Category Archives: Prayer

Meet Nurse Georgee (Part 1)

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The following true account is told in a book written by Georgia Cohen, who was a nurse with a boldness to share her faith in Jesus with her patients. Since my having posted this a few years ago, Georgia has gone on to heaven to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

This particular story had been reprinted, with her permission, from her book, Nurse Georgee. Except for her name, names have been changed to protect privacy. Due to its length, it will be posted in two parts, but both of them today.

P. A. Oltrogge

The following is Part 1.

Big John—I Saw Jesus 

Yelling at the top of his lungs, John screamed, “Nurse Georgee, get in here!” All the nursing staff raced with me to John’s room. We all had been involved in his CPR and knew it was a miracle that John was still alive. What solicited John’s screaming? Was he again experiencing chest pain? “John…John…what’s wrong?”

John was a 40 year old man, flown by helicopter to us from West Virginia. His condition was extremely unstable, necessitating transfer to a big city hospital. The life-flight crew remained in charge, barking orders at Ruthie and me as they leaped from the helicopter. “Lead the way. We have to stay with John until he is in CCU. His heart stopped five times during flight. Run as fast as you can.”

Ruthie and I were yelling, “Emergency! Move it! Out of the way!” to everyone in our path, as we raced like marathon runners to the CCU finish line. Ruthie and I literally threw ourselves against the two, large, mahogany doors that led to the entrance to CCU. The noise from the doors hitting the walls as they opened was deafening. All CCU staff immediately came to attention as we raced into John’s new home. Within minutes, John was hooked up to the CCU monitor, had a Swan-Ganz catheter inserted with new IVs hanging, and new CPR patches applied to his chest. John presented as a perfect text book picture. We were ready and able for anything that might happen, or so we thought.

The life-flight crew was now gone. John was resting as comfortable as possible with his blood pressure stabilized at 118/80. His heart rate, at 88, continued to have some extra beats (PVC’s), with intermittent short runs of ventricular tachycardia (VT). The atmosphere in his room was now one of serenity. Formally introducing myself, I oriented John to his new home. While bathing John, I sensed that the Lord was asking me to talk to John about his relationship with God.  Okay, Lord, I will do it, you gave me another chance with Joe. Thank you for this opportunity. “John, has anyone ever introduced you to Jesus?”

Scratching his head with a somewhat puzzled look on his face, John slowly responded, “No, I don’t reckon anybody ever has.”

“John, may I introduce you to Jesus?”

“Sure.”

Sharing with John for only a minute or two what Jesus did in my life, John interrupted me.

“Now wait a minute, Nurse Georgee. I just don’t know about this Jesus. I have never been to church. In fact, I have never even seen a Bible. I just don’t know about Jesus.”

“John, that’s okay.”

“Nurse Georgee, you don’t know what I have done. Don’t get me wrong. I have been lying here thinking about my life. I want to change. I don’t want to beat my wife up anymore. I have been in terrible fights with the guys. I need to think about some things. I just don’t know about this Jesus.”

“John, that’s fine. If and when you are ready to talk about Jesus, you know where I am.”

John fell asleep for about an hour. Alarms started blaring, and the monitor showed that John was in VT, with a heart rate of 196, which increased rapidly into ventricular fibrillation. All CCU staff responded immediately with the typical CPR. Chest compressions, proper ventilation and shocking John’s heart all seemed to be to no avail. We were losing him, and fast. Even the IV pressors didn’t help raise his blood pressure, which was nearly nonexistent. According to his monitor, John was flat-lining. No heart rate, no blood pressure, and no response to the repeated shocking at even 400 joules of electricity. We refused to give up. I don’t remember how long we worked on John. It seemed like an eternity. The flat-line was ingrained in John’s monitor and was not disappearing. No rhythm was in sight. Just as we were about to call it quits, John’s monitor revealed a rhythm. John was coming back, unconscious, but back and breathing on his own. 

Report time was rapidly approaching. Gathering my nurse’s notes, my mind was racing with John’s last words to me. “I just don’t know about this Jesus.” Report went well; however, it was longer than usual. I had a few loose ends to tie up before leaving for home. After getting my purse, I gave John’s monitor one last glance. All seemed well. Breathing a sigh of relief, I was off. Placing my hand on the big doors to CCU, I was stopped dead in my tracks. John’s loud, demanding voice echoed throughout CCU. 

“NURSE GEORGEE…E…E…NURSE GEORGEE…E…E, get in here.” Immediately, I turned and ran to John’s room. I heard my name bouncing off the walls surrounding CCU.

“John, I’m here. What’s wrong?” 

(Continued in Part 2)

The Beauty and Benevolence of God

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…through Jesus Christ, His Son….

Evidence of a creative Master is seen throughout the earth;

Jesus, who was called, the Master, came to teach us of the new birth.

Unless you are born again, He said, you can’t see the kingdom of God.

His heart is that of a caring shepherd, who guides with staff and rod.

The beauties and wonders of creation amaze, seeming never to cease;

such things are divine reflections, which point to the Prince of Peace.

Jesus told us to consider the lilies and also the birds of the air—

that they could show us how to serenely rest within His Father’s care.

What a wonderful God we have; He taught us the blessing of serving—

Jesus was our example, sharing God’s love, though we were undeserving.

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men—God’s very glory revealed.

We do have a beautiful Savior, who gave us the beauty of the lilies of the field.

P. A. Oltrogge

“All things were made through Him, and without Him, nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” John 1:3-4 

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 

“Jesus answered and said to him, (Nicodemus) ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’” John 3:3 

“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

“…that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” Acts 10:37-38

“Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is greater than their names.” Hebrews 1:1-4 NLT

“For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6 

Remembering the Hymn,
Beautiful Savior

Beautiful Savior, King of Creation,
Son of God and Son of Man!
Truly I’d love Thee,
Truly I’d serve Thee,
Light of my soul, my Joy, my Crown.

Fair are the meadows,
Fair are the woodlands,
Robed in flowers of blooming spring;
Jesus is fairer,
Jesus is purer;
He makes our sorrowing spirit sing.

Fair is the sunshine,
Fair is the moonlight,
Bright the sparkling stars on high;
Jesus shines brighter,
Jesus shines purer,
Than all the angels in the sky.

Beautiful Savior,
Lord of the nations,
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor,
Praise, adoration,
Now and forevermore be Thine!

Author Unknown, 1677
Translated by Joseph A. Seiss, 1873

“The Lord is like a father to his children,
tender and compassionate to those who fear him.” Psalm 103:13 NLT

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

It Was For Me…a poem to personalize

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We read of Jesus, who was with His disciples in the garden of Gethsemane: “And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, ‘Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.’ Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” Luke 22:41-44

Jesus,

In Gethsemane’s garden, You prayed to be strong
in what would overtake You in not very long.

It was for me that You were then betrayed.
It was on You that the task was laid.

As filthy rags, God saw my righteousness claimed–
which is why You stepped in to be defamed.

It was for my sins that You went on trial.
You made the payment for everything vile.

It was for me–this undeserved attack.
It was for me You bore stripes on Your back.

It was for me that You wore the thorns,
and it was for me You bore merciless scorns.

It was for me You walked Calvary’s trail.
It was for me that You endured each nail.

It was for me that You hung in shame.
It was for me–You were taking my blame.

It was for me You painfully died.
It was for me that they pierced Your side.

You did it for me, but in three days You rose.
You did it for me that my case would be closed.

P. A. Oltrogge

“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” Isaiah 64:6 KJV

“But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:21-26 NIV

“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” Romans 5:1 NLT

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1 NASB

A Visit to the Woods While in the City

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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

Photos: top, pxfuel; below, Porch of the Lord

Blessing and Victory by the Hand of the Lord

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I believe you, God, for every good and perfect gift;
for doubting that would cause me to be adrift
on the devil’s sea of unbelief,
with its dangerous waters and treacherous reef.
Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light.
I believe Your Word and reject any fright.
You’ve promised to shepherd me each new day–
With Your rod and Your staff, You’ll lead the way.
You’re the Light of the World, I can’t go wrong–
I can do all things in Him Who makes me strong.
Strong I am, and it’s easy to receive–
for You have said, just pray and believe.
Your help is sure, and you’ve said I can command
victory over the enemy by Your mighty hand!

P. A. Oltrogge

“Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:47

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” James 1:17

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

“The Lord is my shepherd…He leads me…He guides me…Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me…Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life….” (from Psalm 23)

“And He said to them, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:18-20

“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

“I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

“Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they shall be granted you.” Mark 11:24

See also the following regarding God’s mighty hand:

Exodus 3:20
Exodus 13: 3, 9, 14, 16
Exodus chapter 14

Trusting in the Bigness of the Lord

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“…And His Name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, MIGHTY GOD, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6…

It’s important to contemplate the “BIGNESS” of our God. That’s a rarely used word, as some have considered its usage to be odd.

But BIGNESS is very appropriate for Almighty God’s description. And, for the renewing of our minds, it’s an excellent prescription…

to keep us from thinking small, when the works of our God are VAST. Trees, mountains, planets and the stars by His words were cast.

The Israelites were enabled to cross over the Red Sea upon dry land, when the waters were parted by Moses’ reliance on God’s victorious hand.

God’s GREATER power delivered three men from Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace fire. They didn’t even smell of smoke despite going through something that dire.

And the GREATNESS of God’s merciful love was plainly displayed…when all of mankind’s sins on His own beloved Son were laid.

“He who has seen Me has seen the Father,” are words that Jesus said. That BIGNESS was displayed when He raised Lazarus from the dead.

And many other difficulties brought before Jesus turned out to perfection—but the GREATEST triumph of all was at the moment of Jesus’ own resurrection.

So let’s remember the BIGNESS of our MIGHTY GOD in heaven—in every situation—even BIG forgiving—seventy times seven!

And remember to give as BIG as you can to others who have needs. “He who waters will himself be watered.” There’s blessing in such deeds.

The WIDENESS of His mercy, the BIGNESS of His heart…Don’t think small when thoughts that are BIG are what God wants to impart.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh.  Is there anything too hard for Me?”  Jeremiah 32:27 

“Oh how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men.” Psalm 31:19 

“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 

“For the Lord Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth.”  Psalm 47:2 

“Sing out the honor of His name.  Make His praise glorious.  Say to God, ‘How awesome are Your works!  Through the greatness of Your power, Your enemies shall submit themselves to You.  All the earth shall worship You and sing praises to You; They shall sing praises to Your name.’  Selah”  Psalm 66:2-4 

“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.”  Psalm 103:2-4 

“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.”  John 3:16 

“…and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” 2 Corinthians 5:15 

“You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 NASB

“The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered.”  Proverbs 11:25 NASB

I believe in miracles, because I’ve had some God-given ones prior. I believe in miracles, are words that encourage and lift us higher.

And I believe in Jesus, the miracle worker, who was called a Nazarene. With our expectation in Him, and what He’s already done, miracles are sure to come on the scene.

…whatever the pain or problem, tell Him you’re trusting in His bigness over it…

And suddenly, a Multitude of the Heavenly Host…

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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

What a scripture…

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A Psalm of David.

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

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

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

Be sure to watch the worship video and read today’s message at: http://www.givehim15.com

Update from Mike Evans

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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.

To help: http://www.jerusalemprayerteam.org

Father,

Remind us to pray daily for those where there’s war…
that they won’t have to live with such danger any more.

At this very moment, please protect those souls,
who are serving courageously in military roles.

By Your Spirit, convert people who have evil intent…
revealing to them the Lord Jesus, whom You have sent.

Thank You for having sent Your Son, as the Savior for our sins…
Now, for anyone who receives Him, a brand new life begins.

in His (Jesus’) name, we pray…

P. A. Oltrogge

The Rain of the Holy Spirit

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“…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

Holy Spirit, come, with your power…

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