“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 4:16
Dear Father in Heaven,
You’ve told us that we should be bold in coming to Your throne of grace; so, Father, as Your child, I come boldly to that place.
Jesus taught us to pray, and we thank You for our daily bread; yet there’s something I’d like to add for the hours in the day ahead…
“Give us this day our daily”…miracles, is that for which I ask. You’re a miracle-working God; I know You’re more than up to the task!
“On earth as it is in heaven,” is prayed for Your will to be done, which is an appeal to see Your goodness, as stated perfectly by Your Son.
I wonder if a day went by, when Jesus was ministering on earth as a man, where His disciples didn’t see the miraculous within the day’s span.
If so, it might have been because of a lack of faith to expect. To be expectant of daily miracles, is something I shouldn’t neglect.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, The God of our salvation! Selah” Psalm 68:19
“Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” Ephesians 1:15-23
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen” Ephesians 3:20-21
Matthew 6:8-13 The Lord’s Prayer
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
“There are only two ways you can live: by faith or by sight.” Quote/Keith Moore
His “Faith School” is at http://www.faithschool.org where are found many enlightening Biblical teachings on living by faith.
Thank you, Lord, for your care and even miracles in our daily lives and especially for any of your children who are going through difficult circumstances….
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.” Isaiah 43:2
“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18 KJV
At times, people wonder why God “permits” some things; but, really, we know it’s from Him that all hope springs. Our adversary is the devil, the scriptures clearly state; so prayer and keeping faith in God will determine our fate.
The tenacity of a bulldog with a bone may be required to see the manifestation of some things we’ve desired. I will say of the Lord, He is my God in whom I trust– Voicing God’s Word is wise, is creative power, and is a must.
“The Word of the Lord is proven,” forever His Word is true. “This I know, that God is for me” applies firmly to you. We must not fall for the devil’s lies, giving in to despair– God knows all of our concerns, and He definitely does care.
Faith and patience in many things are often the key– so say it always, with sure conviction, “Jesus loves me!” As for God, His way is perfect–we’re never forgotten. This we know, through faith in the Son, whom God has begotten.
P. A. Oltrogge
“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.” John 3:16 NKJV
“…For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 NKJV
“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.” Hebrews 10:35 KJV
“I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.” Psalm 91:2 KJV
“He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.” Deuteronomy 32:4 NKJV
“As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.” 2 Samuel 22:31 and Psalm 18:30 NKJV
“Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call; This I know, that God is for me.” Psalm 56:9 NASB
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 NASB
“…that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:12 NASB
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints….” Ephesians 6:18 KJV
For prayer support, visit http://www.govictory.com 24/7 (morning prayer M-F, 9:30 a.m. ET (8:30 a.m. CT), for viewing the program). To call, the number is 877-281-6297, where you can pray with and for others for their needs or submit a prayer request of your own. That number can also be reached throughout the day until 11:00 p.m. ET, (10:00 p.m. CT).
Looking for a trusted leader? Then, you need to look no more, for Jesus Christ is the leader every one of us is looking for.
Kingdoms of this world arise, and there are those that fall; but Christ and His eternal kingdom reign preeminently over them all.
We can read of the rulers of history, both the bad or the good; but it’s the Lordship of Jesus Christ that must be fully understood.
Sent from His Father, God, Jesus came to us as a servant, sharing God’s love on earth in a manner that was selfless and fervent.
He emptied Himself of His position, to live and die as a man, winning redemption for all who’ll believe, in fulfillment of God’s plan.
He spoke of His Father’s goodness, and He told us how to live. He said that we were to love others, to serve them, and to forgive.
Jesus said that if we followed Him, we’d actually find what’s best. He taught the importance of prayer, and that, thereby, we’d be blessed.
Looking for a trusted leader? He can be contacted from any nation. “If anyone is in Christ, they’ve become a new creation.”
Receive, for yourself, Jesus’ leadership, the ruler who shall reign forever. What a true and faithful King He is. Will He fail us or forsake us? Never!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:5-8 NASB
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?’” Matthew 16:24-25 NKJV
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13 KJV
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV
“And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:23-24 NKJV
“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.” Matthew 6:9-13 KJV
“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 8:38-39 NKJV
“Love never fails….” 1 Corinthians 13:8 NKJV
“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5 NKJV
“Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.’” Revelation 11:15 NKJV
“And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, ‘Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns.’”
“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True….”
“And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” Revelation 19:6, 11, and 16 NKJV
Have you read about or heard of a story…regarding a tough situation,
where prayer turned things around with a kind of heavenly litigation?
It’s good to remember such times, of great breakthroughs coming about,
when believers joined their faith in prayer, effectively driving out doubt.
This can also be likened to a soldier in battle–weary from fighting hard,
when suddenly fresh troops come to his aid, to relieve him and stand guard.
It’s wise to make declarations of faith when traveling down a difficult way;
but often we need our family in Christ, to join together with us to pray.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:19-20
“Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.” Acts 12:5
“So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying.” Acts 12:12 (and Peter escaped prison by an angel of the Lord, sent in answer to their prayers)
“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–” Ephesians 6:17-18
“Be kindly affectionate to one another, with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer, distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.” Romans 12:10-13
“When I cry out to you, Then my enemies will turn back; This I know, because God is for me.” Psalm 56:9
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
For an update on Ukraine–how God is answering prayer, and specific prayer guidance, visit http://www.ifapray.org
And for a moment of reflecting on the Trinity of God on this St. Patrick’s Day:
“Top of the morning” to you, on this St. Patrick’s Day! May all of God’s wonderful blessings graciously come your way.
It’s said that St. Patrick used the shamrock, which has leaves of three, as an illustration to the Irish people of God’s holy Trinity.
Just as a shamrock is composed of three separate leaves, yet is one– the almighty God of the Bible is the Father, Holy Spirit, and the Son.
Shamrocks have been associated with “luck,” but God’s promises are sure. While shamrocks cannot last, God’s loving kindness will forever endure.
Today is a day when many will turn to thoughts of the Emerald Isle; but may we daily be sure to turn our thoughts to the Lord for a while.
And on a day when some may be thinking of “wearing the green,” may the people of God reflect His joy, which is the best thing to be seen.
P. A. Oltrogge
“…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are one.” 1 John 5:7 KJV
Of the Word, Jesus, it’s written: “And the Word was made 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 KJV
“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 NKJV
“…’If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:20-21NIV
Recently I was criticized by someone I know, for believing that Jesus is Lord.
That they would do this made me sad for a while, but then my peace was restored.
God brought to my mind a hopeful thought of the caterpillar to butterfly metamorphosis instead.
I then saw my critic as a “caterpillar,” whose spiritual blindness could eventually be “shed.”
For God can transform those who are opposed to Him; for instance, Saul became the Apostle Paul.
Though once a persecutor of Christians himself, he was changed and responded to God’s call.
As Saul, he consented to the stoning of Stephen, and it’s possible that Stephen’s prayer at his own death…
brought about Saul’s Damascus Road conversion. “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin,” were the last words from Stephen’s breath.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
(Account of Stephen’s ministry and Saul’s conversion, Acts 6-9)
It can surely be said that the Apostle Paul went from denying Christ to fully relying on Him.
Photos/Pexels
As always, Dutch Sheets presses us today to persevere in prayer. Evil and heartless things have transpired, but we’ve also seen and heard of good things which have inspired, even the miraculous. As with Stephen’s prayer, our prayers for those who do evil, or for those who oppose our faith in Jesus as Savior and in Biblical values, are a way of “feeding” and “giving drink” to our enemies. Many have come to realize, or will come to realize, their hunger and thirst for the one true God….
A clanging cymbal, a noisy gong, that’s how a life is without love–so wrong! If you speak of the future, possessing that gift, know mysteries and knowledge, but don’t show love, you’re adrift.
Even if you have faith that seems to be heaping, in God’s eyes–without love–nothing is what you’ll be reaping. If you have faith that could remove a mountain, without love, your life can be compared to a dried-up fountain.
If you give all your possessions to feed the poor but have not love, you’ll always be unsure of the mark you’ve made in this world that needs your true love and compassion scattered as seeds.
If you give even your life, with your body being burned– without love in your heart, there’s nothing you’ve earned. Be patient, be kind–don’t be jealous or brag– nor be arrogant or act unbecomingly–those things bring a snag.
Don’t let yourself be provoked, and forsake insisting upon your own way; don’t take into account wrongs suffered in a fray. Don’t be glad about things unpleasing to God, but be glad about what’s good. In love–bear, believe, hope and endure all things as He would.
Other gifts will cease, but real love is enduring; the partial will give way to a full maturing. Now things in the mirror are dimly seen, but, one day, all will be clear with a crystal sheen.
Faith, hope, and love–these three you can rate, but love will always be the greatest of the great. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control– Scatter these seeds and be a contented soul.
P. A. Oltrogge
(poetic thoughts from 1 Corinthians 13)
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” words of Jesus in John 13:34-35
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us; an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” Ephesians 4:32-5:1-2
“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor….Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12: 9, 10, 21 (and all of the chapter)
“Then I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.” Daniel 9:3
On this Ash Wednesday…
Today is the first day of Lent…which some observe through wearing of ashes. As Christians, we use today as a means to bring remembrance of the lashes…
taken by our Savior, who was whipped and mocked in our stead– Then Jesus bore a cross to be crucified for our sins, but rose again from the dead.
Ashes can remind of our own deaths, for God formed Adam from the dust. When Jesus prayed in Gethsemane, His Father’s will became His, “I must.”
Jesus, the “last Adam,” and Son of Man, bore the penalty for all of our sins…Now anyone who receives Him finds that, through Christ, new life begins.
P. A. Oltrogge
“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life;and man became a living being.” Genesis 2:7
“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:22
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“And so it is written, ‘The first man Adam became a living being.’ The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.” 1 Corinthians 15:45
“He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.” Psalm 103:10-14
“Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous actthe free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous. Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:18-21
The symbol of the cross is seen throughout the world. Yet, at its life-saving message, contempt is sometimes hurled. Many say that it’s foolish and that, to them, it doesn’t make sense. For if God is loving, they think they should be able to dispense with its message of Christ being Savior as the one way to God’s heart. But that is its true meaning which God, the Father, still seeks to impart.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son….” It’s through Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection that our salvation was won. Life blessed and “more abundant” can also be ours, Jesus said– not only for eternity, but for “today” and every new day ahead. We can do philanthropic deeds, but they won’t carry enough weight. We must accept Christ’s sacrifice to secure entrance at heaven’s gate.
This isn’t always accepted by some who’ve earned higher learning, but it’s through study of the scriptures, that one comes to be discerning. Sometimes it takes a demonstration, by the Holy Spirit, of God’s power to convince them of Christ’s Lordship; and it’s then, that faith will flower. The message of the cross is that God loved us beyond measure– May those who find it “foolish” find, instead, their greatest treasure.
P. A. Oltrogge
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us, who are being saved, it is the power of God. For it is written:
‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent, I will frustrate.’
“Where is the wise person? Where is the leader of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified; a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things–and the things that are not–to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God–that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.’”
1 Corinthians 1:18-31 NIV
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 KJV
“I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 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. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” John 10:9-11 NKJV
The Porch of the Lord 