Category Archives: Hope

Faith in the God of Miracles

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“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” Jeremiah 32:27

I believe in the God of miracles, is a good thing to frequently say, especially when we know the Lord wants us to have confidence after we pray.

I believe in His miracles, though things can seem contrary or dark. I believe in miracles, even when the “kindling” isn’t showing a spark.

I believe in God’s miracles…of provision, protection, and to see healings. I believe in His miracles, shows we’re not giving in simply to feelings.

I believe in miracles, as shown in the Bible through and through. I know that miracles still happen–that they’re meant for believers today, too.

I believe in God’s miracles, though afflictions can be harsh and persistent. I believe in miracles; therefore, my faith in Him can be equally insistent.

I believe in seeing miracles, even when patience is sometimes needed. Believing in God and His power and love…can keep us strong until adversity’s receded.

I believe in miracles, because I’ve had some God-given ones prior. I believe in the power of Jesus’ name–that name, of which there’s none that’s higher.

Yes, I believe in Jesus, the miracle worker, who was called a Nazarene. With our expectation in Him, and all that He’s already done, miracles are sure to come on the scene.

P. A. Oltrogge

“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. ….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 1:1-5, 14

“…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

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11

“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 

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.”  …words of Jesus in John 14:1 

“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

“For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13 

“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

“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:9-10

“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.” Luke 18:1

“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

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen” Ephesians 3:20-21 

“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. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.’” Mark 11:21-26

“Philip said to Him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works.’” John 14:8-10 (NKJV)

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” John 15:7-8

“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” John 17:3 NKJV

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, oh Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.” Psalm 138:8 

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”  James 1:17

(Scriptures NKJV)

Be blessed by the messages and worship music at: http://www.rachelshafer.com

His Presence and Protection

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You’re cared for by My angels, who daily surround; and as you seek for Me daily, you know I’m easily found.

I appreciate what you do to help and encourage others, thereby building up the faith of your sisters and brothers.

And your prayers are so important to all people of the earth; they bear fruit in helping many to find the “new birth.”

I’ve given you the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide you. He is wonderfully present, living inside you.

I’m your shelter and shield…have faith and not fear. Emmanuel, God is with you…My love is steadfast and near.

P. A. Oltrogge

“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

“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 14:16-17 NKJV

“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.'” John 14:23 NKJV

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2 Kings 6:14-16; Psalm 34:7-8; Psalm 73:28; Psalm 91; Proverbs 30:5

Matthew 9:38; John 3:3; Romans 5:5; Galatians 4:6; Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 1:13-14; James 4:8

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

Food and Fellowship Foster Faith for the Future

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…just a few thoughts about helping in this simple, basic way...

Jesus dined with close friends, tax collectors, and others during His ministry years. He, Himself, fed thousands of people with a few loaves and fish, which likely brought about the recipients’ cheers.

He desires that people be fed, in good times, but even more so, if hard times have hit. When we join with others in providing meals to victims of disaster, we give them the motivation that they need so that they won’t quit.

They’ll sense that God is encouraging them, healing their hearts when they are broken-hearted.  Christ is “visible” through His servants. Through them, they know that He hasn’t departed.

And those, who serve in such a manner, as chefs, food suppliers, or ones who financially donate…are blessed to be agents of God’s love, extended simply through the comfort of good food on a welcome dinner plate.

P. A. Oltrogge

http://www.mercychefs.com

“Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’” Matthew 25:34-36

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

Jesus’ Loving Touch Heals a Leper

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…from Matthew 8

After Jesus had come down from the mountain, He was followed by crowds–a great throng.

Wanting to hear the Lord’s teaching and be healed, a leper, at a certain point, had also come along. 

He fell down before Christ and worshiped Him, asking for cleansing, if Jesus would be willing. 

He had faith that his request could be one of those, that day, which the Lord would be fulfilling. 

Jesus stretched out His hand and touched the afflicted man, thereby blessing…

He destroyed what the devil had worked, which, to the leper, had been so distressing.

“I am willing,” Jesus said–what a compassionate touch for the man’s body and soul!

Jesus told him to tell no one, but to go to the priest to reveal that he’d been made whole.

There, bringing a gift in accordance with Moses’ command, the state of his health would be reviewed.

And then, he would be given right of passage to return to society–his life renewed.

Jesus’ loving touch is going forth to those who worship and call on Him still today.

There’s no one who can’t be touched by the Master, who is always willing to heal whenever we pray.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.” Jeremiah 17:14 KJV

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” 1 John 5:14-15 (Throughout His ministry, Jesus demonstrated God’s will to heal.)

“Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.  He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”  Colossians 1:12-14

“Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them and you will have them.”  Mark 11:24

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17

“And the power of the Lord was present to heal them.” Luke 5:17

“…who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24

“Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalm 103:1-5

That God offers forgiveness of sins and eternal life through His Son has rightly been emphasized much. But let’s also trust in God’s offer of health and healing, believing in the Master’s touch.

“Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart…”  Luke 18:1 NASB

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”  Isaiah 26:3 

“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

Put “101” into the search bar for a list of healing scriptures…

Scriptures NKJV or as noted.

Held tonight at 7 p.m. ET is another online Healing Summit at: http://www.oasiswired.org

Ascended with Christ

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We praise You, Lord Jesus, and push away any gloom, for You are the Victorious One who was raised from the tomb.

You give hope that’s not wishful thinking but is joyful expectation. We’re more than conquerors always because of Your dedication.

You’re seated at the Father’s right hand—the place that was due…to the One who was so obedient to Him—He calls You Faithful and True.

We’re “above” any circumstances, not “under,” because Your power–and the name of the Lord Jesus is our shelter and strong tower.

P. A. Oltrogge

“But God, who is 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, so that in the ages to come, He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:4-7 

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ….” 1 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.  Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” Romans 8:31-34

“But in all these things, we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 

“…so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant. And the former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers, because they were prevented by death from continuing. But He, on the other hand, because He abides forever, holds His priesthood permanently. Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:22-25

“…we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a minister in the sanctuary and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man.” Hebrews 8:1

“But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises.” Hebrews 8:6

“(The Coming of Christ) And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war.” Revelation 19:11 

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

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” 1 John 5:14-15 (NKJV)

Scriptures NASB, NASB/Ryrie, or as noted

…according to the Word in Romans and Hebrews, above, you don’t face any trial alone…Jesus is interceding for you at the Father’s throne…

But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27

Inspired Words to Pray

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Photo/Porch of the Lord

Lord,
Make me an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hatred–let me sow love,
where there is injury–pardon,
where there is doubt–faith,
where there is despair–hope,
where there is darkness–light,
and where there is sadness–joy.

Divine Master, grant that I may
not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive–
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi

…Some versions of this prayer add “where there is friction, union, and where there is error, truth.”

“I have told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world!” words of Jesus in John 16:33 ERV

“…Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’” …from John 20:19 NKJV

Friday/Prayer

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Joining with the prayers for those fighting the California fires, Father, we thank you for your help that you’ve already given in the midst of such loss. Thank you for helping the fire fighters, protecting and strengthening them, and for comforting the affected families, assisting them with new direction. Help them to find strength through your Son and through your Word, through people reaching out to help one another. Help especially those who don’t actually know you… Thank you that the fires will be stopped… in Jesus’ name

To help: http://www.ob.org

“God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah” Psalm 46:1-3

Onward, Christian soldiers, 
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus 
Going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, 
Leads against the Foe;
Forward into battle 
See His banners go!
Onward, Christian soldiers, 
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus 
Going on before.

2 Like a mighty army
Moves the Church of God;
Brothers, we are treading
Where the saints have trod.
We are not divided,
All one body we,
One in hope and doctrine,
One in charity.
Onward, Christian soldiers, 
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus 
Going on before.

