Category Archives: Prayer

See God’s goodness when “plowing through”

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“But Jesus told him, ‘Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God,’” (Luke 9:62 NLT) and Jesus said “The fields are already white for harvest” (John 4:35) and 1 Corinthians 9:10 speaks of plowing in hope….

When things transpire in ways that we can’t fully understand, we need to keep faith in the goodness of God and the things which He has planned.

Sometimes we become focused on bad news or a loss, instead of meditating on Jesus’ victory over satan through the cross.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding.  Fully trust in Jesus, and don’t be unnerved by the devil’s grandstanding.

He wants you to contemplate disasters that he has brought about–thereby building up unbelief and causing you to doubt.

And to fuel your fears, he’ll get you to dwell on those things that seem fearful.  He doesn’t want you to “count it all joy” or, with the joy of the Lord, to be cheerful.

Joseph of the Old Testament was stalwart in keeping faith in God, whose hand was kept upon him throughout the difficult pathways he trod.

God sent an angel to the apostle Paul, who was on a ship that was in a fierce storm, to reassure him and the others on board when troubles continued to form.

Jesus kept faith in His Father while carrying out what He’d asked Him to do.  For the joy ahead that He “saw,” He trusted God’s guidance to help Him through.

Just as a farmer, despite a rain shower, may continue to work in the field, let’s plow on through, with faith in God, knowing the profit which that will yield.

And if circumstantial “rains” get too rough, we’ll find shelter in Jesus’ name.  It’s the high tower for the safety of those for whom He came….

all those who believe in and have put their faith firmly and forever in Him!  As we follow the Light of the World, our own lights in this world will not grow dim.

P. A. Oltrogge

“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 NKJV

“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. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 14:10-12 NKJV

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4 NKJV

“…Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 (Sometimes we may weep with those who weep (Romans 12:14-16); but, always, our Abba, Father, sustains us.)

“Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’” Galatians 4:6 NIV

“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’” Romans 8:15 NKJV

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 NKJV

“But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’” Matthew 14:27 NKJV

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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 12:1-2 NKJV

“When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature. For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.

“You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.” Colossians 2:11-15 NLT

“Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 RSV

“For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy.”  Psalm 61:3 NKJV

A Psalm of David:  1 Praise the Lord, who is my rock.
    He trains my hands for war
    and gives my fingers skill for battle.
2 He is my loving ally and my fortress,
    my tower of safety, my rescuer.
He is my shield, and I take refuge in him.
    He makes the nations submit to me.” Psalm 144:1-2 NLT

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10 NKJV

“While He (Jesus) was still speaking, they came from the house of the synagogue official (Jairus), saying, ‘Your daughter has died, why trouble the Teacher anymore?’ But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, ‘Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.’” (from Mark 5:35-36 NASB)

“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” Genesis 50:20 NKJV (spoken by Joseph, to his brothers)

“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12 NKJV (and believers are lights to the world, as stated in Matthew 5:14-16)

Sunday note, p.m.

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Former United States Ambassador to Israel, David M. Friedman, who served under President Trump, was featured as the guest speaker today at Eagle Mountain International Church in Ft. Worth, TX. The entire service is always good to watch; but if you are not able to do so, he gives his message following an introduction by Pastors Terri and George Pearsons, in which they also refer to Saturday’s observance of Holocaust Remembrance Day. Their introduction begins at about 43, if you scroll in. Just before that, (around 39), a beautiful song on Jerusalem was sung by their daughter, Aubrey Mitchell.

You can find this, titled, “Do Not Negotiate God’s Covenants,” under “Latest Service” at http://www.emic.org

The Good Samaritan

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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 may have 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 10:25-37
From John 13:13-15

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

The following was received yesterday from Franklin Graham, President of Samaritan’s Purse:

Dear Friend:

Today I was in Jerusalem to dedicate 14 new ambulances to the glory of Almighty God and for the use of Magen David Adom, the emergency medical services organization for Israel. Magen David Adom has lost 19 of its personnel since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, and we honored the fallen in a ceremony attended by hundreds, including the mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Lion.

When I heard that Hamas terrorists destroyed 14 of Israel’s ambulances on Oct. 7, I immediately told our Samaritan’s Purse team that we would replace every one that was lost. The mostly volunteer force of Magen David Adom put themselves at great risk to help others. I felt we needed to support them in any way we can.

The father of one brave soldier and Magen David Adom member killed in this war spoke today. He said his daughter, Lior, had a big heart, full of compassion. “Every time an ambulance goes on a mission, it will be like Lior and her friends are still helping and saving lives,” he said. “These ambulances will save many lives and will be a living memory of our fallen loved ones.”

We will also be providing seven additional ambulances, which will have armor plating, to Magen David Adom and setting up new emergency response stations in communities at risk. This supports what Samaritan’s Purse has already been doing in Israel, including providing food, medical trauma kits, and children’s gift boxes. We pray that these vehicles will bring comfort to the people of Israel. Pray also for our teams and partners who continue to provide relief to those in need. 

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: 
“May they prosper who love you.” 
Psalm 122:6

God’s Heart of Compassion

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“Peace be with you.” John 20:21

The Lord’s great heart of compassion is at work always–at times, behind the scenes. 

He answers prayer for salvation, guidance, protection, healing, and provision well beyond our means.

Let’s not limit Him by doubting that He can do more than we could ever ask or think. 

Jesus came to establish the new covenant. Now, through Him, we have that blessed link.

“The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works,” the Bible’s stated. 

God’s desire is to love, through His Son, to even greater measure, every person He’s created.

“If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, you shall be free indeed,” Jesus said, all because of that compassionate heart. 

When you take Jesus as Savior, you can forget the past, knowing God’s given to you a fresh start.

Even if there are times when you don’t recognize that He’s working in your life right then, 

He encourages you to always keep the faith. He’ll bring things to pass, though you may not know when.

Jesus told us of God as His heavenly Father. Those in Christ are children of God. Therefore…

as part of His beloved family, we can expect all of the good things that He has in store.

P. A. Oltrogge

And likewise, we want to extend loving compassion to others, through caring prayer and action…

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 NKJV

“…to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 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 3:19-21 NKJV

“The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.” Psalm 145:9 NKJV

“In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’” 1 Corinthians 11:25

“…to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.” Hebrews 12:24 NKJV

“If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36 KJV

“But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” Psalm 86:15 KJV

“Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” Psalm 62:8 NASB

“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference.” Jude 21-22 KJV

Psalm 78:38; 111:4; 145:8; Matthew 9:36; 14:14; 15:32; Mark 1:41; 5:19; 6:34; 8:2; Luke 10:33; 15:20; John 3:16; 1 John 3:17

His Strength Supply

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“The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him.” Psalm 28:7 NKJV

The Christian who needs strength relies, daily on the strength which God supplies….

Thank you, God, for sending Jesus for us all, to pay the ransom for our souls–redeeming us from man’s fall.

Thank you, God, for mighty angels that are mine; and thank you–for this earthly body made so fine.

Thank you, Father, for my heart’s strong and steady beat; and thank you for good health–from my head down to my feet.

Thank you that you’re there, if I come under attack. Thank you, Good Shepherd, that you’ve always got my back.

Thank you that I can look for miracle answers to come my way, for problems that seem difficult, for you hear me when I pray.

Thank you, Jesus, for your promise of a blessed, abundant life. Thank you, too, that you taught us to keep from strife.

Thank you for giving servants who teach your Word for these days. Thank you for their anointing and that they emphasize your praise.

Thank you, Lord, that as I seek to follow after you, a goodly harvest is produced in everything I do.

P. A. Oltrogge

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1 NKJV

“Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.” 1 John 4:17 NKJV

“The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds’ feet, and makes me walk on my high places.” Habakkuk 3:19 NASB/Ryrie

“Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7 KJV

“Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong.” Joel 3:10 KJV

“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

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17 NKJV

“The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.” Psalm 29:11 NIV

“Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalm 103:1-5 NKJV

“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.” Psalm 139:14 NKJV

“…for in Him we live and move and have our being….” from Acts 17:28 NKJV

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills–From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 NKJV

“Blessed be the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplication. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him. The Lord is their strength, and He is a saving defense to His anointed. Save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance; be their shepherd also and carry them forever.” Psalm 28:6-9 NASB/Ryrie

“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 4:20-24 NKJV

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 NASB/Ryrie

“…Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!’” Nehemiah 8:10 NLT

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were, the utterances of God; whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11 NASB/Ryrie

“My flesh and my heart may fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 NASB/Ryrie

“With a long life I will satisfy him, and let him behold My salvation.” Psalm 91:16 (and all of Psalm 91, regarding angelic protection, no plague, etc.)

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

“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.” Ephesians 6:10-12 (and the following verses on the full armor of God) NASB/Ryrie

“The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” John 10:10-11 NASB/Ryrie

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3 KJV

“Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:7 KJV

“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” Ephesians 5:1-2 NKJV

“The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.” Psalm 121:7-8 NKJV

____________________

“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 NKJV

“…being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus….” Romans 3:24 NKJV

Visit: http://www.faithschool.org

Photo/Unsplash…Lake Louise, Canada

Compassionate Words from Jesus…

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Let’s consider just a few Bible accounts that give some tender words (followed by His caring action) that Jesus said:

A widow, out of Nain, came in contact with Jesus on her only son’s burial day.
“DON’T CRY” were the compassionate words that she heard Jesus say.

News came to Jairus of his ailing daughter that would cause him to grieve;
but Jesus encouraged him, “DON’T BE AFRAID ANY LONGER–ONLY BELIEVE.”

When a leper asked if Jesus was willing to cleanse him of that blight…
Jesus said, “I AM WILLING,” and He touched him, delivering him out of his plight.

Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, so hear Him regarding your cares:

“Don’t cry”

“Don’t be afraid any longer–only believe!”

and “I am willing”

…are words that Jesus, our compassionate Lord, still shares.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever.”  Hebrews 13:8 NKJV

“When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion.  ‘Don’t cry!’ he said.  Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped.  ‘Young man,’ he said, ‘I tell you, get up.’  Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk!  And Jesus gave him back to his mother.”  …from Luke 7:11-17 NLT

“While He was still speaking, they came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, ‘Your daughter has died; why trouble the Teacher any more?’  But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, ‘Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.’”  Mark 5:35-36 …and Jesus raised her up (through verse 43) NASB-Ryrie

“And behold, a leper came to Him, and bowed down to Him, saying, ‘Lord, if you are willing, You can make me clean.’  And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, ‘I am willing, be cleansed.’  And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.”  …from Matthew 8:1-4 NASB-Ryrie

“The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.” Psalm 29:11 NKJV

“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits–who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion….”  Psalm 103:2-4 NIV

“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” John 10:14

A Pro-Life Message and Words of Jesus (John 16:21)

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…On this day of the annual March for Life:

“A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.” John 16:21

“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.”  John 10:10… and “Thou shalt not kill.” Exodus 20:13

The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy–

those who the Master designed to bring joy.

Over 63 million abortions since Roe v Wade–

all have gone against what God forbade.

Life, sweet life, was changed, instead, to death,

in defiance of the Creator, who gives us breath.

Through prayer, some children escaped that fate,

by a mother’s change of heart before it was too late.

May those who continue to promote pro-choice

think of their own births, which gave them a voice.

They can be glad their mothers saw things through

to give to them the life that their Creator said was due.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you…” from Jeremiah 1:5

“For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.” Psalm 139:13-16

“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” Proverbs 6:16-19 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

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

Many of you may have seen this previously; but for those who may have not, here again is a wonderful true story on adoption versus abortion:
http://www.ilivedonparkerave.com

Healing from Life’s Disappointments

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by Rich Miller

(from CBN.com and encouraged to be shared)

Remember as children how often we were told that we could be anything we wanted to be? Taking people at their word, I was convinced I would one day play in the NFL or NBA. I was also good at spelling; therefore, I truly believed I would win the National Spelling Bee after winning our elementary school contest. I ended up misspelling the first word I was given! Life sure has a way of knocking us down from our dreams of grandeur.

We can all attest to life turning out much differently than what we thought. The last few years, the Lord has had my wife and I on a journey of healing from some major disappointments. As Christians, it’s easy to suppress or bury emotional pain and move on. It takes truly feeling safe with God to bring Him our pain and disappointments and trust He will patiently bring us to a place of healing. I’ve heard that if we don’t take time to process emotional pain, our bodies will begin to grieve physically. How many of us have been walking around with physical pain that was rooted in emotional trauma? 

I was recently struck with an example from the life of Joseph in the Bible. His life reads like a cinematic production: twists and turns, amazing highs, heart-wrenching lows. Favor and success, lies and deception, Joseph experienced the whole gamut. Through it all, God’s sovereign hand was leading Joseph into a destiny that only God could have planned. 

