Recently, I came upon this… (Lindsey Meyer Art, Instagram)
The tragedy at Camp Mystic has shaken our entire community, striking unbearably close to home. And the devastation keeps growing. Every day we are hearing more people we love face unimaginable loss.
How do we trust God in the darkest of hours? Sometimes it is unbearable to trust – it just hurts too much. I want each person who reads this to know that God can handle your anger, your doubt, your distrust. His love wraps you up even when your heart is deep in disbelief. Tonight I am choosing to trust that God is always coming toward us to meet us where we are. Tonight, I choose to believe that Jesus was closer than we could ever imagine to those precious girls who lost their lives. I choose to believe that they knew they weren’t alone. The One whose name is God With Us is incapable of abandoning his children.
“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:6, 7
“Now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now we know in part, but then I shall know fully, just as I also have been fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12
_________________________
(A poem on renewal of hope after experiencing loss or a setback to faith.)
You came through difficult days–at times you felt vulnerable and disappointed. But, remember, you’re a child of God, and you’re still very much anointed.
Philippians 4:13 says you can do all things you’re called to do. Just keep your eyes fixed on Jesus–that’s Hebrews 12:2.
God is totally for you–His Word has made it clear. Don’t let past adversities cause you to doubt or fear.
We don’t fight against flesh and blood, but it’s a spiritual battle we wage; holding fast to your confidence is vital–it’s not time to disengage.
“Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before.”
That’s an old familiar hymn sung down through the years; and you have carried on so bravely, though sometimes there were tears.
As you continue in God’s Word, it will be a lamp unto your feet, and a light unto your path, bringing fellowship that’s sweet.
In studying the Bible, you’ve come to understand, that all that is good is from the Father’s hand.
Jesus went about healing, showing the Father’s true heart. He commanded the waves to be calm and the winds to depart.
The Old Testament account of Joseph tells of much that he withstood; but from what was meant for evil, God brought forth only good.
So keep listening to the Holy Spirit and using God’s Word as you pray. It’s the trustworthy sword of our armor–don’t let the enemy have any other say.
Plead the blood of Jesus…for our well-being, He was scarred. Stay strong in your precious faith in His Word, knowing it will guard.
A beautiful chapter of promise is Psalm ninety-one. We can claim it at each daybreak and even when the day is done.
Surely, you’ve gone through a hard place; but you’ll find by remaining bold, and confident in the Lord, Jesus Christ, your faith will remain more precious than gold.
“In the world you have tribulation, but…I have overcome the world,” Jesus said. Stand firm in that truth and you will find that God has many good things still ahead.
P. A. Oltrogge
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine; and acts upon them, may be compared to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock. And the rain descended, and the floods came; and the winds blew, and burst against the house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded upon the rock.” Matthew 7:24, 25
“…rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer.” Romans 12:12
“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 6:19-20
“Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow.” James 1:17
“Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.” 2 Corinthians 1:21-22
“But thanks be to God who always leads us in His triumph in Christ….” 2 Corinthians 2:14
Psalm 91 (entire Psalm)
“that being justified by His grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:7
“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 8:37-39
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:21
God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has made desolations in the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
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 divine and healing touch.
We agree with Your Word that says You give Your mighty angels charge…over any situation–what seems small, and what we know is large.
Since we realize we are all one body in the Lord’s church across the world, we pray for those who are suffering from evil darts that the devil’s hurled.
…this could be from various things, such as the recent flooding in Texas–not sent from God…it could also be from persecution for one’s faith in Christ…
We pray for those who are persecuting them for their faith in Jesus, the Lord–that You will open their eyes to find You’re the God of love and not the sword.
P. A. Oltrogge
“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
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Comfort in suffering…
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:2-4
…thank You, Lord, that many were rescued from that flooding in Texas… We pray Your help and comfort to those families who suffered loss…
From states along the eastern coast, to California and others in the west, our great American flag has symbolized that we’re a nation that’s blessed.
It’s surely the symbol of those who’ve given, for this great country, their all; and as it’s displayed from our homes and buildings, America’s rich history is recalled.
Representing the freedom and liberty that has always been so treasured…the U.S.A. has been blessed by God with blessings beyond measure.
Yes, we’re “one Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” But we must hold on to the God of the Bible–reverencing Him guards against a country’s downfall.
Today, we pray for America, trusting in God that He’s heard our fervent prayer…for all to appreciate the gem that’s America and its flag that waves faithfully in the air.