Excellent messages this week at: http://www.givehim15.com

His Sheltered Ones

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The Bible says God is a shelter for us.
Could He ever be a shelter that leaks?

Hardly, since He made the planets and stars
and wonderfully built all of the mountain peaks.

Under His wings, there’s strong shelter,
even in situations that are dire.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
were sheltered by Him in the midst of a terrible fire.

Daniel, thrown into the lions’ den,
and Noah, obeying and building an ark…

Both were sheltered by Almighty God
in two different circumstances that were dark.

Likewise, today, we need a shelter
in perils and plagues that could distress.

As Christians, we become sheltered ones,
under the wings of our God, who so wants to bless.

P. A. Oltrogge

“For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in your tabernacles forever; I will trust in the shelter of your wings. Selah.” Psalm 61:3-4 NKJV

“They have taken crafty counsel against Your people, and consulted together against Your sheltered ones….Let them be confounded and dismayed forever; Yes, let them be put to shame and perish, that they may know that You, whose name alone is the Lord; are the Most High over all the earth.” Psalm 83:3, 17-18 NkJV

“Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; In You I take shelter.” Psalm 143:9 NKJV

“The Lord also will roar from Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; The heavens and earth will shake; But the Lord will be a shelter for His people, and the strength of the children of Israel.” Joel 3:16 NKJV

and Psalm 91 NASB:

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most high will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!”

For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper, and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.

You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day;

Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.

A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not approach you.

You will only look on with your eyes, and see the recompense of the wicked.

For you have made the Lord, my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place.

No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent.

For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.

They will bear you up in their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone.

You will tread upon the lion and cobra, the young lion and the serpent you will trample down,

Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.

He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him, and honor him.

With a long life I will satisfy him, and let him behold My salvation.

poem postscript:
Some might ask, what about those persecuted for their faith in Christ, or those in war zones, who have lost their homes or have had to flee from them or have lost shelter due to devastating storms? Right now, we pray for them, that “home” would be restored to them. Thank you for sheltering them until then, Lord. To help, go to: http://www.samaritanspurse.org and http://www.jerusalemprayerteam.org

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:3 NIV

On a Desert Road

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Does this world seem like a desert–parched and offering little shade? Thank God, we have an oasis, when our minds on Christ are stayed.

It’s there, we find “living water,” through God’s Holy Spirit and His Word. Why struggle, as if in a desert, when the “rain” of God has occurred?

It’s said that very little water can cause desert seeds to flourish. Likewise, you can be revived–just one word from God can nourish.

Troubles can bombard our minds through circumstances or daily news, so turn to the life-giving Word of God, the blessed oasis that’s yours to use.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in Thee.” Isaiah 26:3 KJV

“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 NASB

“Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.” Psalm 119:50 NLT

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 NKJV

“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.” John 16:33 NKJV

“Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not with corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever…. 1 Peter 1:22-23 NKJV

“But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.’” Mark 10:27

…visit:  www.govictory.com

Photos: Pixabay and Unsplash

Cares and a Crown

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The very hairs of your head are numbered–
Jesus shared that thought so you wouldn’t be encumbered
with worries and cares that should be laid at His feet,
for God knows the best way to make all lives complete.
He satisfies the desire of all living things
by opening His hand, and with it He brings
bountiful blessings beyond what’s desired,
for He loves to give even more than the required.
To avoid any pitfalls, you need to become sharpened
by going to God’s Word daily, therein to hearken.
And don’t think, in any instance, His direction will cease–
just go by what lines up with His Word and gives peace.
For Jesus is the Good Shepherd; He won’t let you down.
He has much for you here and then, one day, a crown.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7

“Thou dost open Thy hand, and dost satisfy the desire of every living thing.” Psalm 145:16 KJV

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” …words of the Lord Jesus in John 10:27-28

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 KJV

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

“But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:11-12

“For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:14-21

“…Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.’ Revelation 2:10

“So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” words of the Lord from Matthew 6

…below, one of God’s beautifully-crowned flowers….