Our Sunday gatherings mean so much to our friends, and when I asked people as they arrived on the bus how the ride was, everyone had smiles on their faces! “It was a beautiful ride!!”… “I feel so good being here”…”thank you!”… For 20 years people have come out on a yellow school bus from Chicago to join us for our Sunday potluck luncheons in the suburbs, and I’ve always been amazed by what only God could do, beginning with the bus ride! People describe their trip saying that “all of the stress leaves as the bus leaves the city” and never complain about the ride! Once people step inside our doors, the joy is undeniable and our gathering becomes like the best family reunion gathering! God’s presence is in our gathering and we worship God together and read His Word…and that is the only explanation for the joy and love we always experience when we are together. “Where two or more gather in my name, there am I with them”…As someone (who has no place to live) said to me on Sunday, “I feel so much love here and I always look forward to being here…and the food is great!” Thank you again to everyone who helps us.
Love and Blessings,
Marian
Pastor Ricardo shared a message from Philippians 4: 6-7, (one of my most favorite Scriptures in the Bible!)
“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.”
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29
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One Good Friday evening, I went to a showing of the movie of 2004–“The Passion of the Christ,” which depicts the suffering that Jesus bore.
I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to watch the movie again, for it is brutal; but it clearly shows that relying on good works to save our souls is futile.
For our holy God so loved the world, that He gave to all of us reprieve, by sending His Son to take our punishment–now all we need to do is believe.
And when we realize all that Jesus did–the love of His Father in Him reflected–“Oh, come let us adore Him,” for He is to be loved, honored, and respected.
Thankfully, God’s Holy Spirit is still mightily at work upon the earth, drawing people to repent and see their need…to enter into the “new birth.”
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation,” is a GIFT to all, that’s free…Jesus bought this blessed gift for us, as described in Isaiah, chapter 53.
“Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way, And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”
Isaiah 53:4-6
Poetic by P. A. Oltrogge
“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’” John 3:3
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.’” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
“But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:21-26
“When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place for Jesus often met there with His disciples. Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, ‘Whom are you seeking?’ They answered Him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ Jesus said to them, ‘I am He.’ And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. Now when He said to them, ‘I am He,’ they drew back and fell to the ground.” John 18:1-6 NKJV
On the night of His betrayal, Jesus permitted Himself to be found. In the presence of the great I AM, the “pursuing” soldiers fell to the ground.
After they revived, He let them lead Him to that for which He’d been born. Willing to do His Father’s will, He yielded to undeserved scorn.
Whippings, mocking, thorns, and then being nailed to Calvary’s cross—All of this He endured as a Shepherd, so that sheep need not be lost.
P. A. Oltrogge
“…for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10 NKJV
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” John 10:11 NKJV
“Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” John 10:17-18 NKJV
“…We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” Psalm 100:3
The devil wants to rain down on our lives, turning what he can to be sour; but we don’t let that stop us from retaining faith in Jesus’ power.
No, by the Lord’s peace, we know that there are blue skies up ahead. Despite any storms, we trust for showers of blessing from God instead.
Jesus came and He won the battle and secured the devil’s defeat. Now we enforce it by the Word of faith, confirming that Christ’s victory is complete.
Yes, there are many showers of blessing with rainbows rolling in…We have fully-persuaded faith, embracing the truth that through Jesus Christ we win!
P. A. Oltrogge
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:6-8
“And being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform.” Romans 4:21 (KJV)
“…Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.” Romans 14:5 (KJV)
“Loving God means keeping His commandments, and His commandments are not burdensome. For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.” 1 John 5:3-4 (NLT)
“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world–our faith.” 1 John 5:4
“But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart’–that is, the word of faith which we are preaching….” Romans 10:8
Jesus took of the sour, that we may have abundant life:
“So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!’ And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.” John 19:30 (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
Sometime last year, one of our prayer partners sent me an email with a word she said was from the Lord. It was Prime the Pump.
I really didn’t know exactly what it meant; therefore I looked up a simple definition of the phrase. Here is what I found.
Prime the pump – stimulate or support the growth or success of something by supplying it with money.
That definition seemed to apply to me at the time because I was facing a financial challenge. Therefore, I did what this word said, and I sowed a seed. I supplied the need with money, to stimulate its growth.
2 Cor. 9:10 says, “Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness.” Multiplication was exactly what I needed so I sowed toward the financial need, hereby, priming the pump.
Just a few days later, a much-loved partner sent me a personal gift. It said, “this may not cover the need, but I felt led to prime the pump.” Hmmm. There were those words again.
To prime the pump, I have found, can mean many things. Naturally speaking, if a well is not pumping, it is dry or has lost pressure. We must do something to get it to have enough pressure again to pump water. Most often, we must pour water in the well and then it will flow freely again.
Spiritually speaking, it can mean we need to sow a seed toward a need and expect God to honor His Word and multiply the seed sown.
Or it could mean we need to sow the Word of God into our heart to prime the pump for healing.
Is there is an area in your life that you are believing God for, maybe healing, financial security, restoration of family or even peace of mind? Does it feel your well is dry in that area? Perhaps it feels like the answer to that issue is being delayed or maybe you feel it will never be fulfilled. God is faithful. Perhaps you simply need to prime the pump.
If it is a financial issue, seek God and ask if He wants you to sow a seed. Also, look up scriptures concerning the promises of God for finances. Begin to declare them over your life. Daily speak them daily until they become a part of you. Until they freely flow out of your mouth.
If it is a health issue, search the Word of God for scriptures and promises pertaining to healing and wholeness. Declare them over yourself and your family daily. Take communion. Receive all Jesus paid for at the cross.
If it pertains to your family, your children, the Bible is filled with promises concerning your family. God is a covenant keeping God and He will save and restore your family. Dig through the Bible and find God’s promises concerning your children and your family – declare them over your children daily. Refuse to speak anything negative over them, only what God says about them.
Today, I believe God is urging us to prime the pump, in whatever ever area it needs priming. Perhaps it is pouring the Word of God into your heart until only the Word flows forth and that it flows forth with such pressure it removes everything standing in your path.
John 7:38 says, “He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, from his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water.” (Amp.) Prime your pump today and let His living water flow continuously through you – to the very point of breakthrough.
Confession to speak over your life:
While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest will not cease. I have seed in the ground. I sow seeds of love, peace, harmony, forgiveness, compassion, and money; and declare that I reap what I sow. I pray to the Lord of Harvest and expect a harvest on every seed sown. I give to the poor, and I know that God will repay me. I sow into the kingdom, for the gospel’s sake, and I expect a hundred-fold return. I am a giver therefore I walk daily, under an open heaven. God makes all grace, every favor and earthly blessing come to me in abundance so that I always, under all circumstances, no matter the need, am self-sufficient, I possess enough to require no aid or support and I am fully furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation.
Gen 8:22, Gal 6:7, Mat 9:38, Proverbs 19:17, Mark 10:30, Mal 3:10, 2 Cor. 9:8
The war Israel is fighting to survive continues to spread. This week the warning sirens sounded in Haifa—far away from Gaza. That is because the threat Israel faces is not just in the south. To the north, Hezbollah forces in Lebanon are increasing their attacks on the Jewish people. We must prepare in advance to meet the urgent needs that will follow, and we must raise $250,000 to provide food, medicine, clothing, and more to those impacted by the war. So far 55 friends have given $4,010 toward this goal, so we still need $245,990.
Iran is using its terror proxies to tie Israel’s hands as a way of protecting its nuclear weapons program. The mullahs in Tehran hope to exhaust both Israel and the West, and they also hope to influence the election in November. Above all, they are trying to stall any action against their nuclear program until they can complete their deal with Russia to have a shield Israel will not be able to attack. Any day they could order an attack from the north, telling Hezbollah to use the 150,000 missiles and 100,000 terrorists in a strike on Israel that would leave half the nation living in bomb shelters.
Everything we are seeing in the news is part of prophecy. And God is calling us to take a stand like Esther of old to deliver His Chosen People. I will be traveling to the north of Israel as soon as we have the funds in place to launch this new effort. The chairman of our board of directors, retired General Yossi Peled is there right now. We must not fail to answer God’s call. We must act now.
At the Christmas season, with decorations inside and out, the poinsettias reflect what it’s all about. Clean as the whiteness of a lamb or a dove– the purity of ivory petals speaks of the Child sent from above.
Pink reflects cheer and the joy that was proclaimed by the angels about the Christ child–Jesus, He’s named. Crimson red speaks of blood that was shed for mankind by Jesus Christ upon the cross–our salvation defined.
The lives of those who receive Him gain a new lease in finding faith for living through this Prince of Peace. So, in seeing the poinsettias, rejoice for the reason that His birth in Bethlehem is what gave us this season.
P. A. Oltrogge
“And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:9-11 KJV
“But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name.” John 1:12 KJV
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His Name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
You may want to be sure to take in the message by Dutch Sheets today on persevering prayer at http://www.givehim15.com
And, as always, yesterday’s service at Eagle Mountain International Church was a blessing. If you’re not able to view it in its entirety, you could scroll in to about 11:00 for a beautiful rendition of “Oh Come All Ye Faithful.” At about 31:50 is a segment sharing what EMIC and Kenneth Copeland Ministries are doing to help their contacts in Israel. The message by Pastor George Pearsons on “The Foretold King” that follows told of Simeon and Anna, who were looking for the birth of the Messiah, just as we, today, are in expectation of His return…
These things can be found under “Latest Service,” Dec. 3, at http://www.emic.org
…from Luke 2, when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to present Him to the Lord:
“Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout [carefully observing the divine Law], and looking for the Consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed).” Luke 2:25-26 AMP
“There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old, and had lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She did not leave the [area of the] temple, but was serving and worshiping night and day with fastings and prayers. She, too, came up at that very moment and began praising and giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all who were looking for the redemption and deliverance of Jerusalem.” Luke 2:36-38 AMP
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For prayer support, visit www.govictory.com (morning prayer M-F, 9:30 a.m. ET (8:30 a.m. CT), for viewing the program). To call, the number is 877-281-6297, where you can pray with and for others for their needs or submit a prayer request of your own. That number can also be reached throughout the day until 11:00 p.m. ET, (10:00 p.m. CT).
