After the rain, the sun will come out… Of the Lord’s faithfulness, we must not doubt.
Rain is most often a life-giving thing… May the “rains” of life be faith-strengthening.
P. A. Oltrogge
“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.”
“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: 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 3:21-23 RSV
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from the hand of the enemy….” Psalm 107:1-2
“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” Psalm 107:8-9
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” James 1:2-3 NASB
“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart….” Luke 18:1
Jesus said: “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.” …from Matthew 7:24-29
What do you think drove me from heaven above down to this earth? It was the depth of my love. Betrayed by a kiss, a symbol of such– yet what drove me on was that I loved you so much. When they led me away and gave me a shove, what kept me going was the depth of my love. They gave me a trial, but it was not just– bitter to go through, but my heart said, “I must.” A crown of thorns pushed down with a glove, it bruised my head to show the depth of my love. The whipping I took for sin in your place, I found strength to take because I saw your face. I’ve loved you, I’ve called you–you are my dove, for whom I laid down my life with the depth of my love. The weight of the cross became hard to bear– I staggered but made it to Calvary there. On those merciless beams, my hands and feet were nailed down. Next, I was put on display to be mocked throughout town. Then came the time of greatest agony and despair, when I felt forsaken but still kept my care for all of mankind and, yes, just for you. For your welfare and soul, I had made it through. So what kept me going when push came to shove? From your “down to earth” God, it was the depth of my love. Though your sins be as scarlet, they’ll be white as snow. They’re forgiven and forgotten and now you can grow in the knowledge and wisdom that comes from above, and my Word will remind you of the depth of my love.
P. A. Oltrogge
“’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.’” Isaiah 1:18
“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 am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” John 10:14-18
“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” John 15:9-10
“For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:12-13
“I have been crucified with Christ; 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 for me.” Galatians 2:20
“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:14-19 NASB/95
“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
“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 4:9-11
Scriptures: NKJV or as noted
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Jesus knew the purpose of His going to the cross, yet being a Man, I think He did feel great sorrow after all of His suffering, when He cried out the words in the following:
Now when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
Some of those who stood by, when they heard that, said, “Look, He is calling for Elijah!”Then someone ran and filled a sponge full of sour wine, put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink, saying, “Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to take Him down.”
And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last.
Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!” Mark 15:33-39
…Because of all that Jesus did, God and His love will never leave or forsake those who believe in His Son…
…the poetry was written some years ago and are just my thoughts on what our loving Lord might say…God bless you today…
During a feast of the Jews, we see Jesus at the healing pool of Bethesda, which was by the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, that prominent city.
And He saw a certain man lying among the many others who had come to seek healing, whose infirmity had lasted thirty-eight years—and on whom no man had apparently had pity.
It was known and told that an angel came to stir the waters at a season and time at this pool of five porches, an esteemed place.
And whoever first, thereafter, made it into the water was healed of their illness—with no longer a trace.
Jesus, knowing that this individual had been crippled and infirm for a long time, asked him if he wanted to be healed.
The man replied that he had no man to help him into the waters after they were stirred. Others were always quicker, so his fate had been sealed.
Then, Jesus mercifully said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk,” stepping in for the said “no man.”
Immediately, the infirm man was made whole, got to his feet, took up his bed and walked, for health and healing have always been God’s plan.
Today, when we experience difficulties, even those long-standing, and may sometimes feel there is no one to help, not even the Lord…
remember, we still do have an advocate in Jesus, God’s Son—to get adverse things eliminated and have the good restored.
P. A. Oltrogge
”…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 NKJV
“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.” (Words of Jesus in John 10:10 NKJV)
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 NKJV
Poetic account, above, from John, chapter 5.
Some versions of the Bible leave out the verse about an angel stirring the waters due to uncertainties about original texts. It’s included in the poem as found in the King James and New King James versions, The Passion Translation, Amplified Bible, J. B. Phillips New Testament, and others.
Last week was a good week, and I am so thankful to God for continuing to miraculously provide for our friends and pour out His love! Two people were able to get off the streets into permanent housing after living outside for years, and all I can say is take everything to God even when it looks like doors are closed because God is able to open those doors!! We pray and God answers our prayers, and thank you to everyone for your donations to make this possible!
‘E’ is off the streets as of last Tuesday!
