Angels on Assignment

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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.

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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

Talk by Faith

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“I an not afraid; I only believe!”

…from the account of the raising up of the daughter of Jairus…

“When He was still speaking, someone came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, ‘Your daughter has died; do not trouble the Teacher any more.’ But when Jesus heard this, he answered him, ‘Do not be afraid any longer, only believe, and she will be made well.'” Luke 8:49-50 NASB

“I am not afraid; I only believe…”
When I pray, I believe I receive.

“I am not afraid; I only believe…”
By speaking in faith, worries are relieved.

“I am not afraid; I only believe…”
overcomes any fears that the devil may weave.

If a matter hasn’t yet come to its desired perfection,
just say, “Everything is headed in the right direction.”

Even if it seems as if all hope is gone,
remember the Lord’s mercies are new at every dawn.

Trusting God has heard and will answer your prayers,
cast upon Him, every one of your cares.

P. A. Oltrogge

“–for we walk by faith, not by sight–we are of good courage….”
2 Corinthians 5:7-8 NASB

It follows that if we walk by faith, we also talk by faith! Though that’s not always easy if faced with challenging circumstances, it’s greatly beneficial, according to the Word of God.

“He who guards his mouth and his tongue, guards his soul from troubles.” Proverbs 21:23 NASB

“The mouth of a righteous man is a fountain of life….” Proverbs 10:11 NASB

“The one who guards his mouth preserves his life.” Proverbs 13:3 NASB

“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and healing to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24 NASB

“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope. 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

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all you care upon him, for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 KJV

Quote by Kenneth Copeland:
“Fear tolerated is faith contaminated.”

Excellent book, “Faith to Faith”
available at http://www.kcm.org

Enter into God’s Kingdom

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Yes, Christians, in every walk of life, are working to persuade
that “the way” to eternal life for every person has been made.

Because of Jesus’ life, ministry, death and resurrection–
through Him, our Father God sees any believer in perfection.

And you don’t have to take one Christian’s word alone,
for there’ve been many testimonies that conclusively have shown

that Jesus is alive–His Father is still giving time to decide
to accept His invitation, which is going out worldwide,

to be a part of His kingdom through Jesus, His spotless Lamb–
an invitation very graciously extended by the great “I AM.”

Please respond as soon as you can–one thing unknown is the exact date,
of when things will come to a close, so it’s very wise not to wait.

There are really just two kingdoms, one of darkness and one of light.
Come into the kingdom of God’s dear Son, the only choice that’s right.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'” John 14:6 NKJV

“Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too.”
2 Corinthians 5:11 NLT

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

“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” 1 John 5:11 NIV

“Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” 1 John 5:12 NIV

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 NKJV

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” Matthew 24:36-37 NKJV

“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

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” John 5:24 NKJV

Testimonies to watch or read at http://www.awmi.net
Also search: You Tube Jerry Savelle Terri’s Fingers

Photo: “Little Heaven”
Unsplash

Where the Spirit of the Lord is…

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“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”
2 Corinthians 3:17 NKJV

So grateful, as we see the fireworks displayed,
that this is a land founded by people who prayed…

So many who recognized that this world’s true King—
is Jesus, the Christ—Lord above everything.

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty;
and it’s through God’s beloved Son that men are truly free.

P. A. Oltrogge

“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.'” John 8:31-32 NKJV

“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36 NKJV

“…no man can say that Jesus is the Lord but by the Holy Ghost.”
1 Corinthians 12:3 KJV

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, and to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” spoken by Jesus in Luke 4:18-19 KJV

“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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” spoken by Jesus in John 3:16-17 KJV

Scatter Genuine Love

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)

Scriptures NASB

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A Father’s Love

The Prodigal Son, a parable Jesus told….

Once there was a man who had two sons fully grown,
and the younger asked for his inheritance to go off on his own.
So the father divided his wealth and the younger son went away,
while the older one was loyal to his father and knew that he would stay.

In a distant land, the younger squandered all of his part of the estate.
He lived in a wild and unwise manner, and poverty became his fate.
A famine occurred in that country, and he couldn’t get ahead;
he was hired to take care of swine and longed to eat what they were fed.

At that time, he came to his senses and remembered his father’s care–
even his father’s servants had always had meals that were generous fare.
So he thought out what he would say about the restoration he desired.
“I’m no longer worthy to be my father’s son–I’ll just ask to be one who’s hired.”

He then traveled back to his home, and the father saw him when still far away–
then ran to embrace and kiss him, before even hearing what he had to say.
The son repented of all he’d done, telling all that had been on his mind;
and there he found compassion and a heart that was only kind.

The father called to his servants to clothe the young man with all of the best–
the best robe, ring, and sandals—even with a banquet, he’d be blessed.
A celebration was called for everyone, for this was a time to rejoice!
But out in the fields, the older son stopped, having heard his father’s voice.

At the sound of the merriment, he inquired of the servants of what had just transpired. They told him that his brother was home, and that a celebration was what his father desired. He became angry then and wasn’t willing to even go inside, but his father came out to entreat him–he wanted him to be alongside.

The older son said, “…For so many years I’ve been serving you, and I’ve never neglected a command….” He complained that he felt what his brother deserved was his father’s reprimand. “My child, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours,” the father said. But they needed to rejoice for this son now lived. “This brother of yours was dead–

He was lost and has been found,” he said–much like a Shepherd rejoices to find
a lost sheep that had strayed far from the fold but had always remained on His mind.

P. A. Oltrogge

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From Luke 15:11-32

“I am the good shepherd and I know My own, and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father, and I lay down My life for the sheep.” words of Jesus in John 10:14-15

Train Ride

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I was traveling on a train that had many stops it would be making…
but I knew my destination and which stop that I’d be taking.

I thought I’d ask the traveler next to me where he was going to go;
then, surprisingly, he said it wasn’t something he could know.

I thought that that was rather odd, for one needs to be quite sure,
for travelers can’t ride indefinitely on a never-ending tour.

I’d researched my destination, having heard it was a beautiful place;
but my fellow traveler’s plans were vague and uncertain in his case.

Eventually, he’d need to get off—there would come an end to the trail.
It reminded me of those who travel equally vaguely, but on a spiritual rail.

They think that any exit will get them to a final place of peace,
but they haven’t secured the ticket to where God’s love will never cease.

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life…don’t travel until it’s too dark.
Secure your ticket by taking Him as Savior—then you’ll KNOW where you will disembark.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:6 NKJV

“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2 NKJV

For those who like to have a good book along to read on a journey,
the Holy Bible is the very top of the list. An inspiring one
also is Living a Life of Fire, the autobiography
of Reinhard Bonnke, bearer of good news to Africa and the world.
Available at http://www.christianbook.com or other book sources.

The Good Samaritan

Jesus told the story of a man left half dead,
having fallen among thieves, who stripped and beat him, Jesus said.

There was no one to help the man until a priest came by;
but he saw him and continued on, not caring if the man would die.

After that, another, called a Levite, came upon the site,
but he, too, hurried on, with no regard to this man’s plight.

Then came a certain Samaritan, who, despite his journey’s goal,
forgot his own plans and took steps to see that this man would be made whole.

He bandaged up the man’s wounds, applying oil and wine–
“Every life is important,” he must have thought, “What if it were mine?”

He took the man to an inn and cared for him the rest of the day;
the next morning he paid the innkeeper to do so, in order to be on his way.

“If more than that is needed,” he said, “I’ll repay you when I come back.”
His compassion was deep, and he needed to see that he’d recovered from the attack.

Jesus finished the story and asked who’d been the man’s neighbor of the three.
A lawyer answered, “The one who showed mercy to him”–and, likewise, so should we…

not pass up opportunities to help any who need our care;
but instead, on a daily basis, of such times, may we be quickly aware.

