“For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ 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.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.” 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 NKJV
The following is a testimony from the ministry of Joseph Prince:
I have been partaking of the Holy Communion every morning for a year and a half, and my health has started to improve in many areas.
One day, I started experiencing extreme pain in the heels of my feet. After much agony and many attempts to find relief, I prayed and visualized my condition nailed to the cross in my daily partaking of the Communion. Not long after, my heels were completely healed! Hallelujah!
Jesus also progressively strengthened my immune system. Even though I am sixty-eight years old, I am not worried about aging. I look to Him every day and marvel at His gift whenever I partake of the Communion every morning. Praise Him!
God bless you, Pastor Prince, for staying close to God and allowing Him to express Himself through you.
…by a viewer of that programming from Texas, United States
For further thoughts on this topic, read the devotional today and see other testimonies at: http://www.josephprince.org
I recall healing testimonies, through the various ministries mentioned on this blog, where family members all took communion during a bout of illness of another member of the family who was too ill at the time to join in communion. In addition to testimonies regarding communion, there is a wonderful praise report presently at the Joseph Prince site of a young daughter healed of severe eczema through memorizing/speaking the promises in Psalm 91.
Though some situations are rough, we still look to our God who is more than enough….
“The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; Let the many islands and coastlands be glad.” Psalm 97:1 AMP
“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.” James 5:16-18 NKJV
This week, Terri and George Pearsons are talking of “bulldog” and “fully-persuaded” faith at: http://www.kcm.org
And, if you’ve been reading the Give Him15 posts by Dutch Sheets, he is offering a new prayer feature at the site. Click to read about it, “Paint Your State,” at http://www.givehim15.com
“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 watched 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
“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 33:11-12
“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.” John 15:12-14
“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” 1 John 3:16-17
“For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield.” Psalm 5:12
“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Proverbs 14:34
“But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.” John 17:13-19
“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
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11
“He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.” Psalm 91:4
So that freedom could be maintained, many in our military gave their all. In the various historic conflicts, they answered their country’s call.
They went forth to be a protective shield, against evil from taking hold. Today, in America, we must stand, too, for truth, being brave and bold.
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord”–He is our strong shield. In God we trust, and thereby prosper, as our country’s history has revealed.
At this time of independence, we still stand firm with Jesus Christ, the King. He is oursun and shield, no matter what opposing voices try to bring.
P. A. Oltrogge
For a most encouraging message, “America, Remember Your Covenant,” see the latest service from July 2, at http://www.emic.org
Whether posted on a tree in the Midwest or hung from a Colorado rooftop,
love for our country, America, and its great flag, doesn’t stop!
We thank the Lord for His blessings, praying on this Independence Day…
We’re ever dependent upon Yourguidance, Lord, over our beloved U.S.A.
P. A. Oltrogge
God Bless America!
God bless America, land that I love; Stand beside her and guide her through the night with Your light from above.
From the mountains to the prairies to the oceans white with foam. God bless America, my home sweet home!
…parade watchers on the 4th of July in Telluride, Colorado
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“God Bless America!”, by Irving Berlin, was written during World War I in 1918 and revised by him in the run up to World War II in 1938. It was first sung by Kate Smith and began with the following words:
While the storm clouds gather far across the sea, let us swear allegiance to a land that’s free.
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair as we raise our voices in a solemn prayer…
(Father, thank You for hearing our prayer yet today for America; and may its citizens be truly grateful for it, and to You, for Your guidance and preservation of it. We pray for leadership that desires and seeks to rule according to Your wisdom and to be on Your side. We look to Your Spirit to turn the hearts of the people towards You and Your goodness, as shown in many ways to them, and written of in Your book, the Holy Bible. In the name of Your Son, Jesus, we pray…)
For a most encouraging message, “America, Remember Your Covenant,” see the latest service from July 2, at http://www.emic.org
“It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible.”
“The propitious smiles of heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which heaven itself has ordained.”
Quotes by George Washington
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I’m so glad to have been born in the wonderful United States–a country from which came so very many “greats.”
Inventors, teachers, ministers, and those of every profession, found in this blessed country great freedom of expression.
Great national leaders were strategic in guiding the nation, and military “greats” led in many a wartime situation.
And diligent mothers and fathers, who were never well known, supported the lives of young Americans until they were grown.
Great farmers have cultivated bountiful crops in America’s fertile soil, while many people have been blessed by their important toil.
And with scenic lands of “fruited plains” to mountains very high…the United States is blessed with beauty from rivers to the sky.
But what has made it greatest has been its foundation in the Lord…and our fervent prayer is that its faith in Him will be fully restored.
