And in despair I bowed my head: “There is no peace on earth,” I said; “For hate is strong And mocks the song Of peace on earth, good will to men!”
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: “God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, With peace on earth, good will to men.”
by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
“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.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
“‘Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!'” Luke 2:10-14
“But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” spoken by Jesus in Luke 6:32-36 and see all of the chapter…
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:7-11
“If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.” 1 John 4:20-21
“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 3:22-23 RSV
Various translations of the Bible may state a scripture in a slightly different way. Regarding the verse above, here’s what I sometimes like to think or say…
His mercies are new every moment, for He will never forsake me. To me, that’s good to recall always–that His goodness and mercy overtake me…
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You–is another encouraging verse–especially when we’ve done all that we can possibly do.
Cast your burden upon the Lord, whether it’s large or small. We belong to the faithful Good Shepherd, on Whom we’re (at all times) privileged to call.
P. A. Oltrogge
“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1
“Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah” Psalm 62:8
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3
“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
“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, oh Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.” Psalm 138:8
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
“…For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Matthew 1:23 KJV
“Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Psalm 55:22 NASB
“What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.” Matthew 10:29-30 NLT
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” John 10:14
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercyshall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” Psalm 23 KJV
“Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and thesheep of His pasture.
“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
“I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.” Psalm 116:1-2
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What a wonderful blessing it is to pray, for our own concerns and for those of others, along life’s way….
…I thank the Lord that His goodness and mercy are following you, me, and the 440 other followers of this blog. If, today, hope seems dim, I encourage you to keep looking to Him…
“I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 NASB
“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31:24
“Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, just as we hope in You.”Psalm 33:2
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.” Psalm 42:11
Men with wrong beliefs had plans to carry out a terrible mission–one that God, who is love and promotes love, would never, ever commission.
Among the other flights that fateful morning was Flight 93. The day was 9/11, the date of the 2001 attack on America, the Land of Liberty.
Now, the site of its crash is a peaceful place, where out of great respect, people come to remember the lives lost and take time there to reflect.
So many heroic deeds were done that day, and the following days, on behalf of others. People rushed to help, acting as true American sisters and brothers.
There was an outpouring of patriotism and a turning of hearts to God. Our minds recall that day again, in gazing at what is now just a field of sod.
The severe tragedies in New York City and in Washington D.C.–made all Americans grieve for the precious individuals lost, who they’d no longer be able to see.
U.S. flags were proudly displayed everywhere, and prayers were intensified. May such love for our fellow man and for America forever remain and abide.
“Oh, say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave, o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?” In God we must always trust…for it is He who is able to save!
P. A. Oltrogge
Photos from a visit to the Flight 93 Memorial
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.” 1 John 4:7-9
From Acts 4: Peter said, regarding the name of Jesus Christ… “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 4:12
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17
“Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near.” Isaiah 55:6
“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
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9
…We continue to pray for the U.S.A., especially since so many are entering, of whom little or nothing is known…
“A nation without wise leaders will fall. Many good advisers make a nation safe.” Proverbs 11:14 ERV
I want to “walk with Jesus,” as His disciples did along Galilee’s shore. I want to meditate on His Word, that I may learn of and grow in Him more.
I want to share His peace and love and to dispel confusion and doubts. People need to find the way to God. Jesus is the way–there are no other routes.
I want to do what He specified before He ascended to His Father’s right hand–to step out in faith, doing the things He said–the works that God has planned.
I want to join others in being His hands and feet–He always cared for the people’s needs. As believers, we follow His example. In Matthew 25, He listed such deeds.
Without Christ, I can do nothing–I must be diligent to abide in the Vine, listening for His voice and direction, that I may “let my light so shine.”
An old hymn says, “If you cannot speak like angels, if you cannot preach like Paul, you can tell of the love of Jesus–you can say that He died for all.”
And recalling His assurances, when troubled times take place…I’ll trust in the plans of the Father’s heart–in the counsel of He who saved me by His grace.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
“Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.’
“So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.” Mark 16:14-20
“Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.” Matthew 25:34-36
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:1-11
“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:4-10
“And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.” 1 John 3:23
“The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect. 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.” Psalm 33:10-12
“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
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most high will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’” Psalm 91:1-2 and all of Psalm 91
“Again therefore Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.’” John 8:12
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Father God…evil events in this world point to our need to continually pray
for those who walk in the darkness–who haven’t found Your Son and the Way.
Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life–truly, this world’s light.
Christians are also “lights,” He said, here to direct other souls to what’s right.
Sin has darkened the minds of many people, to not recognize their need…
“Man doesn’t live by bread alone,” but on Your Word, we all must feed.
Jesus gives life abundant and eternal life–when a believer dies, yet he’ll live.
He taught us of Your love, Father–and that we’re to love others and to forgive.
Your Son went about healing, demonstrating Your compassion and grace.
He said to “Have faith in God,” that You’d be with us in whatever we’d face.
So, we believe in Your goodness, Father God, in the midst of evil’s blight.
We keep our trust in Your Word, holding onto it, with a grip of faith that’s tight.
Help us, Father, to be aware of those who are living without Christian hope–
and to tell them of Your love, with an offer of friendship, to help them cope.
For those who have a reverence for God, may Your Holy Spirit open their eyes….
to see Christ throughout the Bible, wherein is the truth that makes us wise.
in His Name, we pray….
Amen
“Then He said to them, ‘O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?’ And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” Luke 24:25-27 (This Jesus did, while on His walk with Cleopas and another disciple on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus after His resurrection from the dead…)
“ThefearoftheLordisthe beginningofwisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.” Psalm 111:10
“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 (Jesus’ words during the temptation in the wilderness)
“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:15 KJV
“But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:14-17 NLT
“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 10:10-11
“So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God.’” Mark 11:22 (faith that can even move mountains…)
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” John 11:25
“Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.’ Philip said to Him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.’” John 14:5-11
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” words of Jesus in Matthew 5:14-16
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 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 KJV (and all of verses 31-39)
Let “Ask, and it will be given to you,” and “Seek, and you will find,” and “Knock, and the door will be opened to you,” often come to mind.
God has so many possibilities, when we are thinking there are none. The disciples were distraught at Jesus’ death ’til they beheld the risen Son.
When hope seems to have ended, remember your mighty God’s deeds. He’s a “beyond all that we ask or think” God, who supplies beyond our needs.
So be blessed to be a blessing to others as God pours out His love. Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights above.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen”. Ephesians 3:20-21
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17KJV
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him? Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:7-12
“And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
“You fathers—if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.” Luke 11:9-13 NLT
“…For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:5 NLT
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 KJV
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want….” Psalm 23:1
“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38
“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart….” from Luke 18:1
“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
“The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them. Oh taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. The young lions lack and suffer hunger, but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing” Psalm 34:1-10
A certain woman of the city heard that Jesus was at the home of Simon, a Pharisee. So she came with an alabaster flask of ointment–her sins had weighed her down very heavily. Her tears washed Jesus’ feet, which she kissed and wiped with her hair–then anointed them with the oil–all tokens of the love she had come there to share.
Simon’s thought was that Jesus should have known that she was a woman to shun. If Jesus was truly a prophet, he would not have permitted her because of the things she’d done. Jesus then told him a story of two debtors, freely forgiven of debts of lesser and greater amounts. It was an explanation to Simon of a sinner’s gratefulness–her debt of sin was large (and, therefore, so was her love) by all accounts.
Jesus expressed appreciation for her kisses and for the tears that she had shed. “Your sins are forgiven” and “Your faith has saved you; go in peace,” He said. Those who sat at the table with Him began to discuss that, saying “Who is this?” His forgiveness of her sins was an authoritative statement they really couldn’t dismiss.
…from John 12:1-8 (in Bethany at the home of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary)
In another narrative, six days before Passover, the scriptures tell of Mary–who used spikenard, a costly oil–the fragrance of which, the entire house would carry. After supper, there in Bethany, she anointed Jesus’ feet, also wiping them with her hair. Judas then asked why the oil hadn’t been sold and the money been given to the poor–not that he actually did care.
Jesus told Judas to let her alone for she had kept the oil for His burial day. “For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always,” was what He had to say.
…from Matthew 26:6-13 and Mark 14:3-9 (in Bethany)
A similar occurrence at the house of Simon the leper, Matthew and Mark record, was that of a woman who took spikenard, pouring it, this time, upon the head of Jesus, her Lord. There were some who, like Judas, criticized her, saying that the oil might have been sold for the poor. But Jesus said she had done this for His burial, speaking of her with grace, and that in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, she would forever have a place.
