Many of  you are aware that the Bible speaks of believers in Jesus as being “one body–Christ’s body.”  Here is a segment on the topic:

“But now there are many members, but one body.  And the eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you’; or again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’  On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary, and those members of the body, which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our unseemly members come to have more abundant seemliness, whereas our seemly members have no need of it.  But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, that there should be no division in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.  And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.  Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.”  1 Corinthians 12:20-27

If One is Suffering, We All Suffer….
a prayer
 

There are some in the body of Christ right now who are suffering very much;
we ask, Lord, that You visit them with Your protective and healing touch.

We agree with Your Word that says You give Your mighty angels charge
over Your people in all situations–from what seems small to what is large.

Since we realize we are all one body in the Lord’s church around the world,
we pray for those who are suffering from evil darts the devil has hurled.

We pray for those who are persecuting them for their faith in Christ, the King,
that, just like Saul, they would encounter Jesus, who is Lord over everything!

P. A. Oltrogge

“Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

“As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’

“And he said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’

“Then the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.'” Acts 9:1-6

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and every one who loves is born of God and knows God.  The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.  By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.  In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”  1 John 4:7-10

Thank you for praying for the persecuted, whether that is by those governing or by various groups, in countries such as China, India, Iran, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, and others. (refer to http://www.opendoorsusa.org ) And prayers are also certainly needed regarding discrimination towards those in any country where the rights of God’s people to practice their faith fully and freely are being challenged in various ways.

Additionally, we pray for those in the body of Christ who are in need of physical healing or provision, and for those affected by the many difficult situations we hear of in the daily news reports.

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Psalm 33

Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous!
For praise from the upright is beautiful.
² Praise the Lord with the harp;
Make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings.
³ Sing to Him a new song;
Play skillfully with a shout of joy.

⁴ For the word of the Lord is right,
And all His work is done in truth.
⁵ He loves righteousness and justice;
The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

⁶ By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
And all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.
⁷ He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap;
He lays up the deep in storehouses.

⁸ Let all the earth fear the Lord;
Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.
⁹ For He spoke, and it was done;
He commanded, and it stood fast.

¹⁰ The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;
He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect.
¹¹ The counsel of the Lord stands forever,
The plans of His heart to all generations.
¹² Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
The people He has chosen as His own inheritance.

¹³ The Lord looks from heaven;
He sees all the sons of men.
¹⁴ From the place of His dwelling He looks
On all the inhabitants of the earth;
¹⁵ He fashions their hearts individually;
He considers all their works.

¹⁶ No king is saved by the multitude of an army;
A mighty man is not delivered by great strength.
¹⁷ A horse is a vain hope for safety;
Neither shall it deliver any by its great strength.

¹⁸ Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him,
On those who hope in His mercy,
¹⁹ To deliver their soul from death,
And to keep them alive in famine.

²⁰ Our soul waits for the Lord;
He is our help and our shield.
²¹ For our heart shall rejoice in Him,
Because we have trusted in His holy name.
²² Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us,
Just as we hope in You.

(Scripture: New King James Version)

…if you feel you can agree in praying this….

Father in heaven,

I come to you as you are our Father and also the righteous judge over this world. First of all, I do pray for all men, for kings and for all who are in authority, which is our present President Trump, who has had to do his work despite the years of attacks upon him and his desire to be a blessing to the United States. I do pray for President-elect Joe Biden also, at this time, for your direction.

I ask you to sort out the situations that have come against our nation, judging correctly the wrongs which have taken place. I thank you for defending the large number of citizens who were simply in Washington D.C. to make a statement regarding their desire to see justice prevail regarding evidences in the 2020 election they felt needed to be examined and heard, rather than being dismissed, and had no intention of entering the capitol building. I thank you that you know that the overwhelming majority were peaceful, doing and intending nothing wrong.

I ask that those who forcibly entered with bad and disruptive intentions would be the ones to have to pay for their actions. I ask for truth in the entire matter to prevail of how and why things took place.

Of course, we ask and thank you for your help for the people and families whose lives were harmed, to receive of your healing and to be comforted in tragic and senseless loss. I know that your Word explains clearly that we don’t wrestle against flesh and blood (people) but against wicked principalities and powers, against which we must stand.

Thank you, Father, for your healing, justice, mercy and righteousness to prevail for the country; and I ask this in Jesus, your Son’s name.

Amen

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,  who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,  for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-7 NKJV

You’re cared for by My Father’s angels, who daily surround;

and as you seek for Me daily, you know I’m easily found.

I appreciate what you do to help and encourage others, 

thereby building up the faith of your sisters and brothers.

And your prayers are so important to all people of the earth;

they bear fruit in helping many to find the “new birth.”

I’ve given you the Holy Spirit to comfort and to guide you,

Who is wonderfully evident, living right inside of you.

I’m your shelter and shield…there’s nothing to fear…

Emmanuel, God is with you…My love is steadfast and near.

A blessed new year…P. A. Oltrogge

Matthew 1:23; John 14:16-17 and 23

Cleopas and another on the road to Emmaus with Jesus…

The following is based on Philippians 4:6-7:

“Fear tolerated is faith contaminated” is a well-known minister’s saying…
derived from “Have no anxiety about anything,” Biblical advice, before and after praying.

“But, in everything, by prayer and supplication…with thanksgiving,
let your requests be made known to God,” which is His instruction on living.

“And the peace of God which passes all understanding, will (assuredly) keep…
your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus,” guarded from concerns that seem so deep.

P. A. Oltrogge

(The quote, “Fear tolerated is faith contaminated,” is by Kenneth Copeland, http://www.kcm.org)

“Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 RSV

“Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything (every circumstance and situation) by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your (specific) requests known to God. And the peace of God (that peace which reassures the heart, that peace) which transcends all understanding, (that peace which) stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (is yours). Philippians 4:6-7 AMP

“Boast in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the Lord be joyful.” 1 Chronicles 16:10 NASB

“But as for me, I will sing of Your strength; Yes, I will joyfully sing of Your faithfulness in the morning, For You have been my refuge And a place of refuge on the day of my distress.” Psalm 59:16 NASB

“But the righteous will be joyful; they will rejoice before God; Yes, they will rejoice with gladness.” Psalm 68:3 NASB

And he said, ‘Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are greater than those who are with them.'”  2 Kings 6:16 NASB

“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” Proverbs 3:24 NASB

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all….” 1 Timothy 2:1-5 NKJV

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

For any seeking online worship, you could visit one of the following: http://www.emic.org, http://www.lohchurch.org, http://www.josephprince.org or http://www.faithchurch.com

During the week, there is encouraging programming 24/7 at http://www.govictory.com

To join in prayer specifically for America at this time: http://www.dutchsheets.org

“Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” Psalm 29:2

…what the Lord might say to many of His children…

If you’ve made some mistakes, I won’t forsake you.
Don’t let anxious thoughts overtake you.

Instead, cast all your anxieties and cares upon Me,
and worship Me, for that’s truly “key.”

Some things are best forgotten, in order to find
what lies ahead–I always have your well-being in mind.

P. A. Oltrogge

“…He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:6-7

“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 3:13-14

“Be exalted, O Lord, in Your own strength! We will sing and praise Your power.” Psalm 21:13

Scriptures NKJV

Sergio Alvarado grew up in Juarez, Mexico, under very difficult childhood circumstances and fell into a life of drug use himself. His life changed course through a true conversion to Christ; and though he thought of never going back to Juarez, the Lord now has him ministering there with great compassion.

Presently, he is undertaking the building of an orphanage that you may feel led to help with through a financial gift and/or through prayer. For a gift of twenty dollars, which will help with that mission, you can receive his book on the story of his life. Below is the link, with a few videos and information on obtaining the book.

http://www.AlvaradoMinistriesInternational.org

Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we having died to sins, might live for righteousness–by whose stripes you were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24

“Get into (and stay in) agreement with God’s Word,”

is the best advice, I believe, that I have ever heard.

For instance, when the Word says that we’ve already been healed,

why do we, at times, feel that those words have been repealed?

Jesus said to speak to the mountain to see a change occur,

so He knew that we could do so, though we feel unsure.

Jesus was our example. He even spoke to the sea that roared.

The disciples were amazed thereafter when calmness was restored.

Proverbs says that in the power of the tongue are both death and life,

so speaking the Word of God will guard against trouble and strife.

To steal, kill, and destroy are the devil’s wicked desires,

but agreement with God’s Word will put out Satan’s “fires.”

Don’t look to situations where things seem to have fallen through;

but look, instead, to the Word. We can trust it to be true.

For, in life, we’re in a battle of great spiritual dimensions—

Hold fast to your faith that God always has for you only the best intentions.

P. A. Oltrogge

“…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 NKJV

This poem speaks of physical healing, for one thing, but can apply to any situation. Keep the faith to see God’s goodness, promises kept, and victory in any matter of your life.

On a side note, at this time in the U.S., as a Christian, I’m staying with those who are praying that any fraud will be exposed on the recent election, for truth in the vote matters and God does not approve of deceitful gains.

“But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. 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 4:18-20 NKJV

When the devil says, “Can’t you see what has occurred?”
we can say, “I only see the promises in God’s Word.”

Often, there are times when we must “see” through faith’s eye,
but we’re confident of our God–it’s impossible for Him to lie.

No matter the problem or how it came about,
we trust in God’s love and in His ability to work things out.

He’s faithful to keep His Word–its integrity is absolute.
There’s no Word of scripture that any person, or the devil, can ever refute.

P. A. Oltrogge

“For example, there was God’s promise to Abraham. Since there was no one greater to swear by, God took an oath in his own name, saying:

“’I will certainly bless you,
and I will multiply your descendants beyond number.’

“Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised.

“Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind.

“So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.”

Hebrews 6:13-20 NLT

“My eyes are awake through the night watches, that I may meditate on Your word.”

Psalm 119:148 NKJV

“Then the Lord said to me, ‘You have seen well, for I am ready to perform My word.’”

Jeremiah 1:12 NKJV

“Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not with corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever….”

1 Peter 1:22-23 NKJV

http://www.awmi.net for testimonies–

“Believe Me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves.”
Spoken by Jesus in John 14:11 NKJV