“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of Herod, the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.’” Matthew 2:1-2 NKJV
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One of the names of the Lord, Jesus Christ, is The Bright and Morning Star. Long ago, the wise men followed “His” star when traveling from afar.
It guided them like a compass—perhaps giving light to them on their way. The Bright and Morning Star, through God’s Spirit, is still guiding men who are wise today.
This Christmas, a distant neighbor’s roof has a large, lighted star for all to view. Its twinkling in the darkness speaks of God’s love—always there to see us through.
Each night, I look for that star, which reminds of the presence of the Lord—and that, for those who take Jesus as Savior, peace with God has been fully restored.
P. A. Oltrogge
“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1
“Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.” 2 John 1:3
“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 3:21-23 RSV
“‘I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.’ And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:16-17
“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
“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
“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint….” Luke 18:1
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9 KJV
You don’t have to faint inside
when, in Jesus, you abide.
He’s King of Kings and Lord of Lords;
by faith in Him, we’ll reap rewards.
Use your voice; be bold to say…
satan’s schemes can’t have their way.
As “living stones,” we’re not alone–
Christ is our “Rock” and Cornerstone.
Pray and speak in faith–resist every fear.
Faith is the victory…God’s Word is clear!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture,
“Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”
“Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient,
“The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone,”
and
“A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.”
“They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.”
1 Peter 2: 4-10 NKJV
“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 NKJV
“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 NKJV
“No weapon that is formed against you will succeed; And every tongue that rises against you in judgment you will condemn. This (peace, righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition) is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And this is their vindication from Me” says the Lord. Isaiah 54:17 AMP
“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
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A simple book of poems appeared a few short years ago, and that book reappears at the time of the winter’s snow.
Christmas on the Porch is Biblically-based research…on the birth of Jesus Christ, who is the head of His blood-bought church.
“Come, they told me, pa rum pum pum pum, to see the newborn King”…a carol tells of a little boy coming to play for Him on his drum.
Oh come, oh come…Jesus came, not just for some–God wants the WORLD to know … Emmanuel has come!
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“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:10-12 KJV
“All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, and shall glorify Your name. For You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God.” Psalm 86:9-10 NKJV
Oh come, oh come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here, until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel…shall come to thee, oh Israel.
Oh come, Thou Wisdom from on high, who orders all things mightily. To us the path of knowledge show, and teach us in her ways to go. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel…shall come to thee, oh Israel.
Oh come, Thou Branch of Jesse’s tree, free men from Satan’s tyranny…from depths of hell, by Thy power to save, and give them victory o’er the grave. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel… shall come to thee, oh Israel.
Oh come, Thou Dayspring from on high, and cheer us by Thy drawing nigh. Disperse the gloomy clouds of night and death’s dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel…shall come to thee, oh Israel.
Oh come, Thou Key of David, come, and open wide our heavenly home. Make safe the way that leads on high, and close the path to misery. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel…shall come to thee, oh Israel.
Oh come, Desire of nations bind, in one the hearts of all mankind. Bid Thou our sad divisions cease, and be Thyself our King of Peace. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel…shall come to Thee, oh Israel.
J. M. Neale/C. W. Douglas
Jesus came–He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life of servanthood, yet died through crucifixion as a sacrifice for our sins, but was resurrected, and then ascended to His Father in heaven…and Jesus is coming back again:
“Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.’” Acts 1:9-11 NKJV
You may already be a viewer of Dr. Billye Brim’s program, “The Prophetic Witness,” on the Victory channel; but, if not, you can find it by clicking on “Programs” at http://www.govictory.com
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
“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…
….today marks the beginning of Advent for this year….
Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming from tender stem hath sprung! Of Jesse’s lineage coming as men of old have sung. It came, a flower bright, amid the cold of winter when half spent was the night.
Isaiah ‘twas foretold it, this Rose I have in mind. With Mary we behold it, the virgin mother kind. To show God’s love aright, she bore to men a Savior when half spent was the night.
This Flower, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air, dispels with glorious splendor the darkness everywhere. True man, yet very God, from sin and death He saves us and lightens every load.
This hymn originally appeared in 1599, Translated from German by Theodore Baker 1894
“There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.” Isaiah 11:1
“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life.’” John 8:12
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 2:15
“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30
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Like a rose, that was crushed and associated with thorns upon His head, Jesus paid for our redemption through scourges and His sacred veins that bled.
He was born to die for us, which He accomplished, and rose again….
“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
“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
“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
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?'” John 11:25-26
“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
“I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forever more. Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” Revelation 1:18KJV
“For with God nothing will be impossible.”Luke 1:37 (said to Mary, by the angel Gabriel)
Those who revered God anticipated a Savior, as foretold by the prophets of old. Today, we anticipate celebrating Jesus’ birth in these days of the winter’s cold.
And we anticipate the return of the Lord, as He Himself prophesied. Until that day, we’re to be about God’s business, with His Holy Spirit as our guide.
It’s a time to consider the needs of others–those for whom Christ came. Because of His birth in Bethlehem, the world has never been the same.
It’s a time to reflect on God’s goodness–all He has done and will do. So we praise Him in the midst of the darkness, for His love keeps shining through.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘Iamthelightoftheworld. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12
“Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’” Mark 9:23
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him, who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” 1 Peter 2: 9-10
“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:1-5 NLT
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.” Philippians 2:14-16
“For Godso 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
“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
Regarding the winter’s cold, we’re reminded to pray for and help those ministries (previously mentioned on the blog or others of which you’re aware) that are reaching out to those who need assistance to make it through winter in the midst of war or other adversity, as we’re able.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
For the book, The Return, by Richard Roberts, on signs of the end times and what to expect, refer to the bookstore at: http://www.richardroberts.org
Today’s message on relating to God, our good Father, in prayer is helpful guidance at http://www.givehim15.com
The following scriptures on health and healing were compiled by Keith Moore and are printed out here, with permission from Keith Moore Ministries.
Keith Moore begins with:
How do we know whether it’s God’s will to heal us or not? It makes little difference what others say about it. What did He say about it? Remember that God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10: 34), and He never changes (Malachi 3:6). So what He said to them yesterday, He is saying to you today. God’s Word is God speaking to me.
(These statements are taken directly from the Bible with little or no variation. The verbs and construction have been changed to apply to you personally and to sum up the thoughts in some instances. Also, many of these statements are prefaced by phrases like, “If you walk in My commandments,” “If you believe…obey…” etc.)
Old Testament:
