Category Archives: Prayer

Like Sheep Without a Shepherd

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“And Jesus was going about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.

“And seeing the multitudes, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd.

“Then He said to His disciples, The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” 

Matthew 9:35-38 

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There wasn’t any kind of sickness or disease which Jesus couldn’t cure. Today, He’s still alive; and, of His mighty healing power, we can be equally sure.

Jesus felt compassion for the multitudes, knowing that they were downcast and distressed. Like sheep without a shepherd, they were in need of His touch to be blessed.

It’s still the same in the world today–there’s need for healing and protection, even from any plague. But of greatest need is healing for the soul–as the ability to know God, for many people, has seemed vague.

Jesus said the harvest is plentiful and that we’re to pray for workers to bring it in before the night. And we ourselves can answer the call to share with others, near or far, about His love and light.

Yes, “like sheep without a shepherd” is descriptive of multitudes still today. Open their eyes, heavenly Father, to the Lord Jesus, as their healer, Savior, and Shepherd. This, for them, we pray.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Lost No More” by Greg Olsen. Used with Permission:  www.GregOlsen.com

“I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.” John 10:14 NASB

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” John 10:27-28 NKJV

“This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” John 17:3 NASB

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29 NKJV

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Type “101 Things God Said About Healing” (or just 101) into the search bar for scripture references on healing.

Today’s post, “The Month of Miracles, Part 2,” by Dutch Sheets is found at: http://www.givehim15.com

The Rise of a Miracle

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…thanking God for His answers, His mighty plans and power…

A sunrise doesn’t occur ‘til after many hours of night…but then it begins to appear with ever-increasing light!

Likewise, that very miracle which seems to be delayed, will dawn for you if you don’t lose faith in the promises God has made.

Remember your part is believing with your heart, with your voice confessing—that you’ve spoken to the mountain in Jesus’ name—it can’t stand in the way of your blessing.

An important fact to remember and voice is that the devil is defeated. Whenever a negative thought casts doubt, that fact should be firmly repeated.

So, patience, praise, and the joy of the LORD are needed in the nighttime hour…before that miracle dawn breaks forth. At work within us is God’s power!

P. A. Oltrogge

…and when patience is required, don’t quit…

“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 3:20-21 

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13 (KJV)

“For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.” Mark 11:23-25 

“But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.  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 8:25-27

“And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” Colossians 2:13-15 from 11-15

“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

“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 8:14 

“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law, he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3 (NASB, Ryrie Study Bible)

“For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints.” Proverbs 2:6-8

“But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name be joyful in You.” Psalm 5:11 

“…Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

“And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.” Psalm 27:6 

(Praise to God for His awesome works) (To the Chief Musician. A song. A Psalm.). “Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth!” Psalm 66:1 

“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

(Scriptures New King James Version, or as noted)

.Quotes by Oswald Chambers:

“Prayer imparts the power to walk and not faint.”

“We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties.” 

“Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.” 

Expect a Miracle…

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“Expect a miracle” is the very important and faith-filled phrase…that God gave Oral Roberts, who relied on it, giving Him praise.

“Expect a miracle” was reflected in Jesus’ life, by the things He did or said. His was a life of great faith in His Father–thereby, He even raised people from the dead.

As disciples of the Lord, we can’t let our faith be clouded by doubt…but thinking “Expect a Miracle,” and saying so, can help bring a miracle about.

Knowing how great our God is, on Him, our thoughts should stay. We can believe we receive miraculous answers at any time that we do pray.

As for looking at things that were contrary, where it seemed God didn’t come through…God understands what happened at those times; it’s not for us to do.

Just keep your focus on God’s promises as you walk out on life’s waters. “Expect a miracle” will serve you well–we’re God’s faith-filled sons and daughters!

P. A. Oltrogge

“Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter, remembering, said to Him, ‘Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.’

“So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Mark 11:20-26

Instead of worry, we take no thought…

“And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?  If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?”  Luke 12:25-26

To hear teaching by Richard Roberts, Oral’s son, visit: http://www.richardroberts.org

To read of another upcoming Healing Summit, visit today’s important message, “The Month of Miracles” at: http://www.givehim15.com

There are Angels Among Us

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Sharing again today…by Kim Potter: http://www.anewthingministries.com

It’s been almost 17 years now, but I remember it as if it were yesterday. 