May all of America find, in the Bible, its truth that makes men free…Jesus Christ is our needed Savior and Lord…and true source of liberty!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 NKJV
“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.” words of Jesus in John 10:10 NKJV
“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
“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
“This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us.” 1 John 3:23 NKJV
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133:1 NASB
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” …From the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776
O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain! America! America! God shed His grace on thee… And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!
“As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God.” Psalm 42:1 NLT
Dear Father,
Your Word reveals that, as believers in Christ, we’re living under Your blessing.
So, rather than talking about problems, it’s Your promises that we should be confessing.
“The hills melted like wax in Your presence,” so any of our difficulties are resolved.
Casting our cares upon You, with thanksgiving, is vital for problems to be solved.
Thank You for the great promise of a place for us in heaven that, one day, will be ours.
But for abundant life now and needs that are met—we thank You for Your blessing showers!
Because of Your known faithfulness, we can trust that Your plans for us are best.
We have peace and faith, knowing that it’s Your desire for us…to always enter into Your rest.
Praise the Lord!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly of heart, and you will find rest for your souls.For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
“There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.” Hebrews 4:9
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
“…casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
“The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.” Psalm 97:5 KJV
“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11
“I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy, For You have considered my trouble; You have known my soul in adversities…” Psalm 31:7
“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27
“For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.” 1 Corinthians 14:14-15
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16
“You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind (both its inclination and its character) is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.
“So trust in the Lord (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock (the Rock of Ages).” Isaiah 26:3-4 AMPC
Led by God’s Word and the Holy Spirit, Christians are a formidable “team.” Some “players” are led, at times, by God speaking to them through a dream.
Some are led to start and pastor churches, and some are called to teach… Some become evangelists or missionaries to the souls God wants them to reach.
Then, too, many serve the Lord in other of the various walks of life–as businessmen and women, or as lawyers or judges who settle strife.
Doctors and nurses, builders, those who work on roads or out on a farm…firemen, police, and soldiers–all serve God, some keeping us from harm.
Every Christian is called to pray and, with humility, to serve others…especially those of the household of faith–their “sisters and brothers.”
Many Christians have great courage, and they’re quick to meet critical needs. Having studied the Word of God, their faith is developed for noble deeds.
As good Samaritans, the love of Jesus, is the believer’s guiding light. It’s that love that keeps TEAM JESUS glowing in the midst of the darkest night.
Our “Coach” is Jesus Christ, whose words and example keep us strong. If you’ve not signed on to TEAM JESUS–it’s the winning team to which YOU can belong!
P. A. Oltrogge
There are numerous ministries that serve on the team, many of which have been mentioned on this blog, and then, of course, your local church.
Reminderof an important Team Jesus effort:
If you watched the Flashpoint presentation of June 9, you learned more about the movie to be released on July 4th called “Sound of Freedom.” At the Flashpoint meeting, Eduardo Verástegui, the producer of the movie, Jim Caviezel, who acts in it, and Tim Ballard, on whose work the movie is based, are interviewed by Gene Bailey. They discussed some of the details behind making the movie, but mostly its subject–rescuing children from the evil of child trafficking.
Today I have responsibilities that call; I may not be able to get to them all.
I like to think back on visits I’ve made to peaceful wooded paths or a quiet glade.
At such places, it’s natural to pause and reflect on the Lord, our Creator, and give Him respect.
But amidst crowded sidewalks or busy streets, I can praise you, God, and remember our “retreats.”
P. A. Oltrogge
“And He (Jesus) said to them, ‘Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.’….” Mark 6:31 NKJV
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 NKJV
“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” Psalm 29:11 NIV
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.” Isaiah 26:3 KJV
“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
“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 NKJV
Exodus 33:14; Psalm 23; Psalm 91; Psalm 119:105; John 14:27; John 20:21
Claim the name of Jesus and the blood of Jesus that was shed. Enforce His victory over the devil–say, all his schemes are dead. Use the Word, “NO weapon formed against me shall prosper (or succeed).” “Jesus, the Son, has made me free; and I am free indeed!”
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, Proverbs has stated. That, and our God-given authority have largely been underrated. More widely now these things are taught, with an emphasis on praise. Trust God’s goodness and mercy to follow you, throughout all of your days.
P. A. Oltrogge
“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
“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.’ They answered Him, ‘We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’? Jesus answered them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.'” John 8:31-36
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21
“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and overallthepoweroftheenemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19
Excerpt from Acts: “Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon’s, greatly amazed. So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: ‘Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. And His name, and faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.’” Acts 3:11-16
“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth.” Philippians 2:8-10
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6.
“…knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver and gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” 1 Peter 1:18-19
“If we say we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:6-7
“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 NLT
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,” from Psalm 103:1-5
“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1
“Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord! Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore! From the rising of the sun to its going down, the name of the Lord is to be praised. The Lord is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens.” Psalm 113:1-4
The Porch of the Lord 