“E” is one of the sweetest and kindest people at Tim’s House (always helping with set up and clean up without being asked) and had been living outside for years and mostly sleeping on the el. He has been working odd jobs, seasonal jobs, and even walking dogs, to help to survive but could not ever make enough to also pay rent. He does not receive any type of Social Security disability check, but somehow has survived in this lifestyle and never complained although always looked so tired from not sleeping. Last Tuesday was the beginning of a new life for him because he moved into his own room at the YMCA and is so happy about finally having stability so that he can look for permanent work. Woohoo!!! God is so good that yet another person was able to get into the YMCA and it could only be the favor of God to open this door for yet another one of our friends! He told me on Friday that it was so nice to have a good night’s sleep and appreciated how warm his room was. He is such a thoughtful person and didn’t want to accept our typical ‘Housewarming’ gift (comforter, sheets, pillows, etc.) and said, “That’s okay, please give it to someone who needs it more than me.” He also said, “It is so nice and warm in my room so I won’t be needing a blanket or comforter.” We did get him his ‘housewarming package’ anyway and he expressed so much gratitude but still said, “please give it to someone else who needs it more than me!” But, we insisted.
MATT MOVED INTO PERMANENT HOUSING LAST FRIDAY AFTER 15 YEARS OF BEING ON THE STREETS.
Matt is a disabled man in his 50’s who has been living outside in a tent for 15 years on and off, spending a few years either in the hospital or in a nursing home. He suffered from very serious health problems when my friend Ann found him in bad shape; and thanks to your donations, we were able to get him into a motel with the goal of hopefully getting him healthy until he could get into subsidized housing, but did not know how long the wait would be.
Matt was able to financially help with the monthly rent for the hotel room with part of his disability check, but could not afford to do this on his own and needed financial help to pay the hotel rent. Once he was living inside the hotel room, Ann was able to get him needed medical appointments and help him with the right kinds of food and medicine! He completed a housing application 5 months ago for subsidized housing, and we prayed that God would open this door. His legs had been severely swollen and his mind was not clear because of the years of living outside, but God is so good because after just a short time of living inside in a hotel room, his health began to improve. God answered our prayers because a beautiful subsidized apartment that also has a social worker in the building opened up; and after just a 5-month wait, Matt was able to move into his first apartment last Friday!!!. He will be able to pay his rent independently from his Social Security disability check because it is 1/3 of his income, but we were able to help him with the Security deposit which would have been an obstacle for him. Thank you for making this possible. Matt is so grateful and so happy and feeling so much better physically and mentally and said, “I’m human again. I didn’t feel human when I was on the streets!”
Thanks to all of your donations, we were able to purchase the blankets, sheets, and towels for him, as well as help to support him; and thank you again from the bottom of my heart. This man’s life was truly saved and it is a picture of a miracle of God; and very grateful to my friend Ann who walked with Matt step by step…and he is now independently living like a human being.
Pictured below are my sweet friends who cook and help every Friday in the kitchen. They have added pancakes and bacon to the already delicious menu of eggs, hash browns, sausage, and lots of sweet rolls and bagels. To see the smiles on everyone’s faces as they walk through our doors with the aroma of home cooking, is so beautiful and as someone said, “This is the best breakfast in Chicago!”
…and from another report:
PEOPLE ARE INSIDE MOTEL ROOMS DURING THIS BITTER COLD IN CHICAGO
Thanks to the goodness of God through your generous donations, we have continued to place people in a motel as temporary emergency housing during the bitter cold, and some are inside as I write this e-mail. I know it’s God that we have a great relationship with the manager of a Motel and all I have to do is text him and then send people over with a check. Someone who is new to Timothy’s Ministry and just joined us at Tim’s House (along with 2 others) last week, shared on Friday after lunch as he asked for prayer saying that his feet were swollen inside of his boots because he was sleeping on the train at night and unable to lay horizontally. When I asked him if he would like us to get him a motel room he said, ‘Oh no, that is way too expensive, I don’t expect that at all.” I shared that “This is what God has led us to do and it’s all from God because He is our Great Provider!” Then he began to cry, saying, “a shower and a bed and being able to elevate my feet would be a Godsend.” He called this morning to express his gratitude saying, “I just want to thank you for this warm room, and I was able to elevate my feet and take showers and get such good sleep; and my feet aren’t swollen any more and feel so good.”
We are working continuously while praying and asking God to open doors in getting people permanent housing such as a subsidized apartment or a permanent room at the YMCA, and another person will be moving in this week! Even though more new people continue to join us at Tim’s House, we have God on our side. Thank you so much!!!
(Marian also shared about helping one person with pain who has been needing hip surgery. One hip surgery has already been done.)
Cleanse me of worry, oh Lord. I lay my concerns at Your feet, for it’s only in letting You solve them that these problems will meet their defeat.
When worrisome thoughts do come around, I’ll trust You to help me to stand my ground. Worry can only cause hurt in a life– It can touch others, as well, and even cause strife. For worry is a poison to resist and forsake– Instead, from God’s goodness and mercy I’ll take.
So thank You for cleansing me of worry, reminding me to turn up the PRAISE, for You are a God of deliverance and peace, and it’s only Your banner I’ll raise!
P. A. Oltrogge
“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 comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NASB
“Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God who is our salvation. God is to us a God of deliverances; and to God the Lord belong escapes from death.” Psalm 68:19, 20 NASB
“Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity, for they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:1-4 NKJV (and the entire Psalm)
“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1
“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 KJV
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 KJV
“Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter, remembering, said to Him, ‘Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.’
“So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.'” Mark 11:20-24 NKJV
“I would have despaired, had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for and confidently expect the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for and confidently expect the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 AMP
When we speak of Jesus Christ–not necessarily at another’s request,
it’s only because we know that God wants them to have His best.
There are those who haven’t yet realized that God is immensely good;
there’s so much about the Lord which they haven’t understood.
He sometimes has been blamed when bad things have occurred,
even though the devil’s existence is clearly warned of in God’s word.
We’re living in a fallen world, though God pronounced it “very good.”
Sin altered it when Adam and Eve didn’t live as He’d said they should.
Some people are deceived in believing that there’s no God at all–
they’re missing the truth that He sent Jesus to redeem us from man’s fall.
Now, we can have salvation and God’s peace as we journey on earth;
Jesus proclaimed abundant life and told of our need for the “new birth.”
God’s Word is more desirable than gold, and even sweeter than honey;
yet after hearing it, some are still hesitant to trust God over money.
Giving a tenth to His kingdom should be strong in our hearts’ desires.
It’s part of worshipping God and even shields us from financial “fires.”
Besides that, it’s a great blessing to participate in helping others…
in tangible ways, and then to see many become our sisters and brothers.
So continue to share the Lord with people–tell the goodness of His ways,
trusting that by His Spirit, they’ll come to know Him and give Him praise!
P. A. Oltrogge
“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.” …said by Jesus in John 10:10
“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’” John 3:3
“The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good.” Psalm 14:1
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6
“He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish like a branch.” Proverbs 11:28 KJV
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” …said by Jesus in John 15:5
“The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever. The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them, there is great reward.” Psalm 19:9-11
Malachi 3:8-10; Matthew 10:41-42; Luke 6:38; Acts 20:35
“Fresh as a dewdrop,” My Word is to you. Go to it daily and find things new. You’ll find the familiar in it as well– Of comfort, wisdom, and truth it will tell. At times, for direction, it gives a faith hint, Bringing light to your path like a dewdrop’s glint. Fresh as a dewdrop, I want to impart More of its treasures into your heart. Like finding the dewdrops, you can depend On My being there always to instruct and befriend.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Thy Word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 KJV
“I will never forget Thy precepts, for by them Thou hast revived me.” Psalm 119:93 KJV
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort….” 2 Corinthians 1:3
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5
“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 NKJV
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” John 14:26 NKJV
“Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth.” John 17:17 KJV
“…I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
“You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character], Because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation].” Isaiah 26:3 AMP
“Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:5 AMP “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring charges against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, but rather, was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.” Romans 8:31-34
We read of Jesus, before His trial and crucifixion, being with His disciples in the garden of Gethsemane:
Luke 22:41-44
“And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, ‘Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.’ Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”
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We see Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane…praying, as He was facing His destined, brutal coming adversity.
His agony was so great about what was soon ahead, that His sweat became like great drops of blood that were being shed.
But God had an angel appear to Him in the midst of His distress…to strengthen Him for the task whereby the whole world would be blessed.
Perhaps you are in a situation that is causing you to fear… Know that the Lord sends you an angel, though you may not see him appear.
Lord, thank you for angelic help and for bolstering us with your Word…and giving us a sense of YOUR presence and love, of which we can always be assured.
