Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 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, good will toward men.’
Luke 2:8-14
…art Print/pxfuel
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No, it’s not Christmas today but I love to think of the angels, and not just one… A multitude of them joined in praising God for the birth of the Savior, His beloved Son.
If circumstances seem overwhelming, I like to remember that heavenly host… and that now we can share the gospel through their help and by the power of the Holy Ghost.
P. A. Oltrogge
For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service]. Psalm 91:11 AMPC
TheLord 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
Recently, this verse came to mind and I focused especially on the Lord being the strength of the believer’s life…
Would it not be a valid thought, therefore, that one could say that He is the strength of my heart, lungs, blood, kidneys, knees, bones, immune system, (or whatever area in which you feel you have some problem or concern?) For example (and I like to say the Lord Jesus, though we, at the same time, honor our triune God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)…
The Lord Jesus is the strength of my bones…
The Lord Jesus is the strength of my muscles…
The Lord Jesus is the strength of my heart…
The Lord Jesus is the strength of my knees…
The Lord Jesus is the strength of my vision (eyes) and hearing (ears)…
or any area that seems needy…but, truthfully, is not, because the Lord is the strength of my life!
One could even say that He is the strength of our faith or prayers since He is the author and finisher of our faith…
…the possibilities are many… how about the strength of my courage?
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“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” Ephesians 6:10
“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
“Who will bring any charge against God’s elect (His chosen ones)? It is God who justifies us [declaring us blameless and putting us in a right relationship with Himself]. Who is the one who condemns us? Christ Jesus is the One who died [to pay our penalty], and more than that, who was raised [from the dead], and who is at the right hand of God interceding [with the Father] for us.” Romans 8:33-34 (AMP)
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
“The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation.” Psalm 118:14
“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Galatians 2:20 (NASB)
“I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” (AMP)
“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
Shalom, shalom from your home in the Holy City, your Friends of Zion Center. This great lighthouse of Christian love only exists because friends like you have made it possible. And Israel so urgently needs it right now. The briefings and updates I’m getting confirm the serious nature of the threats. They are much worse than what the news is reporting, and the Jewish people need our prayers and help right now as they are under attack. As the Houthis in Yemen continue to launch long-range missiles, the warning sirens here in Jerusalem go off again and again. Each time this happens, hundreds of thousands of people have to go to bomb shelters just in case. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to hearing those sirens, but they are a powerful reminder of just how great the needs of the Jewish people are right now
Today I’m asking you to do something great for God by comforting the suffering people of Israel. There are thousands who are still homeless…thousands mourning the loss of a loved one…thousands struggling to just get enough food to eat…hundreds of widows and orphans. The suffering in Israel is worse than anything I’ve seen in 50 years of ministry. These precious people need our help right now.
Your support of the Jerusalem Prayer Team today allows us to comfort the people of Israel who have survived the terrorist attacks, to continue to purchase and deliver food, medicine, clothing, and other necessities of life for the poor Holocaust survivors and refugees of Ukraine, to continue to operate the Friends of Zion Museum, to stand up and speak out for Israel, and to meet urgent humanitarian needs among the poor Jewish people living in Israel. Thank you so much for being part of this vital worldwide prayer movement.
“…Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of Hosts.” Zechariah 4:6 NKJV
It’s not by might, nor by power, but by the Lord’s Spirit…As a spring shower causes the sprouting of seeds in the earth— so, also, by His Spirit, comes the “new birth.”
We look to you, Lord, for those for whom we pray… It’s by your awakening, that they’ll find the Way. We trust, Lord, for your Spirit to fall afresh… You’ve said you would pour it out upon all flesh.
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
“Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: ‘Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.’” John 17:1-3
“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” …from Acts 4:8-12, on Jesus Christ of Nazareth
“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your Word is truth.” spoken by Jesus in John 17:17
“Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!”words of Jesus in John 4:35
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
The Bible shares many different instances where Jesus healed–each one very compelling. In Luke 14, we read of Jesus healing a man with “dropsy,” which is an old term used to describe abnormal swelling.
In coming for dinner to the home of a leader of the Pharisees, Jesus well knew…that healing would be considered “work” to them–which they believed that He, on a Sabbath, shouldn’t do.
So He first put the question to them–whether, on a Sabbath, healing was permitted in the law. After they refused to answer, He touched the man who was afflicted with dropsy; and he received of healing virtue for that bodily flaw.
He sent the man away and asked those remaining a new question–as to which one of them wouldn’t do the same. If on a Sabbath, their son or even their animal fell into a pit, wouldn’t he work to get him, or it, out, despite their “We don’t work on the Sabbath” claim?
In other recorded accounts, too, Jesus healed on a Sabbath day, showing what God, the Father, certainly permitted–which was always extending God’s love and compassion, to which He, the Son of God, was steadfastly committed.
P. A. Oltrogge
“And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.” John 1:16-18 NKJV
“Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases.” Psalm 103:3 God’s Word states we are healed by Jesus’ stripes…He still heals today any type of malady or disorder.
“The commandments, ‘Never commit adultery; never murder; never steal; never have wrong desires,’ and every other commandment are summed up in this statement: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ Love never does anything that is harmful to a neighbor. Therefore, love fulfills Moses’ Teachings.
“You know the times in which we are living. It’s time for you to wake up. Our salvation is nearer now than when we first became believers.” Romans 13:9-11 GW
See the Biblical account of the good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37.
