Jesus, Closer than a Brother

…photo/Porch of the Lord

“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24 NKJV

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

(Scriptures: NKJV)

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

…health and healing…a gift from God

“For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth.” Psalm 139:13-15 NASB

”Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 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. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.” James 1:16-18

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11 KJV or Psalm 34:10

“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.” Proverbs 4:20-22 

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits, Who pardons all your iniquities; Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with loving kindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.” Psalm 103:1-5

“While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, ‘Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?’ As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, ‘Do not be afraid; only believe.’” (from the account of the healing of the daughter of Jairus, in Mark 5:21-43.)

“Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 RSV

“…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

“…but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most high shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in Him I will trust!” Psalm 91:1-2

“No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling.” Psalm 91:10

______________

Thank the Lord that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Resist accepting illness when an aspect of health seems to fade.

Don’t abuse your body’s health by starting to worry about it. Trust God’s Word that you’re healed and, then, refuse to doubt it.

…claim the blood of Jesus….the name of Jesus!

P. A. Oltrogge

“But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’ And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly, You are the Son of God,’” Matthew 14:22-33

Whether you consult a physician or not for a particular problem, be encouraged by “God’s Healing Word” by Trina Hankins, which includes her testimony (healing of allergies, asthma, and an inoperable brain tumor), as well as her insights on healing. Included with it is a CD (also available by itself) that uses numerous translations of healing Bible verses, read by Mark Hankins. (The blue book includes the CD.) The book or CD are available at the Store at http://www.markhankins.org

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” Psalm 143:8 NIV

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted (NIV, below)

The Lord of the Pillar of Cloud and Fire

“Then they set out from Succoth and camped in Etham on the edge of the wilderness. And the Lord was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.” Exodus 13:20-22

“And with a pillar of cloud Thou didst lead them by day and with a pillar of fire by night to light for them the way in which they were to go.” Nehemiah 9:12

Moses, a Hebrew by birth, was called by God to lead His Hebrew people out–from the ancient land of Egypt to a prayed-for promised land route. Through his obedience and God’s powerful hand, their burdened lives as slaves…came to be changed forever because the good Lord hears and saves.

God had heard their desperate cries–and had seen the severe oppression. After many God-sent plagues, Pharaoh finally made his concession. So hardhearted had he been, that it had taken a very mighty blow, to his own and all Egyptian families, before he would let God’s people go.

Many pestilences had been tried–including frogs and boils on man and beast–hail, insects, darkness, and finally, death of firstborns of the greatest man’s home to the least. That was the deciding plague, which caused the barrier to the Hebrews’ freedom to be broken–while they, in Goshen, were spared, for blood on their doorposts had “spoken.”

Yes, blood from an unblemished lamb on each lintel and doorpost was spread. This proclaimed that their lives should be preserved because of a lamb that had bled. They had shared the first Passover meal–a feast remembered to this day, which points to God’s sacrificial lamb in Christ–now the Good Shepherd who leads our way.

After the Passover, God guided His people with a pillar of cloud in their sight. And for gains through night-time travel, He led by a pillar of fire for needed light. Quick to regret, Pharaoh pursued the former captives to the brink of the great Red Sea; but the angel of God and God’s pillar of cloud kept the Hebrews secure and free.

This protection and time were needed, for Moses to stretch forth his hand. The Lord swept back the sea with a wind all night, creating, for the Hebrews, dry land. God’s people then made their way safely, with walls of water on each side. They followed the leadership of Moses, casting any fears they might have had aside.

God brought Pharaoh’s army into confusion. Then the Lord gave Moses the instruction–to stretch forth his hand again, which made way for the pursuers’ destruction. From out of the pillar of cloud, God caused the Egyptian’s chariot wheels to sway. The waters turned back and drowned them all, giving the Hebrews victory that day.

Protection and guidance were provided back then through God’s pillar of cloud and fire. Therefore, let’s seek the same Lord of those ancient days, who calls us to a life that’s higher. Today a “promised land” is yours through the leading of the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ, God’s Son. Abundant life now and an eternal home with God are freely offered to everyone.

P. A. Oltrogge

(Based on the Old Testament account in the book of Exodus) 

New Testament references:

“And Peter said to them ‘Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 2:38

Words of Jesus:

“The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly.” John 10:10

“And while they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body.’ And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.'” Matthew 26:26-28

“These things Jesus spoke; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He saiid, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify Thy Son, that the Son may glorify Thee, even as Thou gavest Him authority over all mankind, that to all whom Thou hast given Him, He may give eternal life. And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.” John 17: 1-3

“’Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going.’ Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.'” John 14:1-7

Scriptures: NASB, Ryrie Study Bible

A Rose in the Rain

When facing difficulties…

And for any men reading this, you could be compared to a strong tree that is able to weather storms…

Beloved, to God, you are His rose in the rain; and don’t ever think He doesn’t feel your pain. Trials aren’t sent to us by the Lord–No, they’re deep rivers that He alone helps us ford.

The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy, but we’ve got God’s Word to foil the thief’s ploy. God’s promises are sure–He never has lied; and the desire of your heart will surely be supplied!

With our eyes on God’s Word, we persevere. We know this fulfillment is already here! For faith says right now what isn’t seen with our eyes, because we know that our God has heard our hearts’ cries.

A rose in the rain, but you’re hardy and strong—You trust in God’s Word and in Him to Whom you belong. There’s an answer in God for every problem we face; so we thank You, Heavenly Father, for the answer by Your grace.

P. A. Oltrogge

“The righteous cry and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” Psalm 34:17-19

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” spoken by Jesus in John 10:10

“Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” Ephesians 6:10-20 

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

“Only be thou strong and very courageous….” Joshua 1:7

Be blessed to view small but powerful “Minibooks” (English and Spanish) at the Bookstore at http://www.rhema.org

Click on “Bookstore,” then “Books” and go to the left column to scroll down to find “Minibooks”

“In Him” is an excellent one, which helps believers learn more about who they are and what they have in Christ.

An “Easy” Meditation

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

There’ve been times when one of the biggest mistakes that I have made…is to think that something’s just too hard, even after I’ve prayed.

“Is there anything too hard for Me?” the God of all creation asks. Of course not. He’s the Champion of creative miracle tasks.

In Bible scene after scene, we see situations that are an example. Recalling the hand of God in them, His help was more than ample.

The Bible speaks of some difficult times, ahead of Jesus’ return; but we’re to share about victory in Him, so that others still can learn.

More need to trust in Jesus, our Savior, amid the world’s distress; and we, as believers, know…that God’s deepest desire is to bless.

“EASY” is the encouraging word that my thoughts, in faith, should take. That which seems insurmountable to me–for God, is “a piece of cake!”

P. A. Oltrogge

The last few words of this poem have been used by Ashley and Carlie Terradez of http://www.terradezministries.com in referring to the ease with which God can do the seemingly impossible. Their daughter, Hannah, was rescued from dying when very young. A video of that story is at “About Us” on the website. Carlie’s book, “Miracles & Healing Made Easy” can also be obtained there. They emphasize that their ministry is about empowering believers to walk in the promises of God.

“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 4:20-21

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23

“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

“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

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

The Lord is good, and His mercy endures forever!” Psalm 136:1

Colorado Autumn

September/October’s description…

Colorado wonderfully displays its yearly golden glow, which is grandly reflected in the aspens before the coming winter’s snow.

Backed by the beauty of mountains, seen most everywhere, our thoughts turn to the Creator amidst the fresh but chilly air.

There’s nothing like going on a hike when golden leaves start falling down–it gives a great refreshing from the busyness of town.

To join up with a friend, as leaves on a trail crunch under our feet, is the perfect combination to make for a day that is complete.

Creating the image of a snow shower, the wind in the trees takes leaves of gold, and shakes them loose in a golden “rain”–they’re unable to keep their hold.

We’re blessed to suddenly hear the sound of a nearby flowing brook, which reminds of our thirst for the living God, as shared in His holy book.

At times, along the trail, various kinds of wildlife do cross by us. Such scenes foster the serenity which brings relief from things that try us.

All the surrounding beauty remains in our hearts when we depart–to return again to home, while we say, “My God, how great Thou art!”