P. A. Oltrogge
“…For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” from Hebrews 13:5
“Are they (the angels) not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” Hebrews 1:14
“For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11 (and all of the Psalm)
“Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:1-2
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Matthew 1:23 KJV
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you…For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior….” Isaiah 43:2, 3 NKJV
“Only be thou strong and very courageous….” Joshua 1:7 KJV
“Then my enemies will be turned back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me.” Psalm 56:9
“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 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 4:14-16
“Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 RSV
“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 28:19-20
“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” Ephesians 5:1-2
“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” John 15:9-10
(Scriptures: NKJV or as noted)
…praying for the followers and friends of this blog…
The following encouraging article is by Kim Potter, www.anewthingministries.com
Last week, while I was walking through my kitchen one morning, I felt the Lord speak to me about a situation I had been praying about. My initial reaction wasn’t positive. I found myself murmuring to the Lord, saying, “God, I have done that, and I have done this; I have done all I know to do.” At that moment, a scripture came to my mind.
And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. (Luke 5:5)
Let’s look at this conversation between Peter and Jesus in the Amplified version of the Bible.
When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon (Peter), Put out into the deep water, and lower your nets for a haul. And Simon (Peter) answered, Master, we toiled all night, exhaustingly and caught nothing in our nets. But on the ground of Your word, I will lower the nets again.(v.5-6)
Peter had been fishing all night long and was completely exhausted. Despite his hard work, he caught no fish. As the sun began to rise, the last thing he wanted to do was try again. He longed to go home and sleep off his discouragement and disappointment. However, at Jesus’ request, he chose to obey.
The word, nevertheless, means…in spite of.
Peter said, “Even though I have worked hard all night and I’m completely exhausted, all I want to do is go home and sleep. Despite the fact that the fish aren’t biting, I will do it because you said so.”
Oh, if we could all have that attitude. It was the exact attitude I needed that morning as the Lord spoke to me.
Hebrews 3:14 says, For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end.
The New Living translation says it like this; For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.
Do you remember when you first learned that you could walk in healing and wholeness? Or when you heard that you could live in debt freedom and abundance? Can you recall when you first discovered all the promises the Bible offers through the cross of Christ?
Do you remember the hope that once blossomed within you? Recall that feeling of expectation! That is the confidence you must maintain until the very end. And that, my friend, can prove to be quite challenging.
The Bible states that unrelenting disappointment makes the heart sick, and I can personally relate to that scripture. When we encounter one disappointment after another, it impacts us and weighs heavily on our hearts. We become discouraged and start to feel like Peter—despite our hard work and efforts, we still do not see any victory.
However, just like Peter, we must declare, “Nevertheless, Lord, because of YOUR WORD, I will press on.” And we must choose to believe as firmly as when we first heard the promise—firmly to the very end.
If you feel in your heart that you have done all you can do today, stand firm. Trust in His Word and refuse to believe anything that contradicts the Word of the Living God. Keep your confidence strong until the end. Like Peter, declare, “Nevertheless, at Your Word, God, I still believe.” He who promised is faithful.
“And He (Jesus) said to them, ‘What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?’ And they stood still, looking sad. And one of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to Him, ‘Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem and unaware of the things which have happened here in these days?’” Luke 24:17-18 (NASB)
“And beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.” Luke 24:27 (NASB) (from the account, after Jesus’ death and burial, of the walk to Emmaus by Cleopas and another, who met the risen Lord on their walk, verses 13-32)
There’s nothing like ENCOURAGEMENT when the way seems hard–
There’s nothing like its bolstering to keep a day (or life) from being scarred.
A word of praise can be depended upon to keep enthusiasm or creativity flowing,
causing a downcast countenance to be one that’s actually “glowing.”
There’s nothing like a caring friend who sends a note or gives a call.
There’s nothing like an encouraging word to keep us from a downfall.
There is an enemy in the world, who wants to ruin God-given potential,
which is why a word of praise from someone is often vital and essential.
Cleopas, while on the road to Emmaus, was talking with his friend
about the recent discouraging facts–on Christ’s life having come to an end.
Then later, when they were joined by Jesus, the Lord opened up their eyes
to the truth of His resurrection–likewise, we need the truth that God supplies.
Of course, the Lord is always there for us, speaking by His Spirit and His Word–
but through friends or even strangers, He can also often be “heard.”
So, as you look around to start your day, be attentive if God is showing to you
someone who needs encouragement–let His supportive words be flowing through you.
P. A. Oltrogge
Depiction of Jesus, with Cleopas and another disciple on the road to Emmaus…
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good (encouraging) word makes it glad.” Proverbs 12:25 AMP
“…lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.” from Matthew 28:20 AMP
“Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 RSV
The Porch of the Lord 