Help me, Father in heaven, to be mindful of what Your Word has said–that my words shouldn’t be critical of others, but they should bless instead. If someone’s ways seem contrary to mine, or if they’ve hurt me in some way, every person is still made in Your image–I must show love towards them and pray.
A forest spring doesn’t flow with waters that are both bitter and fresh; likewise, help me in “keeping under” any wrong attitudes of my flesh. A fig tree doesn’t produce olives, and figs don’t come from a grapevine; neither should judgmental words towards others come from these lips of mine.
The same lips that praise my God, should speak with His love; and I should be kind, in turn. Purity, being peace loving and gentle, willing to yield to others, are things that I must learn. With humility that’s gleaned from Your wisdom, I’ll avoid jealousy and selfish ambition, for You’ve said that disorder and evil of every kind come from either condition.
I should be full of Your mercy, showing no favoritism, and always be sincere–Planting seeds of peace, I’ll reap a harvest of righteousness–all truths that You’ve made clear.
P. A. Oltrogge
“And just as you want people to treat you, treat them in the same way.” words of Jesus in Luke 6:31
“People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.
If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.
“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:7-18 NLT
“Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and He will grant you His blessing. For the Scriptures say, ‘If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.’” 1 Peter 3:9-12 NLT
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9 (from 1-12)
“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32 (from 25-32) NKJV
“But Jesus told him, ‘Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God,’” (Luke 9:62 NLT) and Jesus said “The fields are already white for harvest” (John 4:35) and 1 Corinthians 9:10speaks of plowing in hope….
When things transpire in ways that we can’t fully understand, we need to keep faith in the goodness of God and the things which He has planned.
Sometimes we become focused on bad news or a loss, instead of meditating on Jesus’ victory over satan through the cross.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. Fully trust in Jesus, and don’t be unnerved by the devil’s grandstanding.
He wants you to contemplate disasters that he has brought about–thereby building up unbelief and causing you to doubt.
And to fuel your fears, he’ll get you to dwell on those things that seem fearful. He doesn’t want you to “count it all joy” or, with the joy of the Lord, to be cheerful.
Joseph of the Old Testament was stalwart in keeping faith in God, whose hand was kept upon him throughout the difficult pathways he trod.
God sent an angel to the apostle Paul, who was on a ship that was in a fierce storm, to reassure him and the others on board when troubles continued to form.
Jesus kept faith in His Father while carrying out what He’d asked Him to do. For the joy ahead that He “saw,” He trusted God’s guidance to help Him through.
Just as a farmer, despite a rain shower, may continue to work in the field, let’s plow on through, with faith in God, knowing the profit which that will yield.
And if circumstantial “rains” get too rough, we’ll find shelter in Jesus’ name. It’s the high tower for the safety of those for whom He came….
all those who believe in and have put their faith firmly and forever in Him! As we follow the Light of the World, our own lights in this world will not grow dim.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV
“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 14:10-12 NKJV
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4 NKJV
“…Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 (Sometimes we may weep with those who weep (Romans 12:14-16); but, always, our Abba, Father, sustains us.)
“Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’” Galatians 4:6 NIV
“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’” Romans 8:15 NKJV
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 NKJV
“But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’” Matthew 14:27 NKJV
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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 12:1-2 NKJV
“When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature. For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.
“You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.” Colossians 2:11-15 NLT
“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
“For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy.” Psalm 61:3 NKJV
A Psalm of David: 1 Praise the Lord, who is my rock. He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle. 2 He is my loving ally and my fortress, my tower of safety, my rescuer. He is my shield, and I take refuge in him. He makes the nations submit to me.” Psalm 144:1-2 NLT
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10 NKJV
“While He (Jesus) was still speaking, they came from the house of the synagogue official (Jairus), saying, ‘Your daughter has died, why trouble the Teacher anymore?’ But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, ‘Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.’” (from Mark 5:35-36 NASB)
“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” Genesis 50:20 NKJV (spoken by Joseph, to his brothers)
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12 NKJV (and believers are lights to the world, as stated in Matthew 5:14-16)
Former United States Ambassador to Israel, David M. Friedman, who served under President Trump, was featured as the guest speaker today at Eagle Mountain International Church in Ft. Worth, TX. The entire service is always good to watch; but if you are not able to do so, he gives his message following an introduction by Pastors Terri and George Pearsons, in which they also refer to Saturday’s observance of Holocaust Remembrance Day. Their introduction begins at about 43, if you scroll in. Just before that, (around 39), a beautiful song on Jerusalem was sung by their daughter, Aubrey Mitchell.
You can find this, titled, “Do Not Negotiate God’s Covenants,” under “Latest Service” at http://www.emic.org
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 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 may have 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 10:25-37 From John 13:13-15
opportunities to minister through appropriately named: www.samaritanspurse.org
The following was received yesterday from Franklin Graham, President of Samaritan’s Purse:
Dear Friend:
Today I was in Jerusalem to dedicate 14 new ambulances to the glory of Almighty God and for the use of Magen David Adom, the emergency medical services organization for Israel. Magen David Adom has lost 19 of its personnel since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, and we honored the fallen in a ceremony attended by hundreds, including the mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Lion.
When I heard that Hamas terrorists destroyed 14 of Israel’s ambulances on Oct. 7, I immediately told our Samaritan’s Purse team that we would replace every one that was lost. The mostly volunteer force of Magen David Adom put themselves at great risk to help others. I felt we needed to support them in any way we can.
The father of one brave soldier and Magen David Adom member killed in this war spoke today. He said his daughter, Lior, had a big heart, full of compassion. “Every time an ambulance goes on a mission, it will be like Lior and her friends are still helping and saving lives,” he said. “These ambulances will save many lives and will be a living memory of our fallen loved ones.”
We will also be providing seven additional ambulances, which will have armor plating, to Magen David Adom and setting up new emergency response stations in communities at risk. This supports what Samaritan’s Purse has already been doing in Israel, including providing food, medical trauma kits, and children’s gift boxes. We pray that these vehicles will bring comfort to the people of Israel. Pray also for our teams and partners who continue to provide relief to those in need.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6
“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 praiseHim.” Psalm 28:7 NKJV
The Christian who needs strength relies, daily on the strength which God supplies….
Thank you, God, for sending Jesus for us all, to pay the ransom for our souls–redeeming us from man’s fall.
Thank you, God, for mighty angels that are mine; and thank you–for this earthly body made so fine.
Thank you, Father, for my heart’s strong and steady beat; and thank you for good health–from my head down to my feet.
Thank you that you’re there, if I come under attack. Thank you, Good Shepherd, that you’ve always got my back.
Thank you that I can look for miracle answers to come my way, for problems that seem difficult, for you hear me when I pray.
Thank you, Jesus, for your promise of a blessed, abundant life. Thank you, too, that you taught us to keep from strife.
Thank you for giving servants who teach your Word for these days. Thank you for their anointing and that they emphasize your praise.
Thank you, Lord, that as I seek to follow after you, a goodly harvest is produced in everything I do.
P. A. Oltrogge
“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 NKJV
“Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.” 1 John 4:17 NKJV
“The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds’ feet, and makes me walk on my high places.” Habakkuk 3:19 NASB/Ryrie
“Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7 KJV
“Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong.” Joel 3:10 KJV
“He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might, He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:29-31 NKJV
“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17 NKJV
“The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.” Psalm 29:11 NIV
“Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! 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, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalm 103:1-5 NKJV
“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.” Psalm 139:14 NKJV
“…for in Him we live and move and have our being….” from Acts 17:28 NKJV
“I will lift up my eyes to the hills–From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 NKJV
“Blessed be the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplication. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him. The Lord is their strength, and He is a saving defense to His anointed. Save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance; be their shepherd also and carry them forever.” Psalm 28:6-9 NASB/Ryrie
“My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4:20-24 NKJV
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 NASB/Ryrie
“…Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!’” Nehemiah 8:10 NLT
“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were, the utterances of God; whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11 NASB/Ryrie
“My flesh and my heart may fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 NASB/Ryrie
“With a long life I will satisfy him, and let him behold My salvation.” Psalm 91:16 (and all of Psalm 91, regarding angelic protection, no plague, etc.)
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 NKJV
“Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:10-12 (and the following verses on the full armor of God) NASB/Ryrie
“The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” John 10:10-11 NASB/Ryrie
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3 KJV
“Only bethoustrongandvery courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:7 KJV
“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” Ephesians 5:1-2 NKJV
“The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.” Psalm 121:7-8 NKJV
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“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 NKJV
“…being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus….” Romans 3:24 NKJV
Let’s consider just a few Bible accounts that give some tender words (followed by His caring action) that Jesus said:
A widow, out of Nain, came in contact with Jesus on her only son’s burial day. “DON’T CRY” were the compassionate words that she heard Jesus say.
News came to Jairus of his ailing daughter that would cause him to grieve; but Jesus encouraged him, “DON’T BE AFRAID ANY LONGER–ONLY BELIEVE.”
When a leper asked if Jesus was willing to cleanse him of that blight… Jesus said, “I AM WILLING,” and He touched him, delivering him out of his plight.
Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, so hear Him regarding your cares:
“Don’t cry”
“Don’t be afraid any longer–only believe!”
and “I am willing”
…are words that Jesus, our compassionate Lord, still shares.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 NKJV
“When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. ‘Don’t cry!’ he said. Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. ‘Young man,’ he said, ‘I tell you, get up.’ Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk! And Jesus gave him back to his mother.” …from Luke 7:11-17 NLT
“While He was still speaking, they came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, ‘Your daughter has died; why trouble the Teacher any more?’ But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, ‘Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.’” Mark 5:35-36 …and Jesus raised her up (through verse 43) NASB-Ryrie
“And behold, a leper came to Him, and bowed down to Him, saying, ‘Lord, if you are willing, You can make me clean.’ And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, ‘I am willing, be cleansed.’ And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” …from Matthew 8:1-4 NASB-Ryrie
“The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.” Psalm 29:11 NKJV
“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits–who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion….” Psalm 103:2-4 NIV
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” John 10:14
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105…the Holy Bible, the best of all books!
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Recently one morning, in opening a can of coffee, its grounds wafted a pleasant scent, which made me think of all the good things that, to us on earth, our God has sent.
There are various types of teas and great varieties of healthful vegetables and of fruit…and many other foods of which to partake, that to each person’s taste, will suit.
Consider the different kinds of apples, yet just one fruit–or even the many grains. Rye, wheat, spelt, oats, barley, quinoa, and more…are grown upon the plains.
God made so much that pleases. People enjoy mountain-skiing and the snow, while others prefer to swim, surf, fish, or boat on the lakes or oceans to which they go.
Speaking of snow, how about the seasons–winter, spring, summer, and fall? Some favor one season over another, while many of us appreciate them all.
Think of the trees, (maples, hickories, oaks, and more), the plants and flowers, the variety of fish to view or catch, and enjoyment of pets in our daily hours.
Most often, we think of dogs and cats; but, of course, there are others on the earth–horses and farm animals abound, and zoos celebrate an endangered species’ birth.
God’s given us birds of great variety…we love to hear their early morning singing. And we’re thankful for the bees and the wonderful honey that they’re still bringing.
How about the divine or natural things He provides for health that give us aid? In God’s Word is “health;” while from herbs or plants, helpful things are made.
It’s hard to end the list–necessary insects, or the beauty of each different gem. Diamonds, emeralds, rubies, garnets, sapphires, and topaz are just some of them.
And, oh, He made great variety in people, who, really, are of the same race…some things make us different, but all ancestry back to Adam/Noah can be traced.
If God so generously stocked this earth with unique and special varieties galore, just think of what His designs must be in His beautiful heaven that are in store!
But there is one thing God hasn’t varied–the way of salvation–only One way will do. The way, the truth, and the life…Jesus, You said no one comes to the Father, but by You…
The Father is offering new birth to all. Through Jesus Christ our lives are blessed. Of all the gifts we’re offered by God…Jesus, His only begotten Son, is His very best!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Jesus said to him, “I am theway, the truth, and the life.Noone comestotheFatherexcept through Me.” John 14:6
“Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.’” John 3:5-8
“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
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
“For bygrace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8
“He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:10-13
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17 KJV
“My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4:20-22
Scriptures: NKJV or as noted
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One last thought is of variety in music. The Psalms say to praise God with a new song. Varied instruments are used, and the list of hymns of praise has become quite long.
The following is a vital hymn….
My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace; In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.
His oath, His covenant, and blood, Support me in the whelming flood; When every earthly prop gives way, He then is all my Hope and Stay. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.
When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in Him be found; Clothed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne! On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.
Written, 1834 by Edward Mote Composed, 1873 by John Stainer
Beloved, to God, you are His rose in the rain; and don’t ever think He doesn’t feel your pain. Trials aren’t sent to us by the Lord–No, they’re deep rivers that He alone helps us ford.
The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy, but we’ve got God’s Word to foil the thief’s ploy. God’s promises are sure–He never has lied; and the desire of your heart will surely be supplied!
With our eyes on God’s Word, we persevere. We know this fulfillment is already here! For faith says right now what isn’t seen with our eyes, because we know that our God has heard our hearts’ cries.
A rose in the rain, but you’re hardy and strong—You trust in God’s Word and in Him to Whom you belong. There’s an answer in God for every problem we face; so we thank You, Heavenly Father, for the answer by Your grace.
P. A. Oltrogge
…and for any men reading this, you could be compared to a strong tree that is able to weather storms…
“The righteous cry and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” Psalm 34:17-19
“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.” spoken by Jesus in John 10:10
“Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 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; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” Ephesians 6:10-20
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
“Only be thou strong and very courageous….” Joshua 1:7
“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32 KJV
“Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.’”John 8:58 NKJV
“Fear not, little flock…” for I AM your fortress, and I AM your rock.
My Word has endured throughout the ages, and I have been revealed in the holy Bible’s pages.
In perilous times that are evident in these days, you’ll sense My peace and presence as you offer Me praise.
My name and blood over your life are a powerful shield. My blood was shed for you for the benefits it would yield.
The world is passing away and the lust thereof; yet nothing will be able to separate you from My love.
I will never leave you, nor will I ever forsake you… Remember that, when troubles try, at times, to overtake you.
Call upon Me in the day of trouble, amid its distress, for I AM the Lord of all…and have all the power to bless.
So, trust your Lord Jesus and fear not, little flock… In Me, there’s safe harbor where your disciple-“ship” can dock.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Walk with Me,” by Greg Olsen. Used with Permission: www.GregOlsen.com
“Be to me a rock of refuge and a sheltering stronghold to which I may continually come; You have given the commandment to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress.” Psalm 71:3 AMP
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” 2 Timothy 3:1 KJV
“Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” Psalm 50:15 NKJV
“In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, For You will answer me. Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord; Nor are there any works like Your works.” Psalm 86:7-8 NKJV
“…For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5 NKJV
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 KJV
“They have taken crafty counsel against Your people, and consulted together against Your sheltered ones….Let them be confounded and dismayed forever; Yes, let them be put to shame and perish, that they may know that You, whose name alone is the Lord; are the Most High over all the earth.” Psalm 83:3, 17-18 NKJV
“Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; In You I take shelter.” Psalm 143:9 NKJV
“The Lord also will roar from Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; The heavens and earth will shake; But the Lord will be a shelter for His people, and the strength of the children of Israel.” Joel 3:16 NKJV
“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!’” Psalm 91:1-2 and all of Psalm 91
“And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:17 NKJV
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: ‘For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.’ 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 8:35-39 NKJV
“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
In Exodus 12, an unblemished lamb was slain and its blood was applied to the lintel and doorposts of the homes of the Hebrews for their protection and deliverance. Through His crucifixion, where His blood was shed on our behalf, Jesus became God’s pure sacrificial Lamb. Before His death, He said, “It is finished.”
God has given us instruction that’s meant to keep us from being uptight, which is to meditate upon His Word throughout the day and night.
If you find you’re feeling troubled, with thoughts that need to be curbed, think, instead, upon His promises, so your peace won’t be disturbed.
Just as Jesus immediately encouraged Jairus when others said his daughter had died, we need to immediately hear His voice–over ones which say victory’s been denied.
People, thoughts, and what is felt and seen may “say” otherwise than what is said in God’s Word. If we’ve meditated upon it, however, other voices won’t discourage what, through God, we’ve already heard.
P. A. Oltrogge
“How blessed is the man…(whose) delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.” (from Psalm 1:1-3 NASB)
“Great peace have they which love Thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Psalm 119:165 KJV
“While He (Jesus) was still speaking, they came from the house of the synagogue official (Jairus), saying, ‘Your daughter has died, why trouble the Teacher anymore?’ But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, ‘Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.’” (from Mark 5: 21-24 and 35-43 NASB)
(…and Jesus went on to the home of Jairus and raised his daughter up.)
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 KJV
“…and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him!’” (from Matthew 17:1-8 NASB)
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” …John 16:33
The Porch of the Lord 