P. A. Oltrogge

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” Psalm 42:1-2 NIV

“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.” Acts 17:24-27 NIV

“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, (Jesus Christ) whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” Hebrews 1:1-4 NKJV

Colorado beauty…
Photos/Porch of the Lord

HE Strengthens Me

I’ve got some mountains to climb

and I need to feel prime…

So I thought of that script,

which says that I’m equipped:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

He strengthens me; HE strengthens me…

With each step forward, He strengthens me;

with each step up, He strengthens me.

If I suffer a setback, He strengthens me.

If I feel weak, I’ll resist being distraught…

No, “He strengthens me” must be my thought,

for that is what the scriptures have taught.

This confidence I have, for I’m blood-bought.

So, “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might,”

just as David found strength in God for a Goliath fight!

P. A. Oltrogge

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 NKJV

“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 NKJV

“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

“Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.” Acts 20:28 NASB

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 John 1:2 NKJV

“(The Armor of God) Finally, Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” Ephesians 6:10 NASB

“Then David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. This day the Lord will deliver you up into my hands….’” 1 Samuel 17:45-46 NASB

“For by You I can run against a troop; By my God I can leap over a wall.”
2 Samuel 22:30 NKJV

“For You will light my lamp;
The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.
For by You I can run against a troop,
By my God I can leap over a wall.
As for God, His way is perfect;
The word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all who trust in Him.

“For who is God, except the Lord?
And who is a rock, except our God?
It is God who arms me with strength,
And makes my way perfect.
He makes my feet like the feet of deer,
And sets me on my high places.” Psalm 18:28-33 NKJV

Photos/Pixabay

Postscript:
Whatever you have to do,
the Lord will see you through!

For “101 Things God Said About Healing,” Old Testament and New, go to http://www.moorelife.org and click on “Word Supply” and then “Resources,” and scroll down in order to click on and view the healing scriptures.

God bless you….

Prayer for the Upcoming Elections

…After having read/viewed the post by Dutch Sheets of October 7th, “The Angels are Now Positioned,” I’m sure, like me, you were greatly encouraged regarding prayers that have been said for the United States (and in praying for other nations). The following was written before seeing that post, which told of angels surrounding America. You may have said a similar prayer to the one below….

“Are they (the angels) not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” Hebrews 1:13-14 NKJV

——————–

Father, preserve our country of America–we look to you for your hand of protection. We pray that its leaders will heed your Word, instead of dishonoring it with their rejection.

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”  We pray for those in or running for office, who promise good, but may be speaking lies under their breath.

Convict them when they don’t really care about those whom they’re supposed to be serving.  Dissuade the citizens from casting their votes for those who are undeserving.

Give us, Father, the wise leadership that we have prayed for and so very much need. Remove, and keep from office, those who are motivated only by their own ambitions and greed.

We pray against cheating and fraud in the upcoming election–and that the people will carefully study the records of the candidates before making any selection.

We pray there will be a turning away from supporting those who align with the darkness of abortion.  When we stand for the innocent, then goodness and mercy in life will be our portion.

You’ve said, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”  To have representatives who oppose you and your Word is something we have never been able to afford.

So, the citizens themselves need to seek you and your will in order for America to remain good.  We plead the blood of Jesus over this land, in order to have the righteous leaders that we should.

…in Jesus’ name, 

Amen

There is a way that seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death.  Proverbs 16:25

These six things the Lord hates,
Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
A proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil,
A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren.  Proverbs 6:16-19

The counsel of the Lord stands forever,
The plans of His heart to all generations.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
The people He has chosen as His own inheritance.  Proverbs 33:11-12

Wondrously show Your (marvelous and amazing) lovingkindness, O Savior of those who take refuge at Your right hand from those who rise up against them.  Keep me (in Your affectionate care, protect me) as the apple of Your eye; Hide me in the (protective) shadow of Your wings. Psalm 17:7-8 AMP (Protect your people everywhere, Lord, in these times…and may many who don’t yet believe, come to faith in you….)

…prayer composition/P. A. Oltrogge

See the July post in Archives, “Prayer Declaration from the Georgia Flashpoint Live Meeting”

Angels on Assignment

The delicate beauty of this Queen Anne’s Lace 
was designed by the Lord, who gives amazing grace…
Those who make Jesus their Lord, gain the gift of salvation;
and angels are assigned to minister to them in every nation.