I’ve read his story many times and always found it captivating. Yet, I was freshly impacted by the many emotions his father Jacob must have endured. Can you imagine the years of grief and disappointment Jacob (Israel) dealt with during the years he believed that Joseph was dead? Scholars believe it was over 20 years between when Joseph was sold into slavery and reunited with his father. Did Jacob blame himself for sending Joseph to check on his brothers, resulting in what he was told was Joseph’s death? (Genesis 37:12-35) 

Proverbs 13:12 (NIV) tells us, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” Jacob experienced years of hopelessness and sorrow; he also experienced the revival of his soul upon hearing Joseph was alive:

So they went up out of Egypt and came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan. They told him, “Joseph is still alive! In fact, he is ruler of all Egypt.” Jacob was stunned; he did not believe them. But when they told him everything Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the carts Joseph had sent to carry him back, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. And Israel said, “I’m convinced! My son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.” (Genesis 45:25-28)

Jacob’s spirit revived, inferring that at one point it had been dead. He had known sorrow that no parent should have to endure – the death of a child. Now, he was experiencing unspeakable joy!

While we may never experience a reunion like Jacob’s, the Lord is just as committed to turning our sorrow into joy. (Isaiah 61:1-3) We can’t prevent many of life’s disappointments, but we are safe to trust God with the pain that comes from them. Are there disappointments that you have not felt safe to share with God? Be honest with Him, He wants to heal you. Like Jacob, He will revive your soul! 

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Rich Miller is the Manager of Digital Interactions in the Prayer Center and has been with CBN since 2011. He and his wife live near Columbus, OH and enjoy the outdoors, watching crime dramas and playing video games. An avid history buff, Rich loves studying church history and the parallels we can draw to modern day Christianity.

Scripture is quoted from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Breakthrough Over the Blues

Perhaps you’ve experienced disappointments…
I know that others and I have, too.
But when I recall precious moments I’ve had,
I can no longer stay feeling blue.

Realize this old world with its trials
can’t keep you from all that delights.
Disappointments may occur, but some very nice gifts
will come through from the Father of lights.

P. A. Oltrogge

“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 1:17 KJV

“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

photo/Porch of the Lord

A Song in the Snow

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“I know all the birds of the mountains….” Psalm 50:11

“Offer to God thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High. Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” Psalm 50:14-15

There isn’t any situation of which God, the Father, doesn’t know. He cares for the little birds in the midst of the winter snow.

Right in the midst of worrisome trouble, He’s the One upon whom to call. Deliverance is ours through prayer to Him, in the name of Jesus, who is Lord of all.

Let every care be cast aside–it’s in the shelter of the Most High that we abide.

P. A. Oltrogge

“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 (Protection from plague, pestilence, and peril is proclaimed in the entire Psalm)

“I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4

“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 NLT

“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. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31 NLT

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:13-14

“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. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:23-24

“Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks.” Philippians 4:6 GW

“Turn all your anxiety over to God because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 GW

“But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ–He is Lord of all–that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached.” Acts 10:35-37

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9

“Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses.” Psalm 107:6

“The Lord upholds all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look expectantly to You, and You give them their food in due season. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.” Psalm 145:14-16 (and all of Psalm 145)

“Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
The Lord executes righteousness
And justice for all who are oppressed.” Psalm 103:1-6

“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it, with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

Looking to Jesus, Our King of Kings

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I’m so glad God’s given us His Holy Word, though many seek its exclusion. Is it any wonder, then, when we hear their views, which have obvious confusion?

They see evil as good and wrong as right, rejecting the Bible as their guide. They need to recognize Jesus as Lord and turn from the one who has lied.

Then there are those who do revere God, but who haven’t yet found the way…the truth, and the life, revealed through Christ–for them, we also pray.

It’s evident that there are just two kingdoms–one of darkness and one of Light. It truly is the time of decision–men must choose to be on the side that’s right.

So, we pray for their awakening by God’s Spirit and for the restoration…of common sense, love for and obedience to God, in this and every nation.

God’s Word proclaims that, in the last days, He will pour out His Spirit on all flesh. With that promise of His grace, we persevere–with faith renewed and hope afresh.

P. A. Oltrogge

“But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.” Acts 2:16-18

“…’Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of Hosts.”
Zechariah 4:6 

“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

And in John 8:42-47, Jesus speaks of the devil as being “a liar and the father of it.”

“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.” …said by Jesus in John 10:10

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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 12:1-2

See the prayer directive today at http://www.givehim15.com