“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.” 1 John 4:20-21
“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 22:37-40
“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.” Matthew 5:17
“And He said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.’” Mark 2:27-28
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.”
Isaiah 53:5 NKJV
…praying for you daily, dear follower or friend of this blog… For further help, refer to any of the ministries previously referenced on this blog. Among those ministries are:
Look at the birds of the air… They don’t sow, reap, or gather Their needed food into barns— But are dependent upon God, rather.
Consider how the lilies are clothed— They toil not, nor do they spin, But to the heavenly Father’s care They’re blessed to give in.
Yes, consider these, And consider giving in, To the message of Christ’s love Above this world’s din.
Partake, through the Bible, from God’s table Of spiritual food fit for a King’s heir, And be clothed in the love of Jesus, The finest thing you could wear.
Consider the children, So gentle and so tender— What kind of faith To them will you render?
One that speaks dislike And contempt of others— Or one that speaks love And draws all men to be brothers?
The heavenly Father gave Jesus To tell of God’s care and to guide. When we take Him as Savior, He gives love For all others for whom He has died.
So just like the lilies Or the birds of the air, May people of all nations be blessed to give in To Jesus—the way to the Father God’s care…
P. A. Oltrogge
“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies….” Luke 6:27
“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 22:37-40
“For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink, nor for your body, as to what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body than clothing?
“Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And which of you by being anxious, can add a single cubit to his life’s span? And why are you anxious about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these.
“But if God so arrays the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more do so for you, O men of little faith? Do not be anxious then, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink’ or ‘With what shall we clothe ourselves?’ For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:25-34
“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
“We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19
“I know all the birds of the mountains….” Psalm 50:11
One quiet morning I sat down and began thinking of situations I faced that seemed impossible. The Lord gently said to me, Write all the things that seemed impossible but happened.
I pulled out a sheet of paper and a pen, sat at my desk, and began writing a list of the impossible circumstances, mindsets, health concerns, and financial obstacles that once seemed unlikely to resolve. While writing this ever-growing list of my past, one by one, the memories of the challenges flooded my mind. I felt gratitude to God for changing those impossibilities into possibilities that are now testimonies. I filled multiple pages with these former hardships and my soul filled with joy because of what God did to turn those things around for my good and how He empowered me to take action as well.
Next, God said, Write the things that currently seem impossible in your life.
I grabbed more paper and wrote a list of things that seemed impossible in my life at that moment. I sat the lists side-by-side, and this changed my perspective. The current list of impossible circumstances became a list of things that had “not yet” occurred opposed to things that will “never” occur. I felt joy as I thought of looking at this list in the future and rejoicing over what the Lord did to transform my circumstances.
Luke 1:37 (NKJV) states, “For with God nothing will be impossible.”
This Scripture reminds us that God does not have limits like we do as humans. He can do anything He desires.
What situations are you facing that seem impossible to overcome? What situations from your past once seemed impossible but happened anyway? Consider making a list of the things God did in your past. This list can serve as an encouragement for you now while facing new trials.
Matthew 19:26 says, Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Humans face impossibilities, but God does not. Remember this as you overcome the challenges you face. Trust God to do the impossible for you.
Prayer: Dear God, I am facing situations that seem impossible. I know through You, nothing is impossible. Help me focus on Your possibilities instead of my limitations. Help me remember the impossibilities I once faced but have overcome. Help me to place my hope in You as I wait. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Dayna has been with CBN since 2005. She is an Employee Engagement Manager unifying CBN and OB staff through technology, communication, and prayer. She has a Master’s of Business Administration and graduated from Regent University with a Master of Divinity. She enjoys family time, reading, running, weightlifting, fishing, and traveling in her spare time.
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 may need our care; but instead, on a daily basis, of such times, may we be quickly aware.
(postscript to the above…)
Before Jesus told of this story, the same lawyer had put Him to a test– “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He thought that he knew this best.
Jesus pointed him to the Law—to love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind; and then to love your neighbor as yourself—these two, really, are intertwined.
If someone says they love God, whom they’ve not actually seen with their eyes, yet is merciless or hates his brother whom he’s seen, the Bible says that he lies.
Jesus emphasized that loving God was the great and foremost command. But, again, He said, that these two laws always go hand in hand.
By this, Jesus taught of God’s perfect plan– Love God and love your fellow man.
But there’s only been one who has ever fulfilled God’s laws in a perfect way– Jesus Christ, Himself, who has been our example, Teacher, Savior and Lord, from then until this present day.
P. A. Oltrogge
1 John 4:20, 21 “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.”
Matthew 22:37-40 “And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.’”
Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.”
From Luke 10:25-28 and Luke 10:29-37 From John 13:13-15
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom,and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen
And if ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 6:9-15 KJV
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!”
For it is He who delivers you (me) from the snare of the trapper, and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you (me) with His pinions, and under His wings you (I) may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.
(You may want to continue to personalize this Psalm)
You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day; Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.
A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not approach you. You will only look on with your eyes, and see the recompense of the wicked.
For you have made the Lord, my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place. No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent.
For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread upon the lion and cobra, the young lion and the serpent you will trample down, Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.
He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him, and honor him.
With a long life I will satisfy him, and let him behold My salvation.
Psalm 91
“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
(Thanksgiving to the Lord for His Great Works of Deliverance) Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 107:1
“But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26
“But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27
“But He said, ‘The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.’” Luke 18:27
“Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’” Mark 9:23
“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
The Porch of the Lord 