Today, God is pouring out His love and the Holy Spirit upon each open heart. May we fill our own “alabaster jars,” with love for Him, and eagerly do our part. There’s a world of people Jesus died for, and many are in great need. Guide and strengthen us, Lord, as we seek to be Your servants, caring with both word and deed.
We thank You for Your great sacrifice; we thank You for Your steadfast love. We appreciate so much what it cost You to visit us from heaven above.
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 eternal life.” John 3:16
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:7-11
“Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
“And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly I say to you inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” Matthew 25:40 (and verses 31-46) NKJV
“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and are in him that is true, even in his Son, Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” 1 John 5:20 KJV
“Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love.” John 15:9-10
Scriptures: NASB/Ryrie Study Bible, or as noted
(These accounts were described as they’re told in the four different scripture references.)
Various impossible accounts in the Bible, not in chronological order…
Having been thrown into a den of ferocious lions–would it be possible to survive the night? Impossible, yet Daniel did survive it, until the morning light. …from Daniel 6
A fiery furnace was stoked so extremely hot that those who threw three God-fearing men into it perished from its flames and heat. Would it be possible for the three men to survive and come out unharmed with not even the smell of smoke upon them? Impossible, yet Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did come out of the fire in that miraculous way. …from Daniel 3
He was sold into slavery by jealous brothers and then, while conscientiously working for Potiphar, the Captain of Pharaoh’s Guard, Joseph was falsely accused, by Potiphar’s wife, of improper advances towards her, for which he was then imprisoned. Would it be possible for him to eventually become reigning ruler in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh? Impossible, yet that was the case for Joseph. …from the book of Genesis, 37-50
Would it be possible to take down Goliath, a renowned giant of a warrior, that nobody else was brave enough to fight, with only a slingshot and a stone? Impossible, yet David did it… (His third weapon was his own declarations to Goliath, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with 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 defied…for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” …from 1 Samuel 17
“Now the Midianites and Amalekites, all the people of the East, were lying in the valley as numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the seashore in multitude.” Would it be possible to fight against them with only 300 men and win? Impossible, but Gideon and his 300 did so. …from Judges 6-8
Bearing down on the Israelites was Pharaoh and his army as they faced the barrier of the Red Sea. Was there any way to escape? Impossible, but God parted the waters in order for the Israelites to cross–then drew the waters back to drown the pursuing enemies. …from Exodus 14
Would it be possible to never doubt about a coming vast flood while constructing a great ship (ark) for years, even decades? It may have seemed impossible to many that such an incident would occur; but the Bible never records that Noah doubted God on the matter. …from Genesis 6-9
Would it be possible for a young virgin woman to conceive a child without having a husband? Impossible, but God sent an angel to tell Mary that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and the power of the Highest would overshadow her, for “that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God” and “with God nothing will be impossible.” …from Luke 1
Would it be possible to raise the dead, heal the lame, deaf, blind, maimed, and diseased simply through faith in God? Impossible, but Jesus and His followers did these things…(and still are doing them today–many ministries have seen/are seeing the miraculous occur.)
Would it be possible to turn a renowned enemy of the gospel (Saul/Paul) into one of the strongest supporters ever of that gospel? Impossible, but God could do it, and He did. …from Acts 9
Imprisoned by Herod Agrippa, the king, Peter was chained, with four squads of soldiers assigned to him; but he was constantly being prayed for by the church. Impossible to escape? Yet God sent an angel to miraculously deliver him. …from Acts 12
Another prison break: “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.” Seemingly an impossible situation, but not so. …from Acts 16
You may be able to add some of your own experiences to this list…
Perhaps you’re facing some “impossibilities” today…
Let’s always remember that our God is the God of the impossible made possible…
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“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
“But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'” Matthew 19:26
“For with God nothing will be impossible.” Luke 1:37
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. We lift up those in war-torn areas and those in any country where persecution or injustice exists for their faith in you–be to them their shield. And may many who don’t yet believe, come to saving faith in you… Thank you that you hear and answer our prayers…)
…prayers/by P. A. Oltrogge
Remind us, Lord, to:
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah Psalm 46:10-11
The Porch of the Lord 