When Joseph, betrothed to the virgin Mary, learned that she was pregnant, a situation troubling for him to understand,

an angel in a dream revealed to him that the child had been conceived by the Holy Spirit, for the Savior’s birth, which God had planned.

At Jesus’ birth, in Bethlehem, then, the skies were filled with rejoicing angels of great number,

appearing to shepherds, keeping watch over their flock, amid people’s nighttime slumber.

Again, in a dream, an angel spoke to Joseph, to flee to Egypt to escape Herod’s attack,

until he would tell him, at a later time, when and where it would be safe for them to come back.

As an adult, and after His baptism by John, Jesus experienced a time of temptation.

He fasted in the wilderness and withstood the devil’s taunts. Then angels ministered to Him after its duration.

Much later, at prayer in Gethsemane’s garden, Jesus began to feel very great distress

about fulfilling His Father’s will at the cross. So His Father sent an angel there to bless,

strengthen, and comfort Him…as the time for His trial and crucifixion had begun to loom.

Perhaps the angel reminded Jesus that He would be raised up—in victory over the tomb.

Scripture states that Jesus endured the cross because, ahead, He could see the joy—

He would be loved as our Redeemer…from the devil’s works, which He had come to destroy.

Upon His resurrection, heaven sent angels to greet early mourners at the tomb’s site,

to tell them that Jesus had been raised from the dead, dispelling any sorrow they’d had or fright.

Then, we read in Acts, of when Simon Peter, the Lord’s disciple, had been wrongfully jailed,

that God sent an angel to work a jailbreak, proving that Peter’s brethren’s prayers hadn’t failed.

And the apostle, Paul, was on a ship to Rome, sailing in a turbulent storm at sea—

when an angel appeared to him with a message, that no loss of life would there be.

Angels are noted throughout scripture. They minister to the heirs of salvation.

As believers, we are recipients of their aid, and they serve throughout every nation.

I thank the Lord for their service, for their presence as we walk life’s many trails.

I can think of times past when I sensed their protection. Through faith, prayer, and their help, God’s Kingdom never fails.

P. A. Oltrogge

References: Matthew 1:18-24; Matthew 2; Luke 2:1-20; Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:9-12; Luke 22:41-44; Hebrews 12:2; 1 John 3:8; Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:11-13; Acts 12; Acts 27:23-25; Hebrews 1:13-14

“I sought the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears…
The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.” Psalm 34:4, 7 NKJV

“Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.” Psalm 103:20 KJV

“Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty, Who cover yourself with light as with a garment, Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain. He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters, Who makes the clouds His chariot, Who walks on the wings of the wind, Who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flame of fire.” Psalm 104:1-4 NKJV

“Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ, the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.’” Luke 2:10-12 NKJV

“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.” Matthew 18:10-11 NKJV

“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 NKJV

”He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8 NKJV

“Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” Hebrews 1:13-14 NKJV

“For He shall give His angels charge over you , to keep you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11 NKJV

“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts! Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all you stars of light!” Psalm 148:1-3 NKJV

Please view “The Angels are now Positioned” today at:

http://www.givehim15.com 

Don’t lose heart….

“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

Don’t lose heart, even if you’ve experienced hard disappointments, for according to this scripture, we can count on seeing divine appointments.

Serving the One who, in love, died for you, can only be right to do; and it will help you forget any hurts, to serve and love others, too.

There are people looking for hope that there still is a God who cares; and those of the household of faith may need His help through your prayers.

“Those who trust Him wholly, find Him wholly true,” it’s said. He’s seen every tear, so thank Him, for the good along the way and up ahead. 

P. A. Oltrogge

“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13

“You number my wanderings;
Put my tears into Your bottle;
Are they not in Your book?
When I cry out to You,
Then my enemies will turn back;
This I know, because God is for me.” Psalm 56:8-9

“Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me.  All day long I put my hope in you.” Psalm 25:5 NLT

“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:11-12

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

“We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 NLT

“Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing. We proudly tell God’s other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering. And God will use this persecution to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering.” 2 Thessalonians 1:3-5 NLT

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” James 1:2-3 NASB

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

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3 NLT

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted