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.'”  John 8:7

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.  And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”  Ephesians 4:31-32

“For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.  None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them.  For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”  Hebrews 8:10-12

“For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.  For He who said, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ also said, ‘Do not murder.’ Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.  So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty.  For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”  James 2:10-26

“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

Artwork: Pixabay

Put Any Wrongs Into the Lord’s Hands

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If someone in your life has wronged you or has been hurtful to you or cruel, recognize the way to keep that from becoming a further demonic tool.

Forsake any feelings of anger, hate, or bitterness if you want the Lord’s peace. Forgive who has wronged you and release them to Him, so your well-being won’t cease.

Give any pain to God. He heals the broken-hearted and has said He will draw near…when you draw near to Him, giving Him your cares on the matter, or any fear.

That other person, or persons, need the grace of God as much as anyone. Pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to convict them of all that was said by God’s Son.

Then, picture yourself walking on the shore of an ocean of love with the Lord. Let the sound of the gentle waves of His grace and peace heal you today, and be fully restored. 

P. A. Oltrogge

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15 NKJV

“We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 15:11 NLT

“I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.” Romans 1:7 NLT

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.  And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”  Ephesians 4:31-32 NKJV

A Word About NOW Faith

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“Nothing shall by any means hurt me!”  I have the victory now…

To the Word of God, to the Name of Jesus, to His blood, to my God-given authority, and to many previous testimonies, the devil must bow.

Jesus always leads me in triumph throughout any demonic test…

Therefore, it is unto me, according to His Word–I will receive God’s best! 

P. A. Oltrogge

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the Lord delivers him out of them all.” Psalm 34:19

“NOW faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”  Hebrews 11:1

“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

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” John 1:1-3

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”  James 4:7

“Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” Colossians 2:15

“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

“Then Mary said, ‘Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.”  Luke 1:38

“Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”  Matthew 6:10

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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 12:1-2

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Believe Again – Come out of Mere Survival

by Andrew Towe, shared from: http://www.elijahlist.com

I heard the Spirit of the Lord say, “Discern the time, like the sons of Issachar, for a significant shift began in the month of May. This shift shall continue throughout the summer months and extend into the fall. Behold, a NOW SEASON has come to you, and you must listen for My voice.

“In this season, I shall give you precise instructions on how to pivot and align yourself with the plans I have ordained for your life. Old labels and past disappointments shall be cast off and replaced with a fresh vision and renewed expectation. Do not allow your sight to be clouded by the hope that was lost, for I declare unto you: believe again!

“Get your hopes up again, and watch as I come through for you. Do not fear breakdown, for this is your time of breakthrough. Stay rooted in prayer, and then step forth in action. Let no one stifle your progress, for I am with you, and I am moving on your behalf. Silence the demonic chatter that seeks to stifle your faith and trust in My hand.

“I have heard your cry, and I am responding. Cast off everything that hinders you in this season. Believe again! Expect again! Release the weight of past disappointments and missed opportunities. Allow Me to heal the wounds of battle and restore your joy. For you, warrior, have entered your NOW SEASON. Arise, come forth, for I am calling you!”

While running on the treadmill, I was praying in the Spirit and heard the Lord say, “Andrew, repent.” I did not understand. “What do You mean, Lord? I don’t know of any active sin that is in my life.” He said, “You have settled for where you have been and stayed content with mere survival. Your expectation of who I am and what I will do has been depleted. You have limited Me by seeing through the clouded lens of past seasons.” When I say that I jumped off the treadmill, I am not exaggerating. Right there, in the public gym, I knelt on my knees and repented. Some of you reading this have had your hopes dashed and your expectations limited, but God says to you, “Recognize that you have crossed into a NOW SEASON!” God has ordained this.

You Have Crossed into a Now Season

What is a NOW SEASON? It is somewhat different than a new season. Although it is new, the now is where faith becomes activated, and promises come to life. The NOW SEASON is when prophecies come into manifestation and suddenlies are released.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1, KJV)

The Bible tells of a blind man who recognized it was his NOW SEASON. His faith became activated, and he refused to be denied.

“And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.” (Mark 10:47–48, KJV)

Notice it says, “when he heard.” The word “when” signified the announcement of his NOW SEASON, and “he heard,” remember, faith comes by hearing (Rom. 10:17). Since we have entered this NOW SEASON, it is not the time to sit around and continue in the mundane. No! This arrival should activate us to pray even more earnestly.

What Are You Letting Speak through Your Mouth?

Blind Bartimaeus was begging for money “when he heard” that Jesus was coming. He intuitively knew this was his divine appointment and began to cry out in faith. Your faith has a voice and will speak. Doubt also has a voice. I would ask you, What are you letting speak through your mouth?

The people tried to quiet Bartimaeus; perhaps they looked down upon this beggar, but they did not know what he knew. It was his NOW SEASON. He refused to quit crying out, “Son of David, have mercy upon me.” By calling Jesus the Son of David, Bartimaeus was declaring Jesus as the Messiah, for it was prophesied that the Messiah would come from the line of David.

“And Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; He calleth thee. And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.” (Mark 10:49–50)

The very ones who tried to quiet Bartimaeus were forced to acknowledge that Jesus favored him, for He had called for Bartimaeus to come to Him. It was Bartimaeus’ NOW SEASON. Get ready for those who judged you to change their attitude about you! Take note that “they” called the blind man, speaking words of comfort to him.

“What Would You Have Me Do for You?”

“And he, casting away his garment, rose.” Don’t miss this! Bartimaeus took hold of his beggar mantle and cast it away from him. The beggar mantle represented his old season. You cannot walk into the NOW carrying the baggage of the past. Before you can rise to another level, you must first cast away the hindrances that would restrict your NOW.

“‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Jesus asked. ‘My Rabbi,’ the blind man said, ‘I want to see!'” (Mark 10:51, NLT).

Why would Jesus ask him a question with such a seemingly obvious answer? He was challenging Bartimaeus to stretch his faith to believe for more than just temporary provision. His story would have been much different if he had asked for what he had always asked for, which was money.

“And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus in the way.” (Mark 10:52, KJV).

Not only did Bartimaeus receive his sight, but he was made whole. The Lord is asking you, “What would you have Me do for you?” It’s time to embrace your NOW SEASON!

From Out of the Miry Clay

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“He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay; and He set my feet upon a rock, making my footsteps firm.” Psalm 40:2

…the following is a little contemplation on what I envision the Lord might say to someone who just placed their faith in Him…

To My mind, your life without Me was like being in miry clay; but I kept My hope that you’d respond to My love one day.

Where you had been didn’t matter so much, for I knew that you were in need of My touch.

Ever so gently I drew you away–I knew this would happen if you would just pray.

By the power of My Spirit you opened your heart, and now, through My grace, you have gotten a new start.

That person you were has actually died; a new life’s begun due to “Christ crucified.”

So rejoice in My love as I do in yours. Share it with others despite troubles or wars,

for I have room for so many through heaven’s open doors. And from out of heaven’s windows, My love surely pours–

down to the miry clay–or wherever it may…find people and lead them out to My way.

P. A. Oltrogge

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

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

“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

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Galatians 2:20

“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

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” Habakkuk 2:14

“He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge. His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.” Psalm 91:4

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” Matthew 23:37

Be willing to come to Christ and be blessed….

“‘Come now, and let us reason together,’
Says the Lord,
‘Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.
If you are willing and obedient,
You shall eat the good of the land….’” Isaiah 1:18-19

“And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come. Again, he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding.” But they made light of it and went their ways….’” Matthew 22:1-5

“…choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” from Joshua 24:15 AMP

“Salvation belongs to the Lord.
Your blessing is upon Your people. Selah” Psalm 3:8

Scriptures NKJV, or as noted

Blindness “Wall” Falls at Jericho

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While Jesus, His disciples, and a great multitude were going out of Jericho, a beggar was there sitting by the side of the road.

He was Bartimaeus; and though blind, his hearing was fine to have heard of how Jesus’ healing ministry had flowed.

So, when, that day, Bartimaeus heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, Himself, who was passing by…

“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” became his earnest and heartfelt cry.

Many, among the crowd, told him to be quiet, as if, for him, there could be nothing in store.

But his plea of “Son of David, have mercy on me!” he kept shouting out all the more.

So Jesus heard Bartimaeus, then stood still, and commanded that he be called.

The persistence and “prayer” of Bartimaeus had caused the pace of Jesus’ journey temporarily to be stalled.

Bartimaeus was now beckoned, instead, with words of encouragement, “Rise, be of good cheer; He is calling you.”

Throwing aside his garment, he got up and came to Jesus, who asked, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Victory was breaking through…

At that point, Bartimaeus said, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight!”

“Go your way, your faith has made you well,” Jesus said; and immediately his world turned from darkness to light.

Walls had fallen down at Jericho through faith in God in an earlier, historical Biblical story.

And a “wall” of blindness fell at Jericho for Bartimaeus, when by faith in God’s mercy, he saw the Lord’s glory.

The account closes with Bartimaeus following Jesus down that outer Jericho road…

He had been confident of mercy and grace through Jesus Christ—from whom God’s marvelous light had flowed….

and still does today!

P. A. Oltrogge

(Based on the account from Mark 10…and referenced is the story of Joshua and the walls of Jericho in Joshua 6)

“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days.” Hebrews 11:30 NKJV

“But you are a chosen generation, 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 NKJV

“My son, give attention to my words;
Incline your ear to my sayings.
Do not let them depart from your eyes;
Keep them in the midst of your heart;
For they are life to those who find them,
And health to all their flesh.”

Proverbs 4:20-22

Hang On

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So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

– Isaiah 55:11

by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland

Did you know that the battleground for the problem you’re facing right now is in your mind and on your lips? If you’ll hit the devil with the Word and cast the care of the situation over on God, you’ll win.

Let me warn you though, hanging on to the Word isn’t always easy. The devil knows that if he doesn’t steal it from you, you’ll use it to enforce his defeat.

So don’t be surprised when he sends an evil spirit to exalt itself against the Word of God. If you’re sick, he may begin to tell you, “You’re not healed. You know that healing’s not for today. Even if it were, it wouldn’t work for you. It might work for someone else but not you.”

If he starts to tell you that kind of thing, don’t buy it! Don’t start worrying around about it and thinking, Oh my, I’m afraid I’m not going to get healed. I sure don’t feel healed. Why, I’m probably going to just get worse and worse….

Remember this: It’s the Word that does the work, not the one holding on to it. It’ll work for anyone who’ll put it to work. It’ll work for you just like it worked for Jesus when He walked the earth.

He told Satan, “It is written!” No matter what the devil tries to tell you, refuse to let go of the Word. Tell him what is written concerning your situation. Let the Word fight its own fight. It’ll whip the devil every time.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 19:7-14

Reprinted with permission from Kenneth Copeland Ministries

…additionally, from P. A. Oltrogge:

“…for in Him we live and move and have our being…” Acts 17:28

In Christ I live and move and have my being…
despite how I may feel or what I’m seeing…
Over all the power of the enemy, I’ve been given authority;
I use that, in Jesus’ name–God’s word and will have the PRIORITY!

Whether it’s through doctors, medicine, nutrition or the divine…
God’s healing promises that He’s given are mine.

“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

“Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

“My son, give attention to my words;
Incline your ear to my sayings.
Do not let them depart from your eyes;
Keep them in the midst of your heart;
For they are life to those who find them,
And health to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4:20-22

In Everything, Give Thanks

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…this is a repeat; but I know, in my own life, it’s important for me to continually remember…

When it looks to you, at times, like there’s simply no way out, let thanking God, the Father, be your sure and chosen route.

When it seems that pressing problems have no known solution, let thanking the Lord turn any worries into a grace revolution.

Paul and Silas were imprisoned but raised their praises high–then found they were delivered, with praise their only cry.

When the way seems very foggy and you’re tempted to despair, just know, though you can’t yet see it, the victory is there.

A great principle of the Bible is to walk by faith and not by sight–so thank God for His presence when it’s dark and you need His light.

Like a pilot relies on instruments through weather good or bad–let thankfulness be the “instrument” with which your life is clad.

P. A. Oltrogge

Acts 16:23-40:
“But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them; and suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains were unfastened.” (25-26)

“But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:14-17

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

“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 4:4-7

“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” Hebrews 13:15

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:57

“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

“Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:1-2

Honoring the United States Flag

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Flag Day 2024

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

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Father, You know precisely of injustices that shouldn’t be happening in America. We pray for reversals of such instances, for You desire justice and true liberty and freedom in our country. In Jesus’ name, we pray this and thank You for answering…

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From states along the eastern coast, to California and others in the west, our great American flag has symbolized that we’re a nation that’s blessed.

It’s surely the symbol of those who’ve given, for this great country, their all; and as it’s displayed from our homes and buildings, America’s rich history is recalled.

Representing the freedom and liberty that has always been so treasured…the U.S.A. has been blessed by God with blessings beyond measure.

Yes, we’re “one Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” But we must hold on to the God of the Bible–reverencing Him guards against a country’s downfall.

Today, we pray for America, trusting in God that He’s heard our fervent prayer…for all to appreciate the gem that’s America and its flag that waves faithfully in the air.

P. A. Oltrogge

…an endearing figurine of U.S. history’s flag seamstress, Betsy Ross…

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“…The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16 

“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart…” (from Luke 18:1-8)

“…if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

“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 4:16

“The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;
He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect.
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.” Psalm 33:10-12

“He guards the paths of justice. And preserves the way of His saints.” Proverbs 2:8

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

“It is a joy for the just to do justice, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.” Proverbs 21:15

“But in every nation he who venerates and has a reverential fear for God, treating Him with worshipful obedience and living uprightly, is acceptable to Him and sure of being received and welcomed (by Him). You know the contents of the message which He sent to Israel, announcing the good news (Gospel) of peace by Jesus Christ, Who is Lord of all—” Acts 10:35-36 AMPC

Quote from “Pray for our Nation”….

“It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Patrick Henry, Statesman and Orator

Websites of integrity:
http://www.givehim15.com (Today’s message is also on our U.S. flag)
http://www.MillionVoices.org
http://www.patriotacademy.com

Consider the Birds and the Lilies

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“In His Constant Care” by Greg Olsen. Used with Permission. www.GregOlsen.com

Look at the birds of the air…
They don’t sow, reap, or gather
Their needed food into barns—
But are dependent upon God, rather.

Consider how the lilies are clothed—
They toil not, nor do they spin,
But to the heavenly Father’s care
They’re blessed to give in.

Yes, consider these,
And consider giving in,
To the message of Christ’s love
Above this world’s din.

Partake, through the Bible, from God’s table
Of spiritual food fit for a King’s heir,
And be clothed in the love of Jesus,
The finest thing you could wear.

Consider the children,
So gentle and so tender—
What kind of faith
To them will you render?

One that speaks dislike
And contempt of others—
Or one that speaks love
And draws all men to be brothers?

The heavenly Father gave Jesus
To tell of God’s care and to guide.
When we take Him as Savior, He gives love
For all others for whom He has died.

So just like the lilies
Or the birds of the air,
May people of all nations be blessed to give in
To Jesus—the way to the Father God’s care…

P. A. Oltrogge

“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies….” Luke 6:27

“And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. And a second is like it. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.’” Matthew 22:37-40

“For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink, nor for your body, as to what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body than clothing?

“Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And which of you by being anxious, can add a single cubit to his life’s span? And why are you anxious about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these.

“But if God so arrays the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more do so for you, O men of little faith? Do not be anxious then, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink’ or ‘With what shall we clothe ourselves?’ For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:25-34

“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 Name of the Lord Jesus

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“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10 NASB

Whenever there’s a “darkest hour,”

the name of Jesus is our strong tower.

When things are rough and are looking bleak,

it’s then that faith must confidently speak.

All things are possible with our God…

He makes flowers to rise through the stubborn sod.

God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear–

the message from Him is to be of good cheer!

We often want to be able to see the victory first,

but faith sees a good outcome when things seem at their worst.

Look past any image that speaks of defeat.

See (and say) it as God sees it–your victory’s complete!

P. A. Oltrogge

“But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26 

“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.’” …from Mark 11:20-26

“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.” …spoken by Jesus in John 16:33

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Acts 2:36

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:1-5

““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

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:26-29

“Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and 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 (NASB)

“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

“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith….” …from Hebrews 12:1-3

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

“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

Scriptures NKJV or as noted

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