It was one of those heart-stopping moments that are every parent’s nightmare. My daughter and I were shopping at a local mall. She and I were looking at clothes, just a few feet away from where my 2-year-old grandson was happily seated in the kids’ area watching a movie. He was within arm’s reach, as always. I turned away from him for a brief second to say something to my daughter. The next moment, I turned back, and he was nowhere to be seen. Frantic, I told my daughter to search the store while I ran out to the mall entrance.

In just a few steps, I was at the store entrance, and there I abruptly stopped in my tracks. A woman was blocking my exit. She was a very large woman who seemed to occupy the entire store entrance. She was so tall that I had to bend my head all the way back to see her face and meet her gaze. I looked into her fiery eyes as she extended her left arm down the mall. My eyes followed her long arm and finger in the direction she was pointing, as I heard her fiercely proclaim, “I told him to get back in there!” Down the mall hallway, in the direction she was pointing, was my little grandson. Bare feet running as fast as he could. He was headed for the cookie store he loved so much. With great relief, I turned to thank the woman who had blocked my path mere seconds before. She was gone. Nowhere to be found. She was not in the store, nor the mall, and I knew in that moment it was Bryson’s angel. I quickly retrieved my grandson and breathed a sigh of relief, thanking God for sending His angel to assist and protect.

There are angels among us.

Considering the climate of our world today, I believe we all need to be reminded of the promises of God concerning angels. With all we deal with daily, jobs, family, rising prices, and violence across our nation, I thank God for these promises.

Angels Are Ordered to Protect

For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands, so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone (Psalm 91:11–12 NLT).

God has given a command concerning you and your family. He has ordered His angels to protect you wherever you go. He goes so far to say they won’t even allow you to hurt your foot on a stone. We must, as God’s people, take this promise to heart and declare it over ourselves and our family on a regular basis. I personally thank God each time I get in my vehicle. I thank Him that the angels of God have been ordered to watch over me and bring me home safe. I pray this same prayer over my grandchildren who drive.

Angels Serve God’s People

Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation? (Hebrews 1:14 NKJV).

The word minister in this verse means to attend to as a servant and to bring relief to. Angels are sent by God to serve God’s people. They are listening for instruction that lines up with God’s word so they can assist you and me. They can bring relief in situations if we only employ them according to God’s word.

Angels Deliver

The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them (Psalm 34:7 NKJV).

Angels are sent to deliver God’s people. We see this in the life of Peter. In the book of Acts, we read that Peter was in prison, bound with chains. However, those chains could not stop God. God sent angels to deliver Peter from this impossible situation. He desires to do the same for you. He is the same God today.

Angels Perform God’s Word

Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His word (Psalm 103:20 NKJV).

Angels are listening for us to speak the word of God into our situation. Angels will not perform every word that comes out of our mouths, but they do heed the voice of the word of God and perform God’s word in our lives. If we are expecting angels to work on our behalf, we must make sure our words line up with God’s word.

Angels Guard Those Who Belong to God

For it is written, He will give His angels charge over you to guard and watch over you closely and carefully … (Luke 4:10 AMP).

This is what I saw that day with my grandson. God had given this angel charge over Bryson, to guard and watch him closely. Even when he wandered out of our sight, God had His angels watching that little boy. For that I am eternally grateful. God is no respecter of persons. He is doing the same thing for you and your children today.

Angels Minister to God’s People

Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him (Matthew 4:11 NKJV).

That day, in the wilderness, the angels of God came and attended to Jesus. They served Him. They fed Him and provided for His every need. They will do the same for us if we only believe.

Angels Fight Opposition on Our Behalf

Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia” (Daniel 10:12–13).

Daniel had prayed for an answer, and God had immediately responded. However, the enemy had attempted to stop Daniel’s answer from reaching him. God sent His warring angels to fight their way through. Take note, the angels came because of Daniel’s words! It is vital that our words align with God’s. When they do, God will do whatever it takes, including sending warring angels to fight for us, to make sure we receive our answered prayer.

There are indeed angels among us, and they each have a job to do. Are you employing the assistance of angels daily? Are you speaking the word of God, giving them something to work with? Do you expect the angels of God to watch over you and your family? If not, I recommend you change that today.

Angels are real. We see their handiwork all throughout the Bible, from beginning to the very end. They have a job to do, and they need our cooperation to do it. Begin to expect the angels of God to work on your behalf today. You will be so glad you did.

Keeping Confidence in the LORD

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“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

“And He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith (your confidence and trust in Me) has made you well! Go (enter) into peace (untroubled, undisturbed well-being).’” Luke 8:48 AMPC

Turn your confidence around;
Let it now in God be found.
There are thoughts that seek to deceive,
But just let God those fears relieve.
Turn your confidence around;
Jesus’ Words are sure and sound.
Cast down any thought that things can’t change–
With God, anything can rearrange.
Turn your confidence around,
For every victory in Him is found.

P. A. Oltrogge

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:57

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world–our faith. And who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:4,5

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.” Isaiah 26:3 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 comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

God’s Word, Our Compass

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“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Even when it seems as though the enemy has gotten farther ahead, realize that you’re more than a conqueror, as the compass of God’s Word has said.

For the “ship of faith” sails, on every journey, at a steady and determined pace; with the guidance of God and faith and patience, it will certainly win the race.

Just as Jesus spoke to the winds and waves in the midst of a furious storm, with the spirit of faith and God’s Word on your lips, your victory, too, will form.

P. A. Oltrogge

“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

“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:10-11

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

“…above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” Ephesians 6:16-17

“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:11-12

“To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:  Grace to you and peace be multiplied.” 1 Peter 1:1-2

“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39 

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.  And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:3-5 

“We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak.” 2 Corinthians 4:13 KJV

Book recommendation: “The Spirit of Faith” at: http://www.markhankins.org

See today’s post on prayer by Dutch Sheets: http://www.givehim15.com

The Fourth Man

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Of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we read…

Into Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace, three men were thrown into its fire. But a Fourth Man came to deliver them–an event that certainly inspires. This divine intervention for them left them without even the smell of fire. They’d refused to bow down to an idol–their trust in God was so much higher.

Jesus, the Fourth Man, is with you in the midst of your trouble or fire. Thank the Lord for His presence, lifting your praises higher. He knows your every need for help; He knows your every desire. Jesus, our Redeemer and Deliverer, is The Fourth Man in the fire…

P. A. Oltrogge

(Account in Daniel 3)

“Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?”

They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.”

“Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” Daniel 3:24-25 NKJV

“Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous, but the Lord rescues him from them all.” Psalm 34:19 AMP

“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 NKJV

Be blessed to search on you tube for Oral Roberts’ classic message, “The Fourth Man in the Fiery Furnace.”

A Very Present Help

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

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Troubles come to all of us, trials are an unsolicited part of life;

but there is One who is a very present help in the midst of any kind of strife.

He’s not only present, but He’s VERY present amidst things which can be dire–

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, remember, weren’t burned though engulfed by fire.
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The men had refused to worship the gold idol, as King Nebuchadnezzar had decreed–

Such a decree to these men of faith was something they simply wouldn’t heed.

Anyone who disobeyed would be cast into a fiery furnace that had been stoked very hot–

At the sound of the horn, flute, harp, or lyre, all were to bow down, but these three men would not.
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Called before the king, he gave them another chance to obey, but they bravely made it clear…

that their God could deliver them; yet if not, they served Him only and had nothing to fear. 

Then, thrown into the furnace, divine intervention left them without even the smell of fire–

Their hair wasn’t singed, nor their clothes affected, because no other “god” was higher.
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In the midst of the fiery furnace, a fourth “Man” had appeared, among the other three.

His appearance was “like the Son of God;” and He’d loosed them and had set the men free.

Though they’d initially been bound together, Nebuchadnezzar saw them unhurt and walking separately around–

This miraculous event became proof to him that there was no God but theirs to be found.
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God has promised to be our sure refuge, whom we can run to for shelter from any storm–

If the “winds” of life become threatening or cold, under His wings, we’ll be protected and warm.

He’s the strength upon which we’ve come to depend; and we’re blessed by the love He supplies.

Keep looking to Jesus, your very present help. In every circumstance, that will prove to be wise.

P. A. Oltrogge

(The poetic account is derived from Daniel 3)

…trials sometimes come, but confidence in God’s love and care for us (Psalm 91) and the presence of His Holy Spirit within strengthen those who believe….

Jesus said, “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you.” John 14:16-17 (and through 26)

Acts 1:8 and Acts 2:1-4

“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, Ryrie Study Bible)

A few more thoughts on this same Bible account can be found in today’s devotional at: http://www.josephprince.org

And as always, visit today’s: http://www.givehim15.com

What time is it?

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“I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1

When troubles disappoint, overwhelm, or sometimes shock, remember, then, what time it is–it’s always Praise o’clock!

As much-loved members of the Good Shepherd’s flock, His goodness makes us praise Him all around the clock.

After praise and a mighty shout, the walls of Jericho fell down flat. The people followed Joshua’s instructions, and that was that!

When Daniel faced the lions in their den ’til morning light, an angel at Praise o’clock came there to keep their jaws shut tight.

Paul and Silas were imprisoned–their feet were placed in stocks; but they just sang with all their hearts, and made that prison rock!

If your prayer is for a miracle, but it seems to be “out of stock,” don’t give up, don’t give in–look at the time, it’s still Praise o’clock.

Surely when the way seems hard, there’s an answer to any “block,” for continually and forever, the correct time is Praise o’clock!

P. A. Oltrogge

“O come, let us sing for joy to the Lord, let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving. Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods, in whose hand are the depths of the earth, the peaks of the mountains are His also. The sea is His, for it was He who made it, and His hands formed the dry land. Come let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand.” Psalm 95:1-7 (NASB, Ryrie Study Bible)

“For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height–to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fulness 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 3:14:21 NKJV

“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13 NKJV

“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

It’s in serious times or circumstances that it’s exactly right to praise God in expectation of His help. At the same time, we take our authority, through the blood and name of Jesus, over evil spirits that would hinder or harm in any circumstance, as we’re seated with Christ in the heavenly places, far above them. (Reference Ephesians 1:18-23 and 2:4-10)

“What time is it?” can also make us contemplate the time of Jesus’ return. We’re to occupy until He comes…

“And as they heard these things, he (Jesus) added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, ‘Occupy till I come.’” Luke 19:11-13 KJV

Visit today’s: http://www.givehim15.com

Washed Perfectly Clean

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…small and white, clean and bright…Edelweiss

David sinned through adultery and even murder, but then he repented. Paul, once named Saul, persecuted Christians before his conversion. Peter (and all the disciples) denied the Lord, failing in his boast that he would die with Him, rather than deny Him. We must follow God’s love principle, and forgive even ourselves….

Peter failed to demonstrate His love for Jesus by denying Him three times before the cock crowed twice. That was a betrayal of God’s very own Son, who, for our iniquities, paid the ultimate price.

When thoughts of sins, mistakes or failures arise, reminding of an unwise or regretful scene–instead, as a believer, remember Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, through which God has washed you thoroughly clean.

Love covers a multitude of sins–Jesus’ blood washes away everything that was ugly. You’re the righteousness of God in Christ–run to His arms where He’ll hold you snugly.

P. A. Oltrogge

“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms…” Deuteronomy 33:27

“And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.” Mark 10:16

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.’” John 1:29 

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.’” Matthew 11:28-29 NLT

“But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God….” Romans 3:21-23

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

“‘Come now, and let us reason together’ says the Lord, ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.’” Isaiah 1:18

“Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8 NASB

“I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”  John 13:34 NASB

“And forgive us our debts (sins/trespasses), as we forgive our debtors.” Matthew 6:12

“Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him, up to seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’” Matthew 18:21-22

“For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fulness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight–if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.” Colossians 1:19-23 

Another example of forgiveness and love is the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15.

“Wash me thoroughly from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin…Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; Cleanse me, and I will be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:2, 7 (…a Psalm of David)

“Peter said to Him, ‘Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!’ All the disciples said the same thing as well.” Matthew 26:35 NASB

“He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?’ Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, ‘Do you love Me?’ And he said to Him, ‘Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed My sheep.’”  John 21:17

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14 

“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”  2 Corinthians 5:20-21

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted.