A cross on a hillside beckons for our attention, and can bring to mind something that Jesus Christ mentioned, when He and His disciples launched out for a sail–“Let’s cross over to the other side,” were His words that didn’t fail.

Have you been on the side with those who have apprehensions, or reject that Christ is Lord or doubt God’s intentions? Look thoughtfully to the cross, for a strong message it bears–God wants you to cross over to knowing that He cares.

Any other “religion” hasn’t the cross’s personal touch. God sent His Son to die for you because He loved you that much. There, Jesus made the sacrifice for your well-being and sins–so you could cross to the place where new life in Him begins.

Despite a storm, His words didn’t fail in that Biblical account recorded. They won’t fail in your destiny either, but you’ll be greatly rewarded, as you come under the shadow of the Almighty and cross to the other side. You’ll be so thankful you heeded the message of the wonderful cross as your guide.

P. A. Oltrogge

“On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, ‘Let us cross over to the other side.’ Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, ‘Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?’

“Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, ‘Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?’ And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, ‘Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!’”

Mark 4:35-41

“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears My Word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” 

John 5:24 (NIV)

“…that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” 

Romans 6:4

“For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness 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.”

Colossians 1:19-20

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

“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

Scriptures to contemplate…

“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 our sun 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

As always, a great message is posted today at http://www.givehim15.com

We pray for all believers, especially those in countries where severe persecution for their faith in Christ is occurring. See http://www.aclj.org

photo/Unsplash

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 Your guidance, 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

_________________________

“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

“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

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

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.

Reminder of 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.

The interview, from June 9th, and another with Jim Caviezel on June 29th, can be found at: http://www.govictory.com/flashpoint

Reference/Donations: http://www.ourrescue.org

Operation Underground Railroad
P O Box 560902
Denver, CO
80256-0902

Thank you for your participation and prayers, as part of Team Jesus…