“And when He saw the multitudes, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. And opening His mouth He began to teach them, saying,
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
“Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me.
“Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again? It is good for nothing anymore, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
“Nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lampstand; and it gives light to all who are in the house.
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
People with great needs come daily to mind. We can look at our own country or around the globe to find them and assist through prayer and acts of caring love. I know that you care and support many important ministries. Today, I’m focusing on those presented by:
For thousands of years, the Sabbath day has been not just a day of rest from normal work, but a time to celebrate and share a meal with family and friends. Today in Ukraine, there are multiplied thousands of Jewish refugees who are hungry, tired, and scared. Many of them don’t even know where their next meal will come from…but together we can change that.
Since the war started last year, we have made multiple trips to Ukraine, delivering more than 11 million pounds of food. Our teams work in war zones, where explosions are happening, and warning sirens are sounding. They don’t stay where it’s safe—they go toward the danger. We take food, medicine, clothing, and other emergency supplies like tarps to repair roofs damaged by bombs and bullets.
Whether it is an elderly Holocaust survivor who is hungry, a Jewish orphan cold and lonely and looking for hope and help, or anyone who is dealing with PTSD from all they have endured, we are there as the hands and feet of God’s love. No other Western ministry is going so deep into the war zones so often, and we will keep going as long as the need is there.
To help, visit the website of the Jerusalem Prayer Team, listed above. There, you will find many insightful articles, as well as learning of the latest book by Mike Evans on these end times in which we’re living. God bless you….
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and regarding Israel, Mike writes:
Terrorist attacks are a daily occurrence in Israel. I’ll never forget the mother who told me she never left her house with all of her children because she couldn’t be sure to carry more than two of them to safety if a warning siren sounded. There are physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wounds from these attacks, and someone needs to step up and make a difference for the survivors of these attacks. That’s why we have the Rapid Response Team in place.
The Rapid Response Team reaches out to Israeli families who have suffered terrorist attacks. We provide immediate humanitarian support and help with the expenses that are often so great. We host events at FOZ (Friends of Zion) to honor the victims and survivors and let them know they are not alone.
Just last night I was watching a Mark Hankins program, where he again told of this story. He added that the woman in the story had been standing in faith that she would not get smallpox, but yet did, and not a mild case. So she asked the Lord about it…how she should react about that–what she should praise Him for. He told her to praise Him for His faithfulness to keep His Word! And, as you can read in the rest of the account, she was totally healed, without it leaving a scar….
Lilian B. Yeomans, a medical doctor in the early 1900’s, told the story of a missionary, a woman who had come down with a severe case of smallpox. The following is the story of her healing from that disease.
The Lord gave this woman a vision…of two “baskets” of prayer and praise. Each of us has such baskets, to which we contribute, in either of those ways.
So, her prayer basket on problems was very full, almost to be spilling out, while her praise basket was only half full, due to neglect and, often, her doubt.
While prayer can be effective and fervent, there’s an enemy who opposes. Praise to God is also of great power; and, to Him, it’s as fragrant as roses.
Dr. Yeomans called it “The Praise Cure,” to which there is no expense. She said it would work in every case, which, by Biblical examples, makes sense.
God told the woman to fill up her praise basket, making it heavy with praise and song. As she did that, the problem basket eventually “lifted” in her life, removing what had been wrong.
Though the doctor had told her to rest quietly, she’d kept up her praises and singing. Even nurses who were attending to her decided to join in, keeping her bedroom ringing!
So if on some matter, you feel distraught, with a problem that seems very hard– turn to praise, as did that woman. The affliction ceased, and it left her unscarred.
Praise the Lord!
P. A. Oltrogge
If you do an internet search, you can find a more detailed version of this poetic account. Look for: Mark Hankins The Praise Cure Lilian B. Yeomans
“Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory.” Psalm 98:1
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.” Psalm 100:4-5
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16
“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” Hebrews 13:15
“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 (Scriptures NKJV)
Be encouraged through the many ministries mentioned on this blog that teach and are seeing wonderful testimonies of healing. Consider the CD set, “Lay hold on God’s Faithfulness,” available in the Store at http://www.markhankins.org
Andrew Wommack’s ministry has a strong focus on health/healing: http://www.awmi.net
Visit http://www.moorelife.org 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….
I am praying for you–a follower or friend of this blog…
“…For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8
…of Jesus Christ, is written:
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
“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 2:5-11
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If you’ve prayed about something but find yourself yet, at times, tending to panic,
trust that God’s power and plans can’t be outdone by schemes that are satanic.
Jesus came and destroyed the works of the devil, carrying out what God had assigned.
He took our punishment, so we could be restored to God, as was originally designed.
Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection from the grave brought about the devil’s defeat–
Now we enforce that, declaring its truth, in the midst of any challenges we may meet.
We’re not in faith if we’re worrying–so when the enemy suggests his superiority,
express your thanks and praise to God, thereby showing the devil’s defeat and inferiority.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men.” Psalm 107:8, 15, 21
Count Your Blessings
When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Refrain: Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your blessings, see what God hath done; Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly, And you will be singing as the days go by. [Refrain]
by Johnson Oatman, 1897
…always continue to meditate on and speak God’s powerful Word!
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39
“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
“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
The scripture verses presented on this blog usually confirm or tie in with the poetic message; but these are the best reasons to list the various scriptures:
“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
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17
“But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ” Matthew 4:4
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:8
“Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:1-2
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16
The more we hear the Word,
the more we’ll be assured.
Faith comes by hearing it often.
Through it, worries and fears will soften.
The Word will actually drive out fear,
which is why on this blog, it will often appear.
The Word becomes a part of you as you quote it…
It’s inspiration from God, who, by the Holy Spirit, wrote it.
The more we hear it,
the more we’ll revere it.
The more we read it,
the more we’ll heed it.
The more we view it,
the more we’ll do it. (“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 1:22)
And the more the devil hears it from us,
the more he’ll want to stay clear of us!
P. A. Oltrogge
Jesus said, “It is written…”
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
Vigilantly, against the devil’s attacks, I won’t be lax… With God’s Word, I will always agree. It proclaims my liberty–and authority!
God guards my life, while I’m awake or when I sleep. I’ve released His Word, which He’s faithful to keep.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Then said the Lord unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.” Jeremiah 1:12 KJV
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:8-11
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” Psalm 34:19
“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 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 55:10-11
“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
“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’ They answered Him, ‘We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’? Jesus answered them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.'” John 8:31-36
“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” 2 Corinthians 3:17
“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” words of Jesus in Luke 10:19
“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17 KJV
“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.” Psalm 138:8
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:7-8
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3
“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
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Today, if you feel alone with some worrisome cares,
come sit with other believers out on the porch chairs.
Join me in praying for those who follow these posts…
He’ll perfect what concerns us, as we trust the Lord of Hosts!
For our country, for our futures, we continue to believe…
for all of the good things that He said we could receive.
Of those suffering for their faith, today, we’re reminded;
we pray for them and their enemies, who are spiritually blinded.
We’re strong in the Lord and in the power of His might…
His Word lights our path as we fight faith’s good fight!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Finally, my brethren, bestronginthe Lord and in the power of His might.” Ephesians 6:10
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
“Fight the goodfightoffaith, 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 6:12
“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.” James 5:13-18
…the following has been posted previously, but is helpful to review for encouragement on prayer for any matter or simply as regards prayer in these times…
Herod began to persecute those who believed in Jesus, it’s told in the twelfth chapter of Acts. James was martyred by the sword and Peter was seized, though there had been no criminal facts.
The church was offering up constant prayer for Peter–imprisoned by Herod Agrippa, the king. So in the dark of the night, God sent an angel to visit Peter there, who was asleep despite everything.
Four squads of soldiers had been assigned to him; and he was chained as he slept that night. A soldier on each side of him and guards were there, who were keeping the prison door barred tight.
Suddenly, the angel of the Lord stood by Peter, and a light shone inside the prison cell. The angel struck him on his side and raised him up; and from Peter’s hands, the heavy prison chains fell.
At the angel’s instruction, Peter dressed quickly to follow him–though it all seemed to be unreal. They went past the first and second guard posts. “This must be a ‘vision,’” was how it made him feel.
They came to the iron gate that led to the city, which simply opened to them of its own accord–then went out and down one street, and the angel departed. What a rescue from an angel of the Lord!
Peter came to his senses, realizing it had actually happened–he’d escaped Herod and leaders of the Jews. He proceeded on to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where they’d fervently prayed for this news.
Peter knocked at the door of the gate to the house, and a girl by the name of Rhoda came to see who was there. In her joy at hearing his voice, she ran to tell the others it was Peter, and that God had answered prayer.
They just couldn’t believe her, so Peter had to continue to knock, until they opened the door themselves to see…that God, indeed, had heard their prayers for Peter, and had sent His angel–to miraculously set him free!
At dawn, back at the prison, there was a commotion among the soldiers, as to how Peter’s captivity was defied. After a search was endeavored, Herod ordered the soldiers’ deaths; but the Bible records that he, too, soon afterward died…
“But the word of God grew and multiplied!”
P. A. Oltrogge
(From the account in Acts 12)
“Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.” Acts 12:5
“Then He (Jesus) spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart…” Luke 18:1
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1-2
For special insights on finding, following, and fulfilling God’s will, and to receive the free booklet, “Twenty Revelations That Will Change Your Life,” visit the current programming by Andrew Wommack, (click on This Week’s T.V.) at http://www.awmi.net
Andrew’s ministries are based in Colorado, but he has further extensions worldwide.
“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24NKJV
Dear Lord Jesus,
You thought of the lowly, the forgotten, the oppressed. You thought of us all; and, through You, we are blessed.
You’re always the Good Shepherd, our Savior and friend. If any setbacks befall us, you help things to mend.
You’re closer than a brother; and we can draw near, to You for Your assurance that there’s nothing to fear.
You loved the little children and do to this day. For the unborn, young, or old, You’ve taught us to pray.
And also our enemies, You’ve said, are in great need…of prayers to be enlightened, that Your Word they might heed.
Obedient to Your Father, You went to Calvary’s hill. You prayed that cup might pass, but accepted Your Father’s will.
Yes, what a friend we have in Jesus, as the hymn goes. You died for all of mankind, and, praise God, You then arose.
P. A. Oltrogge
“He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, ‘O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.’” Matthew 26:39
“For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.” Colossians 1:19-20
“Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead.” Acts 10:40-41
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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.” Matthew 11:28-29
What a Friend
What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! Oh, what peace we often forfeit–oh, what needless pain we bear. All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a Friend so faithful, who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness. Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge–take it to the Lord in prayer. Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer. In His arms, He’ll take and shield thee–thou wilt find a solace there.
Amen
Joseph Scriven/author Charles C. Converse/composer
“You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.” John 14:15-16
In addition to hearing the others on the entire program, you may want to hear the prophetic message given by Dutch’s brother, Tim Sheets, in the last half of last night’s “Flashpoint” programming, now available at http://www.govictory.com/flashpoint
The Porch of the Lord 