Protection from plague, pestilence, and peril is proclaimed in this Psalm

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
² I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”

³ Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler
And from the perilous pestilence.
⁴ He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
⁵ You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
⁶ Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.

⁷ A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not come near you.
⁸ Only with your eyes shall you look,
And see the reward of the wicked.

⁹ Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
¹⁰ No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
¹¹ For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.
¹² In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
¹³ You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.

¹⁴ “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
¹⁵ He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.
¹⁶ With long life I will satisfy him,
And show him My salvation.”

(New King James Version)

The story of a “different” duckling was one that, as children, most of us had read. This duckling was ridiculed because of his appearance–so much so, that he finally fled.

He then went through various experiences, away from the home he originally knew; but all of those experiences were bitter and caused him to keep feeling “blue.”

As the story progressed, he came upon a flock of magnificent swans, while downcast, who welcomed him as a most beautiful swan; and there he found happiness at last.

We learn, in reading the Bible, that God doesn’t look at how you outwardly appear. You may feel you haven’t much value, yet you’re a distinctive “swan” in His mirror.

And if blessed with what man defines as great beauty, God still looks within to start…His search for a person who is devoted to Him, humble, but courageous of heart.

Remember, too, that when God sees you, He sees the righteousness of His own Son; and He has promised to perfect the good work in you that, through Christ, He has begun.

P. A. Oltrogge

“For Thou dist form my inward parts; Thou didst weave me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Thy works, and my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:13-14 KJV

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him, for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” 1 Samuel 16:7 NASB

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 NASB

“By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.”  Proverbs 22:4 NKJV

“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”  Psalm 31:24 NKJV

“For if by one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.”  Romans 5:17 NKJV

During a feast of the Jews, we see Jesus at the healing pool of Bethesda, which was by the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, that prominent city.

And He saw a certain man lying among the many others who had come to seek healing, whose infirmity had lasted thirty-eight years—and on whom no man had apparently had pity.

It was known and told that an angel came to stir the waters at a season and time at this pool of five porches, an esteemed place.

And whoever first, thereafter, made it into the water was healed of their illness—with no longer a trace.

Jesus, knowing that this individual had been crippled and infirm for a long time, asked him if he wanted to be healed.

The man replied that he had no man to help him into the waters after they were stirred. Others were always quicker, so his fate had been sealed.

Then, Jesus mercifully said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk,” stepping in for the said “no man.”

Immediately, the infirm man was made whole, got to his feet, took up his bed and walked, for health and healing have always been God’s plan.

Today, when we experience difficulties, even those long-standing, and may sometimes feel there is no one to help, not even the Lord…

remember, we still do have an advocate in Jesus, God’s Son—to get adverse things eliminated and have the good restored.

P. A. Oltrogge

”…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 10:38 NKJV

“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.” (Words of Jesus in John 10:10 NKJV)

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 NKJV

See healing and other personal testimonies at http://www.josephprince.org or http://www.awmi.net and other websites previously mentioned on this blog.

Poetic account, above, from John, chapter 5.

Some versions of the Bible leave out the verse about an angel stirring the waters due to uncertainties about original texts. It’s included in the poem as found in the King James and New King James versions, The Passion Translation, Amplified Bible, J. B. Phillips New Testament, and others.

Jairus, a synagogue official, came earnestly looking for Jesus, and knelt at the Teacher’s feet. His daughter was at the point of death; and he knew it was Jesus whom he needed to entreat.

He begged, “Please come and lay your hands on her that she may get well and live.” Jesus went off with Jairus–a great throng followed, for they knew He had so much to give.

On the way to Jairus’s home, a woman who needed healing, too, would draw from the Lord’s power first. She had suffered twelve years, and had sought help of many physicians, yet the condition was at its worst.

Having heard about Jesus, she thought of putting action to the faith that had risen inside her heart–that a mere touch to His garment would release enough power for the constant plague to depart.

She may have rehearsed in her mind what she intended to do, complete healing being her goal. But she also gave voice to the faith in her heart, “If I may touch but His clothes, I shall be whole.”

She came up in the crowd; and upon touching His cloak, immediately sensed she was healed! Perceiving that His power had just gone forth, Jesus asked that the recipient be revealed.

The disciples were surprised that He would ask this, as so many were pressing in on Him all about. Jesus looked around to see the woman who had touched Him, who’d received by faith, without any doubt.

Fearing and trembling, she came and fell at His feet; and He listened to her story that she then told. He said, “Daughter, your faith has made you well, go in peace…” Her faith had been subtle, but yet it had been bold.

While He still spoke, some from Jairus’s house came, with news that cut to the heart’s core. With finality, they said to Jairus, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the Teacher any more?”

Jesus heard what they’d said, but turned to Jairus, with these calming words that assured: “Do not be afraid any longer, only believe,” which gave him hope that she still could be cured.

Only Peter, James, and John, the brother of James, were allowed to follow further to Jairus’s place. There, they found many people loudly weeping and wailing, because of his daughter’s case.

“Why make a commotion and weep? The child has not died but is asleep,” Jesus declared. Then they laughed Him to scorn; but He sent them all out, knowing that her life was already spared.

He took along the child’s father and mother and His companions to enter where the child lay. Taking her by the hand, “Talitha, kum!” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” was all that He needed to say.

Immediately, Jairus’s daughter got up; and she began to walk, to the amazement of those in the room. This was another of the miracles of Jesus–where what spoke of death suddenly reversed to live and bloom!

The faith of a father acting on behalf of his daughter, or a daughter acting on her own–in either case, the compassion of God to answer is certainly emphatically shown.

Likewise, the miracle power of Jesus Christ is available for any of us today…
Perhaps think of the stories of either of these daughters at those times when you have a need about which to pray.

P. A. Oltrogge

…a poetic telling of the account in Mark 5…

(“Talitha cumi” in the King James version)

Encouragement:
http://www.moorelife.org
http://www.kcm.org
http://www.josephprince.org/blog/praise-reports

“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 that find them, And health to all their flesh.”
Proverbs 4:20-22 NKJV

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 the solutions, that’s involved.

Thank You for the 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 NKJV

“There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.” Hebrews 4:9 NKJV

“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 NKJV

“…casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NKJV

“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

“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 NKJV

Don’t hold on, with anxiety, to problems, but hold on, with thanksgiving, to the Lord’s promises…. Taking authority over the devil, seeking the Lord’s will, and believing we receive when we pray are important to remember.

Praying in the Spirit, also a means of casting our care upon the Lord:

“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

“And Jesus answering saith unto them, ‘Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass, he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.’” Mark 11:22-24 KJV

Was Jesus talking about actual mountains?

No, but Jesus knew we would have problems that would need to be removed…
That’s why He said to “say unto this mountain”–that by our words, this could be proved.

Speaking to adverse circumstances is something that we, as believers, can do,
for these were Jesus’ instructions to His disciples; and He never said anything untrue.

“It is written,” were the words that He would use–then He quoted right from a scripture. We can follow His example, thereby causing a “mountain” to no longer be a “permanent” fixture.

Jesus spoke unto the fig tree, and to the sea in the midst of a stormy blast. He spoke to people who had died, when the time for their healing had passed.

“Saying unto this mountain” is our “good fight of faith” stand, to use to effect the well-being and blessed future which God has said He’s planned.

People will faithfully take a medicine, as a doctor prescribes they should do.
Likewise, faithfully taking God’s medicine (His Word) will change that “mountain view.”

Speaking, hearing, and meditating upon the Word will cause a mountain’s transition. Don’t let the naysayers influence you to quit or cause you to change your position.

Jesus blessed the loaves and fish; He thanked God before Lazarus was raised.
An important part of speaking to a mountain is that God should first be praised.

Sometimes we need to pray in the Spirit, which is God’s supernatural gift,
before we’ll see greater progress in causing a stubborn mountain to shift.

We’re not to doubt in our hearts, though doubt may try to enter through a thought. Resist it and negative thinking, for speaking to “mountains” is a principle which Jesus, our Lord, taught.

P. A. Oltrogge

In Mark 11:25-26, Jesus goes on to state the importance of forgiveness and so, in sharing the above, it should be added that we should remember that and be walking in love towards others:

“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 5:2 NKJV

Then…

“…believe that ye receive”…from Mark 11:24

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 NKJV

“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

“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.” Hebrews 4:12-13 NLT

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12 NKJV

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21 NKJV

“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.” Luke 10:19 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

“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? This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and with the blood.” 1 John 5:4-6 NASB

“The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.” Psalm 97:5 NASB

“But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 1:20 NKJV

Exodus 15:1-2; 2 Samuel 22:4; Psalm 100:4; Psalm 106:1; Proverbs 4:20-22; Jeremiah 1:12; Acts 16:25-26; 2 Corinthians 2:14; Hebrews 12:2; Hebrews 13:15

*In A Better Way to Pray, by Andrew Wommack, there is a complete chapter entitled, “Speak to Your Mountain.” In another chapter, Andrew shares the story of his son being raised from death back to life. As he said on his daily program, the book is not about the exact right way to pray, but about some ways he has found that have proved to be better in his own life. The book is available at http://www.awmi.net as well as The New You and the Holy Spirit.

Kenneth Copeland has shared the story of how some pastors and believers in Germany, encouraged by Kenneth Hagin’s book on the authority of the believer, in addition to praying, began speaking to the “mountain” of the Berlin wall, which existed at the time, to be removed, and, in time, saw it come down. The book, The Believer’s Authority is available at http://www.rhema.org

At times, it may be that after speaking to a “mountain,” God will show you a course of action to take regarding its removal. If any type of ailment is a mountain in your life, Andrew’s book and website with healing testimonies are very encouraging. And the Copeland’s magazine, Believer’s Voice of Victory, has featured many healing stories. I like the ones where people immersed themselves in the Word and saw their mountains move. (See archive post, Immersion in God’s Word, for some healing scriptures…and recorded scriptures can be found at You Tube.)

Likely, many of you have already heard the story of Christopher Duffley, but if any of you have not, you may enjoy going to his website, http://www.christopherduffley.com or looking up his singing on You Tube, where he sings such songs as “Open the Eyes of my Heart,” (when he was so very young), “I Can Only Imagine,” “This is Amazing Grace,” and others.

Have a blessed day!

If you need specific prayer, many ministries are there to help. You can submit your request for agreement in prayer either online or by phone. The following are some ministries to choose from:

http://www.awmi.net
http://www.kcm.org
http://www.oralroberts.com
http://www.josephprince.org
http://www.rhema.org
http://www.cbn.com

“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.”
Matthew 18:19 NKJV

by L. Mudrak
Guest Contributor

On and after Memorial Day, we think about those who gave their lives for our freedom, and we want to thank those who are still serving. They protect us from the harm of other nations that don’t have good intentions.

The following devotional by Ken Claar speaks of the protection our God gives us every day. We may have good days and bad days, but God is there.
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When I was young, my brother and I used to visit our grandparents. They lived in a rural area near a narrow railroad track. We used to walk along it and explore.

One day, when I was six years old, I heard a strange sound and went over into a thicket of bushes and blackberry vines to investigate. The sound was coming from a hornets’ nest. In my panic to get away, I became trapped in the spiny vines.

My brother, who was 12, rushed in and untangled me from the vines, ignoring all the stings he was getting. He freed me and took me to Grandma’s house, where I was treated for the stings. After I had been cared for, we discovered that my brother had ended up with twice as many stings as I had and still had hornets in his jacket attacking his arms.

Though my brother has since passed on, I am reminded that I still have a protector in Christ. Jesus freely went to His death to save us. And He still helps us whenever we get into a “nest of hornets” that we can’t seem to escape. Psalm 37:24 is God’s promise and our hope for those blackberry-vine days.

“Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” Psalm 37:24 NIV
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Years ago, I was picking damson plums at our neighbor’s house. I managed to get stung by bees or wasps (or whatever they were). My face swelled up and I couldn’t see past my swollen cheeks, so I had to take a day off work. I looked a mess, especially since I had just gotten a perm. Yes, my hair was swollen, as well as my face!

Perhaps you feel like you’re in the middle of a hornets’ nest of problems. Your God is there for you, to take the stings of people’s words and/or actions. He loves you, and He’ll take the pain from you. Choices we make sometimes put us in harm’s way, but we always have a protector who never gives up on rescuing us.

“I sought the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears…
The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.”
Psalm 34:4,7 and see the entire Psalm
Also be blessed by Psalm 91

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

“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

“Whoever offers praise glorifies Me, and to him who orders his conduct aright, I will show the salvation of God.”
Psalm 50:23

“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.”
Hebrews 13:15

“In God we boast all day long, and praise your name forever.”
Psalm 44:8