(postscript to the above…)

Before Jesus told of this story, the same lawyer had put Him to a test–
“What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He thought that he knew this best.

Jesus pointed him to the Law—to love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind; and then to love your neighbor as yourself—these two, really, are intertwined.

If someone says they love God, whom they’ve not actually seen with their eyes,
yet is merciless or hates his brother whom he’s seen, the Bible says that he lies.

Jesus emphasized that loving God was the great and foremost command.
But, again, He said, that these two laws always go hand in hand.

By this, Jesus taught of God’s perfect plan–
Love God and love your fellow man.

But there’s only been one who has ever fulfilled God’s laws in a perfect way–
Jesus Christ, Himself, who has been our example, Teacher, Savior and Lord,
from then until this present day.

P. A. Oltrogge

1 John 4:20, 21 “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.”

Matthew 22:37-40 “And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.’”

Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.”

From Luke 10:25-28 and Luke 10:29-37
From John 13:13-15

opportunities to minister
through appropriately named:
http://www.samaritanspurse.org

Who do you say that Jesus is?

“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He began asking His disciples, saying, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, and others, Elijah, but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ And Simon Peter answered and said, ‘Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.’” Matthew 16:13-16

Some say that Jesus Christ was just a man in a world history book,
while others call Him God–so it’s best to take another look.
Assurance of eternal destiny is a topic much thought about–
If your answer for that is doubtful, the truth can easily be found out.

Wouldn’t a loving God provide help to find your way?
Yes, through the Holy Bible–it’s where He has His say.
In fact, God wants the news to spread about sending us His Son.
Through Christ’s death on a criminal’s cross, redemption for all was won.

“Why would I need ‘redemption,’” you ask; “I’ve lived a life that’s good.”
Well, we were meant to live holy, but God saw that we never could.
He alone is holy, righteous, almighty, and the supreme justice-keeper.
He’s the very source of love, of which there’s none that’s deeper.

It’s an often-told and familiar truth that Christ came down to earth
to pay the penalty for our sins, offering to every one of us “new birth.”
“In the beginning was the Word,” and in Christ, “the Word became flesh.”
He is that Word, and it’s by Him that our lives can begin afresh.

There’s no other name under heaven that has been given among men
by which we must be saved than that of Jesus Christ, my friend.
Sadly, some who don’t believe still use His name in swearing,
not recognizing that it’s the Name that signifies God’s caring.

And others, in profanity, speak carelessly, using “hell.”
Many doubt its existence, but it’s real and where some dwell.
“On what proof,” you ask, “does anyone stand who so emphatically states
that there is really no other way to gain entrance at heaven’s gates?”

The proof is in God’s goodness, confirmed as the Holy Spirit flows,
through all that’s said in the Bible and as all creation shows.
The Bible says we’re without excuse if we don’t perceive these things–
Please trust the words of Jesus and find the blessings that He brings.

Those who go on to eternity, rejecting the gift of God’s grace
will miss the joy of one day seeing our loving Savior’s face.
So simply answer Christ’s question now of, “Who do you say that I am?”
by receiving Him as your own Savior and Lord–God’s sacrificial Lamb.

P. A. Oltrogge

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:12-14

“Let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead–by this name this man stands here before you in good health. He is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, but which became the very cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:10-12

“…because that which is known about God is evident within them for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world, His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” Romans 1:19,20

“But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe, for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:21-26

“For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears attend to their prayer; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:12

“And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you who to fear: fear the One who after He has killed has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him! Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? And yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:4-7

“If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” 1 John 1:8-10

“The next day he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!'” John 1:29

Scriptures NASB

Consider books, studies, You Tube:
of Billy Graham, Kenneth Copeland, Andrew Wommack

http://www.awmi.net
undeniable testimonies of Jesus as healer–
scroll down to Vonya Currey, currently featured, and others

“Believe Me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves.” words of Jesus in John 14:11 NKJV