“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and overall the poweroftheenemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19
When the devil comes, with various fears, with which he wants to pound us…
that’s the time to remember that God and His angels are present to surround us.
Always remember your position of authority in the Lord, Jesus Christ….
whose victory over the enemy of our souls has far more than sufficed.
The name of Jesus and His blood and the spoken Word do tower…
over all of the enemy’s principalities of darkness and evil power.
Christ’s life, death, and, as Conqueror, His triumphant resurrection
have given to all of God’s children His grace and “Victory” connection.
We declare no wicked scheme or plot of the devil’s can ultimately prevail…
when we take our seat of authority “in Christ,” knowing “Love (our God) doesn’t fail!”
God has never given to the believer any spirits of fear…
We know we’re to resist them with the Word and boldly persevere.
It could be said that those in Christ are in a kind of protective bubble…
God is their very present help, on which to depend in time of trouble.
And let the words of Psalm 91 give you a sense of calm,
as it tells of dwelling with God in His secret place–a very assuring Psalm!
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.” …from Psalm 91
“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
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand, in the heavenly places, FAR ABOVE all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” Ephesians 1:18-23 NASB
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus, in order that in the ages to come, He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:4-10 NASB
“Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:10-12
“You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.” Colossians 2:13-15 NLT
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 KJV
“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
“For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:17
“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 5:3-5
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:7-11
“Love never fails.” …from 1 Corinthians 13:8
“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
Scriptures NKJV or as noted.
Be blessed by a small booklet, “The Authority of the Believer and How to Use It” by Billye Brim. Available in the “Store” at http://www.billyebrim.org
You can explore the site for commentary on today’s world events and also find her list of healing scriptures. Dr. Billye Brim has a regularly featured program, The Prophetic Witness, at http://www.govictory.com
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:27
By J. Vetter Guest Contributor
A brief encounter with a young couple visiting our church led me to a joyous venture down memory lane. The wife shared how they were ready to move within the month and requested prayer for their house to sell. This brought to mind the testimonies of God’s faithfulness in each of the various moves my husband and I and our family had made over the years.
In John 14:3, Jesus announces that He is going to prepare a place for us. Of course, He is speaking of heaven; but I realize now that in every move we’ve made, He truly was faithful to lead us to the house he had prepared for us. That is if, and then as, we allowed Him to direct us.
When we moved from Tampa, Florida, to Arlington, Texas, the Lord directed us to sell our home by owner. That didn’t seem too risky since He said that He really was the owner.
My husband, Ted, was already working in Texas, and we had gone out to look for a house. After an unsuccessful week, I returned home. At that point, I had this God-inspired idea to write out a list of what I wanted in a home and, then, to let the Lord lead Ted to the right house.
One Sunday, as he was driving around, he saw a home that was “for sale by owner.” After looking at it, he excitedly called me. As he began to describe the home, I realized it had everything in it that I had put on my list (which I had not shared with Ted)! My list included even rose bushes and fruit trees, so when I heard him mention those, I felt pretty sure this house was it!
The clincher was that the interest rate was so high at that time, and the Christian couple who owned the house were willing to hold the mortgage at a lower interest rate. I had put that on my list, but really did have my doubts. I thought, perhaps, I was asking too big. But then I thought of the scripture in Ephesians 3:20, where God says that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.
So we decided to go ahead and purchase that home. However, our house in Tampa needed to sell now! I returned to the Lord with my question. “Did I hear You right?” My answer came as I was reading Hebrews 10:35. “Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.” And verse 37, as well. “…And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.”
Shortly, a former neighbor arrived with a contract for us, which was so perfect. He was a realtor who knew the desirability of our home model. He had the contract fully filled out, even with the closing date, which fit perfectly with the closing date on our home in Texas.
So, this sheep was very grateful for the blessing of learning to hear the voice of Jesus, my Good Shepherd!
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1
“Jesus answered and said to her, ‘If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.’” John 4:10
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
The wicked are not so, but are like chaff which the wind drives away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
Scripture: Psalm 1 RSV
…Continuing in prayer for all those who find themselves in difficult circumstances in these times. We are trusting you, Lord, to draw many to find in you, the living water; and we agree with your Word, that you know the way of the righteous….
“On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and proclaimed, “If any one thirst, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me, as the scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water.’” Now this he said about the Spirit, which those who believed in him were to receive; for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” John 7:37-39 RSV
“Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” But this He said in reference to the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” John 7:37-39 NASB (in the KJV, verse 38 reads “out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water”)
“If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” John 14:15-17 NKJV
“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant…
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.”
1 Corinthians 12:1: 7-11 NKJV
Tongues/Interpretation by Trina and Mark Hankins at Eagle Mountain International Church, March 19, 2023, which service can be viewed at: http://www.emic.org
For there is a river that flows from the very presence of God–right out of God Himself. And that river brings joy and healing and blessing. And that river flows continually, throughout eternity, flowing. And that river now flows even in the spirit and the heart of the believer–that out of your belly shall flow rivers of living water. Will you yield to the Spirit of God and let that river flow today? Let that river flow today out of your belly–rivers of life, rivers of healing, and overflow of the life of God, and full of joy, and full of victory, and full of blessing, out of your innermost being, rivers of the Holy Spirit shall flow, and flood your life with the goodness of God. Yield to the Holy Spirit and let those rivers flow today. And stir up yourself and the gift of God that’s on the inside of you; and the Spirit of God shall bring a fresh anointing, and fresh oil, and fresh revelation, and fresh joy and new strength and new life shall flow out of your belly–continually flowing day after day after day so that you will be filled…full of joy, full of the Holy Ghost. Be filled and filled again, and that joy shall flow and shall be a demonstration of the very triumph and victory that is yours. So yield to the Holy Ghost today and yield to the Spirit of God and that river shall flow, and rivers shall flow, and there shall be an overflow of the blessing of the Lord…more than you can contain–more than you can contain, so yield to the Holy Ghost…open your mouth wide and drink from the presence of the Lord and be filled today. Hallelujah!
…the anointing of the Holy Spirit…the fresh anointing and fresh oil…that anointing shall destroy every yoke. It shall be explosive in energy and shall ignite the gift of God on the inside of you. So now the anointing and a fresh oil and a greater measure of anointing shall come upon you for this time and for this season. It comes from the very presence of the Lord and the Spirit of God dwelling on the inside of you and fresh oil. And your vision shall increase, and your vision shall be clear, and the things and the dreams of the Spirit of God shall come to pass, even while you’re yielded to the oil of joy…the anointing, the oil of joy shall fill your heart; and it shall cause you to break out of a small place and bring you out into a larger place. So yield to the Holy Ghost and yield to the anointing. It’s the anointing that does the work. It’s the anointing that does the work, so allow the anointing to do a new work in your spirit, in your soul, and in your body, for such a time as this. And the anointing shall increase, and your latter days shall be greater than your former days. Thank you, Lord.
then Mark Hankins continued:
Fresh anointing, do you want it? Yes… Drink from the presence of the Lord…filling us, strengthening us…fresh oil…fresh anointing, the supernatural life and the power… resurrection power, explosive power…filling our soul, filling our life. Thank you, Lord, for the Holy Ghost.
Thank you, Lord, for the Holy Ghost… Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah… Thank you, Lord, for the Holy Ghost. He’s our helper, our strengthener, our intercessor…He’s the Greater One that lives on the inside of us. The same spirit that raised Christ from the dead…lives in us, dwells in us. Thank you, Lord, for rivers, rivers…we let those rivers flow. We let those rivers flow…the very life and the Spirit of God. We thank you for that today. In the name of Jesus, Hallelujah!
(Then, followed Mark’s message, “Turn Up Your Joy”)
“And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” Matthew 25:37-40
If any of us knew that the Lord was hungry, we would do anything and everything that was needed to make sure He had something to eat. If we knew He was cold, we would give up any of our own clothing to give Him warmth. Today “the least of these” in Israel urgently need our help, and I’m asking you to join us in reaching out to them in Christian love to bless them while there is still time.
There are some 13,000 Ukrainian Jewish refugees now living in Israel. Your love and generosity made it possible for us to help some of them make that trip. But most came with almost nothing…often a single suitcase held everything they have left. We are going to reach out to show them comfort and love as well during the wonderful celebration of Passover this year. But we can’t do it without your help.
In addition to delivering food to the homes of poor Holocaust survivors and Ukrainian refugees, we will be holding special events during Passover both at your Friends of Zion Center in Jerusalem and across the country. Your gift today will let them know that they are not alone and will bring joy into their lives.
Your support of the Jerusalem Prayer Team today allows us to purchase food, medicine, clothing, and other necessities of life for the poor Holocaust survivors, as well as to continue to operate the Friends of Zion Museum, to stand up and speak out for Israel, and to meet urgent humanitarian needs among the poor Jewish people in Israel and Ukraine. Thank you so much for being part of this vital worldwide prayer movement.
“Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good…” Genesis 1:31
I think that flowers in a window box so very beautifully display the creative ability and joy of the Lord on any given day.
The flowers call to us to give them attention if we’re inside or out… they give a cheerful greeting as we view them on a daily route.
Many homes have actual gardens, but those with limited space… can still enjoy floral beauty, which “speaks” of God’s love and amazing grace.
P. A. Oltrogge
…March 20, first day of spring…
“For lo, the winter is past, The rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; The time of singing has come, And the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.” Song of Solomon 2:11-12
“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
“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.” Acts 17:24-27 NIV
“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:4-10
“But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:4-7
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8
A man with deafness and a speech impediment was in need of Jesus’ touch. Those who brought him begged the Lord to heal him, being confident of such.
Jesus led him, then, away from the crowd so that they could be alone. He put His fingers into the man’s ears—the beginning of his hearing tone.
Jesus spit upon His own fingers and touched the man’s tongue as well. “Ephphatha,” (“Be opened!”) He said, looking up to heaven—then the man instantly heard, clear as a bell!
The man’s tongue was also freed—his speech became perfectly clear. Jesus told the crowd not to spread the story, but they couldn’t help tell that the man could now speak and hear.
“Everything Jesus does is wonderful,” they shared, in relating this event. The deaf could hear, the dumb could speak. God’s goodness was being displayed wherever Jesus went!
P. A. Oltrogge
From Mark 7:31-37
“Everything He does is wonderful! He even makes the deaf to hear and gives speech to those who cannot speak.” Mark 7:37 NLT
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 NKJV
If you have need of healing or help in any area, you may want to consider using the video prayers for any specific need at http://www.richardroberts.org
“Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
“The Lord executes righteousness And justice for all who are oppressed. 7 He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel. 8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. 9 He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities.
“For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; 12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him. 14 For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.
“As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. 16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, And its place remembers it no more. 17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children, 18 To such as keep His covenant, And to those who remember His commandments to do them.
“The Lord has established His throne in heaven, And His kingdom rules over all.
“Bless the Lord, you His angels, Who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word. 21 Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, You ministers of His, who do His pleasure. 22 Bless the Lord, all His works, In all places of His dominion.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul!” Psalm 103 NKJV
“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
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
…prayers have been said for you here at the Porch of the Lord
Jesus said, “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Matthew 6:26
…a day to reflect on the Trinity of God, once again…
“Top of the morning” to you, on this St. Patrick’s Day! May all of God’s wonderful blessings graciously come your way.
It’s said that St. Patrick used the shamrock, which has leaves of three, as an illustration to the Irish people of God’s holy Trinity.
Just as a shamrock is composed of three separate leaves, yet is one– the almighty God of the Bible is the Father, Holy Spirit, and the Son.
Shamrocks have been associated with “luck,” but God’s promises are sure. While shamrocks cannot last, God’s loving kindness will forever endure.
Today is a day when many will turn to thoughts of the Emerald Isle; but may we daily be sure to turn our thoughts to the Lord for a while.
And on a day when some may be thinking of “wearing the green,” may the people of God reflect His joy, which is the best thing to be seen.
P. A. Oltrogge
“…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are one.” 1 John 5:7 KJV
Of the Word, Jesus, it’s written: “And the Word was made 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 KJV
“Jesus answered him, ‘The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.'” Mark 12:29-31 NKJV
“These things I have spoken to you while remaining with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you. Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.” …words of Jesus in John 14:25-27 NASB
“And on that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.” …words of Jesus in John 16:23-24 NASB
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 RSV
“How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.” Psalm 36:7 NKJV
“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV
“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. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” John 1:1-5 NKJV
“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness….'” Genesis 1:26 NKJV
Genesis 1:1-2; John 14:6-9; John 15:10-12; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 John 1:1-4
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105…the Holy Bible, the best of all books!
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One morning, in opening up some coffee, the grounds wafted a pleasant scent,
which made me think of all the good things that, to us on earth, our God has sent.
There are types of teas and great varieties of healthful vegetables and of fruit…
and many other foods of which to partake, that to each person’s taste, will suit.
Consider the different kinds of apples, yet just one fruit–or even the many grains.
Rye, wheat, spelt, oats, barley, quinoa, and more…are grown upon the plains.
God made so much that pleases. People enjoy mountain-skiing and the snow,
while others prefer to swim, surf, fish, or boat on the oceans, to which they go.
Speaking of snow, how about the seasons–winter, spring, summer, and fall?
Some favor one season over another, while many of us appreciate them all.
Think of the trees, (maples, hickories, oaks, and more), the plants and flowers,
the variety of fish to view or catch, and enjoyment of pets in our daily hours.
Usually, we think of dogs and cats; but, of course, there are others on the earth–
horses and farm animals abound, and zoos celebrate an endangered species’ birth.
God’s given us birds of great variety…we love to hear their early morning singing.
And we’re thankful for the bees and the wonderful honey that they’re still bringing.
How about the divine or natural things He provides for health that give us aid?
In God’s Word is “health;” while from herbs or plants, helpful things are made.
It’s hard to end the list–necessary insects, or the beauty of each different gem.
Diamonds, emeralds, rubies, garnets, sapphires, and topaz are just some of them.
And, oh, He made great variety in people, who, really, are of the same race…
some things make us different, but all ancestry back to Adam/Noah can be traced.
If God so generously stocked this earth with unique and special varieties galore,
just think of what His designs must be in His beautiful heaven that are in store!
But there is one thing God hasn’t varied–the way of salvation–only One way will do.
The way, the truth, and the life…”Jesus, no one comes to the Father, but by You!”
“Your Father is offering new birth to all. Through You, our lives are blessed.”
Of all the gifts we’re offered by God…Jesus, His only begotten Son, is His very best!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Jesus said to him, “I am theway, the truth, and the life.Noone comestotheFatherexcept through Me.” John 14:6
“Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.'” John 3:5-8
“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
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
“For bygrace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8
“He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:10-13
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17 KJV
“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
Scriptures: NKJV or as noted
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One last thought is of variety in music. The Psalms say to praise God with a new song. Instruments are used, and the list of hymns of praise has become quite long.
The following is a vital hymn….
My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace; In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.
His oath, His covenant, and blood, Support me in the whelming flood; When every earthly prop gives way, He then is all my Hope and Stay. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.
When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in Him be found; Clothed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne! On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.
Written, 1834 by Edward Mote Composed, 1873 by John Stainer
The Porch of the Lord 