1. I am the Lord that healeth thee (Exodus 15:26). 2. Your days shall be one hundred and twenty years (Genesis 6:3). 3. You shall be buried in a good old age (Genesis 15:15). 4. You shall come to your grave in a full age like as a shock of corn cometh in his season (Job 5:26). 5. When I see the blood, I will pass over you and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you (Exodus 12:13). 6. I will take sickness away from the midst of you and the number of your days I will fulfill (Exodus 23:25, 26). 7. I will not put any of the diseases you are afraid of on you, but I will take all sickness away from you. (Deuteronomy 7:15). 8. It will be well with you and your days shall be multiplied and prolonged as the days of heaven upon the earth. (Deuteronomy 11:9, 21). 9. I turned the curse into a blessing unto you, because I loved you (Deuteronomy 23:5 and Nehemiah 13:2). 10. I have redeemed you from every sickness and every plague (Deuteronomy 28:61 and Galatians 3:13). 11. As your days, so shall your strength be (Deuteronomy 33:25). 12. I have found a ransom for you, your flesh shall be fresher than a child’s and you shall return to the days of your youth (Job 33:24, 25). 13. I have healed you and brought up your soul from the grave; I have kept you alive from going down into the pit (Psalm 30:1, 2). 14. I will give you strength and bless you with peace (Psalm 29:11). 15. I will preserve you and keep you alive (Psalm 41:2). 16. I will strengthen you upon the bed of languishing; I will turn all your bed in your sickness (Psalm 41:3). 17. I am the health of your countenance and your God (Psalm 43:5). 18. No plague shall come near your dwelling (Psalm 91:10). 19. I will satisfy you with long life (Psalm 91:16). 20. I heal all your diseases (Psalm 103:3). 21. I sent My word and healed you and delivered you from your destructions (Psalm 107:20). 22. You shall not die, but live, and declare My works (Psalm 118:17). 23. I heal your broken heart and bind up your wounds (Psalm 147:3). 24. The years of your life shall be many (Proverbs 4:10). 25. Trusting Me brings health to your navel and marrow to your bones (Proverbs 3:8). 26. My words are life to you, and health/medicine to all your flesh (Proverbs 4:22). 27. (My) good report makes your bones fat (Proverbs 15:30). 28. (My) pleasant words are sweet to your soul and health to your bones (Proverbs 16:24). 29. My joy is your strength. A merry heart does good like a medicine (Nehemiah 8:10; Proverbs 17:22). 30. The eyes of the blind shall be opened. The eyes of them that see shall not be dim (Isaiah 32:3; 35:5). 31. The ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. The ears of them that hear shall hearken (Isaiah 32:3; 35:5). 32. The tongue of the dumb shall sing. The tongue of the stammerers shall be ready to speak plainly (Isaiah 35:6; 32:4). 33. The lame man shall leap as a hart (Isaiah 35:6). 34. I will recover you and make you to live. I am ready to save you (Isaiah 38:16, 20). 35. I give power to the faint. I increase strength to them that have no might (Isaiah 40:29). 36. I will renew your strength. I will strengthen and help you (Isaiah 40:31; 41:10). 37. To your old age and gray hairs I will carry you and I will deliver you (Isaiah 46:4). 38. I bore your sickness (Isaiah 53:4). 39. I carried your pains (Isaiah 53:4). 40. I was put to sickness for you (Isaiah 53:10). 41. With My stripes you are healed (Isaiah 53:5). 42. I will heal you (Isaiah 57:19). 43. Your light shall break forth as the morning and your health shall spring forth speedily (Isaiah 58:8). 44. I will restore health unto you, and I will heal you of your wounds saith the Lord (Jeremiah 30:17). 45. Behold I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure you, and will reveal unto you the abundance of peace and truth (Jeremiah 33:6). 46. I will bind up that which was broken and will strengthen that which was sick (Ezekiel 34:16). 47. Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you and you shall live. And I shall put My Spirit in you and you shall live (Ezekiel 37:5, 14). 48. Whithersoever the rivers shall come shall live. They shall be healed and every thing shall live where the river comes (Ezekiel 47:9). 49. Seek Me and you shall live (Amos 5:4, 6). 50. I have arisen with healing in My wings (beams) (Malachi 4:2
New Testament:
51. I will, be thou clean (Matthew 8:3). 52. I took your infirmities (Matthew 8:17). 53. I bore your sicknesses (Matthew 8:17). 54. If you’re sick you need a physician. (I am the Lord your physician) (Matthew 9:12 and Exodus 15:26). 55. I am moved with compassion toward the sick and I heal them (Matthew 14:14). 56. I heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease (Matthew 4:23). 57. According to your faith, be it unto you (Matthew 9:29). 58. I give you power and authority over all unclean spirits to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease (Matthew 10:1 and Luke 9:1). 59. I heal them all (Matthew 12:15 and Hebrews 13:8). 60. As many as touch Me are made perfectly whole (Matthew 14:36). 61. Healing is the children’s bread (Matthew 15:26). 62. I do all things well. I make the deaf to hear and the dumb to speak (Mark 7:37). 63. If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believeth (Mark 9:23; 11:23, 24). 64. When hands are laid on you, you shall recover (Mark 16:18). 65. My anointing heals the brokenhearted, and delivers the captives, recovers sight to the blind, and sets at liberty those that are bruised (Luke 4:18; Isaiah 10:27; 61:1). 66. I heal all those who have need of healing (Luke 9:11). 67. I am not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them (Luke 9:56). 68. Behold, I give you authority over all the enemy’s power and nothing shall by any means hurt you (Luke 10:19). 69. Sickness is satanic bondage and you ought to be loosed today (Luke 13:16; 2 Corinthians 6:2). 70. In Me is life (John 1:4). 71. I am the bread of life. I give you life (John 6:33, 35). 72. The words I speak unto you are spirit and life (John 6:63). 73. I am come that you might have life, and that you might have it more abundantly (John 10:10). 74. I am the resurrection and the life (John 11:25). 75. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it (John 14:14). 76. Faith in My name makes you strong and gives you perfect soundness (Acts 3:16). 77. I stretch forth My hand to heal (Acts 4:30). 78. I, Jesus Christ, make you whole (Acts 9:34). 79. I do good and heal all that are oppressed of the devil (Acts 10:38). 80. My power causes diseases to depart from you (Acts 19:12). 81. The law of the Spirit of life in Me has made you free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2). 82. The same Spirit that raised Me from the dead now lives in you and that Spirit will quicken your mortal body (Romans 8:11). 83. Your body is a member of Me (1 Corinthians 6:15). 84. Your body is the temple of My Spirit and you’re to glorify Me in your body (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20). 85. If you’ll rightly discern My body which was broken for you, and judge yourself, you’ll not be judged and you’ll not be weak, sickly or die prematurely (1 Corinthians 11:29-31). 86. I have set gifts of healing in My body (1 Corinthians 12:9). 87. My life may be made manifest in your mortal flesh (2 Corinthians 4:10, 11). 88. I have delivered you from death, I do deliver you, and if you trust Me I will yet deliver you (2 Corinthians 1:10). 89. I have given you My name and have put all things under your feet (Ephesians 1:21, 22). 90. I want it to be well with you and I want you to live long on the earth. (Ephesians 6:3). 91. I have delivered you from the authority of darkness (Colossians 1:13). 92. I will deliver you from every evil work (2 Timothy 4:18). 93. I tasted death for you. I destroyed the devil who had the power of death. I’ve delivered you from the fear of death and bondage (Hebrews 2:9, 14, 15). 94. I wash your body with pure water (Hebrews 10:22; Ephesians 5:26). 95. Lift up the weak hands and the feeble knees. Don’t let that which is lame be turned aside but rather let Me heal it (Hebrews 12:12, 13). 96. Let the elders anoint you and pray for you in My name and I will raise you up (James 5:14, 15). 97. Pray for one another and I will heal you (James 5:16). 98. By My stripes you were healed (1 Peter 2:24). 99. My Divine power has given unto you all things that pertain unto life and godliness through the knowledge of Me (2 Peter 1:3). 100. Whosoever will, let him come and take of the water of life freely (Revelation 22:17). 101. Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers (3 John 2).
“Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.” Hebrews 12:12-13
Don’t be discouraged; but, rather, let God heal…
Praise and praise again, despite how you may feel.
The longer we live, our confession is “the stronger we’ll live.”
Throughout our days, the more of God’s goodness He’ll give!
We walk by faith and not by sight…
God is able to restore our health from any adverse blight.
…for “101 Things God Said About Healing.” Click on “Word Supply” and then “Resources” for those scriptures. To hear Keith Moore’s songs, click on “Word Supply,” then, “Music.” A favorite of mine is “Healing Compassion,” which is under “Quicken Thou Me.” Be blessed by any and all of them. If you feel in need of peace, listen to his beautiful songs on the peace of God….
Mark and Trina Hankins have often mentioned praise/singing in the midst of an illness. He has taught on “the praise cure.” The book, The Spirit of Faith and many other encouraging books and materials are available at: www.markhankins.org
Andrew Wommack’s ministry is excellent, with wonderful teachings and testimonies. His books, God Wants You Well and You’ve Already Got It are available at: http://www.awmi.net
Many other ministries, such as http://www.kcm.org, cappsministries.com, and others, previously mentioned on this blog, are there to help.
We thank God, too, for skilled and dedicated people in the medical world; and God works in many ways…today I’m referencing also: http://www.chrisbeatcancer.com
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” Psalm 29:11 NIV
“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.” Matthew 4:23 KJV
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…Mary’s words were in agreement with what God said through the angel, Gabriel…
“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:38 KJV
“And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.” Luke 1:45 KJV (Elisabeth’s words to her cousin, Mary, who had accepted the word of the Lord, given to her by the angel, Gabriel.)
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“But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.” Acts 16:25-26
“And not being weak in faith, he (Abraham) did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.” Romans 4:19-21
“…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
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
“The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.” Habakkuk 3:19 NLT
“He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might, He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:29-31
“Let the weak say, ‘I am strong.'” from Joel 3:10
“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. Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth, And put perverse lips far from you.” Proverbs 4:20-24
“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 and the entire Psalm
“He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” Psalm 107:20-21
Healing through communion:
“For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
“After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.” 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 KJV
Scriptures: NKJV or as noted
…Our compassionate God certainly welcomes home those who, for reasons only He knows of, didn’t make it through a life-threatening illness. Many of them did experience a number of healing triumphs previously in their lives. But we know also what His promises are concerning health and healing and how large Jesus’ ministry was on healing. Therefore, we keep our focus on Him and persevere with His word. We rejoice for those who are with the Lord now (in eternal victory) and we rejoice for those who have obtained victory over an illness….
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8
…I’m so thankful for the body of Christ, for when one believer may not always have words that can inspire, another believer will–sharing a message that will lift us higher….
Breaking Off Hopelessness by Sara Whitten Permitted to share from Elijahlist.com
Recently I was struck by the most seemingly mundane Bible verse, and I believe there is a powerful vision in it for us. In 1 Samuel 27:1, David was beginning to have friction with Saul. Saul had attempted to come against David a couple of times, but had failed. He even apologetically confessed that David was a better man than him, blessed him, and acknowledged that he would reign as king (1 Samuel 24:16-21; 26:21,25). This was, of course, long after David had been anointed and received the prophecy that he would be king. It was after he’d walked through battles with Goliath and tens of thousands of others – all with astounding victory from the Lord. Yet chapter 27 begins with these words:
“But David thought to himself, ‘One of these days I will be destroyed by the hand of Saul. The best thing I can do is to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will give up searching for me anywhere in Israel, and I will slip out of his hand.'” (1 Samuel 27:1)
In light of testimonies, prophecies, and even straight from the mouth of his enemies, David had much to hope for. Yet a persistent (and lying) thought said, One of these days, I will be destroyed by the hand of Saul. Because of this, he moved into the land of the Philistines (his enemies), which eventually led to the raid of Ziklag…which almost got him stoned by his own men. It didn’t change the fact that Saul never did destroy him. It also didn’t change the fulfillment of the word that he would be king. But it created a less-than-enjoyable detour.
Our level of hope can dictate where we feel safe to settle. Because of a faulty expectation (opposite of what the Lord told him), David felt safer in the land of the enemy. Our level of expectancy doesn’t manipulate the Lord’s actions, but it does influence ours. In our own lives, what is the “thing” that the enemy keeps tempting us to expect? What is the thing that inserts the thought into our head that One of these days, I will be destroyed by _________. Anxiety, depression, illness, lack of resources; this business; this oppressive situation, etc. could all fill in our blanks.
Fortifying Your Hope
The Lord wants to use the pressures in our lives to fortify our hope and trust in His goodness, not to drive us out of our promised lands. Even now, just through reading this word and as you feel His presence, the Lord wants to redeem your mind and break off a spirit of hopelessness; maybe even breaking it off of some of you who haven’t realized that it is there – those in whom a stronghold (place of safety) has been forged based on the enemy’s thoughts, as opposed to God’s promises and inheritance. (Photo via Unsplash)
Merriam-Webster defines hopelessness as “having no expectation of good or success.” Turns out that any expectation about what God is going to do that doesn’t involve “good” or “victory” is probably rooted in hopelessness. Hopelessness can also be defined as “not susceptible to remedy or cure,” or “incapable of redemption or improvement.” What (or who) have we labeled as “never going to change” or “never going to get better”? Even though we know that “beyond redemption” or “without cure” doesn’t sound like God, we sometimes settle for this place as our Ziklag.
Another definition for hopelessness is “giving no reason to expect good or success: giving no ground for hope.” That caught my attention. Hope needs ground. And God talks a lot about ground in His Word. Whether it’s the internal ground of our hearts that He is plowing and sowing in, or the spiritual ground of the territory He has given us to steward for the Kingdom, He is very clear that we control the condition of our soil (how we receive it), as well as how faithfully we occupy our land (how fully we give over/connect every part of our lives to His Word).
With hopelessness, typically strongholds happen when we deny ground to anything we don’t have reason to expect. Thinking about almost any hopeful testimony in the Bible, the people had literally no reason to expect God to move in the way He did. But He did give them a word of hope that would lead them to expect victory and good things.
The Place of Pressure: What Are You Putting Your Hope In?
The reality is that often times the places where we feel the most pressure are the places God has planned to use for His glory. David felt pressured to run from the king and kingdom when God had planned for him to become the king in that kingdom. In these places of pressure, we can let ourselves be talked out of a place of hope in the name of self-defense; we try to protect ourselves from disappointment. Hence, we let the enemy construct a stronghold for what we fear… the illusion of protection.
Biblically, hope (elpis in the original Greek) means “expectation of what is sure,” but it can also mean “expectation of good, hope” or “expectation of evil, fear.” Turns out we all are currently putting our hope (expectation/certainty) in something. Is it in the truth – God’s goodness and victory, or is it in low expectations, defeat, and fear?
Suffering That Produces Hope
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:1-5) (Photo via Pxfuel)
The “suffering” that begins this process of hope is not the cringe-evoking suffering we’re thinking of. This word, “thlipsis,” in the original language actually means “pressure.” And what’s more, it refers to internal pressure that produces a “narrow place that hems someone in.” The place where we can become busy fighting external pressures how we see fit is sometimes the very place where the Lord wants to do an internal work as our Shepherd, who hems us in and calls us to the narrow way that makes our hope impervious.
As we remain patient (hupomone – meaning to “remain under,” as God enables), it develops character. Character (dokime) refers to our tested and true hearts, but is also seen elsewhere in the Bible when referring to the “proof of Christ.” And how often are our times of greatest pressure the times the Lord uses to develop proof of the Christ-like glory He is ever transforming us into? It is all these things – the pressure, the God-enabled endurance, and seeing Christ’s character revealed in us – that produce hope.
The Hope That Never Disappoints
This hope, Romans 5:5 says, will never disappoint. According to Collins Dictionary, disappoint is defined as “to fail to satisfy the hopes or expectations of; leave unsatisfied.” So while we, like David, may not understand exactly when or how the Lord is going to fulfill His promises, we have this assurance that He won’t almost fill or barely fill but completely satisfy the hope He has planted in us. We just need to wait with the Lord and let our hope have ground to grow in instead of fleeing our promised land and expecting lies.
Ask God (and listen for the Holy Spirit’s response), “Father… illuminate the places of hopelessness in my life. Where am I expecting less than Your goodness and victory? Remind me again of Your testimonies and words of hope over my life. Help me to discern and take captive the ways that the enemy wants to skew what I’m expecting. And help me to remain under by Your power until the full process of hope is complete.”