P. A. Oltrogge
…an endearing figurine of U.S. history’s flag seamstress, Betsy Ross…
_________________________
“…The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16
“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart…” (from Luke 18:1-8)
“…if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
“The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, The plans of His heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, The people He has chosen as His own inheritance.” Psalm 33:10-12
“He guards the paths of justice. And preserves the way of His saints.” Proverbs 2:8
“The Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.” Psalm 103:6
“It is a joy for the just to do justice, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.” Proverbs 21:15
“But in every nation he who venerates and has a reverential fear for God, treating Him with worshipful obedience and living uprightly, is acceptable to Him and sure of being received and welcomed (by Him). You know the contents of the message which He sent to Israel, announcing the good news (Gospel) of peace by Jesus Christ, Who is Lord of all—” Acts 10:35-36 AMPC
Quote from “Pray for our Nation”….
“It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Patrick Henry, Statesman and Orator
Look at the birds of the air… They don’t sow, reap, or gather Their needed food into barns— But are dependent upon God, rather.
Consider how the lilies are clothed— They toil not, nor do they spin, But to the heavenly Father’s care They’re blessed to give in.
Yes, consider these, And consider giving in, To the message of Christ’s love Above this world’s din.
Partake, through the Bible, from God’s table Of spiritual food fit for a King’s heir, And be clothed in the love of Jesus, The finest thing you could wear.
Consider the children, So gentle and so tender— What kind of faith To them will you render?
One that speaks dislike And contempt of others— Or one that speaks love And draws all men to be brothers?
The heavenly Father gave Jesus To tell of God’s care and to guide. When we take Him as Savior, He gives love For all others for whom He has died.
So just like the lilies Or the birds of the air, May people of all nations be blessed to give in To Jesus—the way to the Father God’s care…
P. A. Oltrogge
“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies….” Luke 6:27
“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 22:37-40
“For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink, nor for your body, as to what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body than clothing?
“Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And which of you by being anxious, can add a single cubit to his life’s span? And why are you anxious about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these.
“But if God so arrays the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more do so for you, O men of little faith? Do not be anxious then, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink’ or ‘With what shall we clothe ourselves?’ For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:25-34
“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
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John14:34-36
If I loved you, I would speak of the One who made earth, the stars, sun and moon…If I loved you, I’d say, though we don’t know when, Jesus could return for us soon.
If I loved you, I would tell you to realize that there’s more than this life only…If I loved you, I would tell you, you have “family”–we need never be lonely.
If I loved you, I would encourage you to find a church online or locally…If I loved you, I would tell you it’s a blessing to give your heart to Jesus totally.
If I loved you, I would tell of the great importance of loving and forgiving others, for Jesus said that those who hear and do God’s word are His mother and brothers.
If I loved you, I’d encourage you to give into God’s kingdom and reap rewards…present and eternal ones, for the principle of “sowing and reaping” is the Lord’s.
If I loved you, I’d say that Christ is the only way to God that anyone can find…If I loved you, I’d say that you must leave all inadequate religious traditions behind.
If I loved you, I would say that you can pray and experience Jesus, too…If I loved you, I’d say to turn to Him as Savior–the most important thing you can do.
If I loved you, I wouldn’t let another day go by without making sure that I know…that you’re coming along with all who are in the “family of God,” for I DO love you so!
…as, with deepest love, does God….
“For God so loved the world that He gave Hisonly begotten Son, that whoever believes in Himshould not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
“We love Him because He firstloved us.” 1 John 4:19
“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ, (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 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. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:4-10
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:6
“And it was told Him by some, who said, ‘Your mother and brothers are standing outside, desiring to see You.’But He answered and said to them, ‘My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.’” Luke 8:20-21
“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in His love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.” John 15:9-17 NLT
“Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:37-38
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48
“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 22:37-40
“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
“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world–our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:3-5
“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.’” Mark 16:15-16 NIV
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work…..He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Come Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.” Revelation 22:12, 20-21
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” …from Psalm 23
Always, for God’s guidance, we must listen to hear His voice, so that we might have God’s best…and the wisest choice.
Jesus, you said Your sheep hear what Your voice has to say. Help us to, ever more clearly, hear You after we pray.
Your voice is heard through Your Word, and by Your Holy Spirit. As Your sheep, we’re given the ability…to be able to hear it.
But if there are some times when we’re prone to get off course, we trust that You will redirect us, as our divine guidance source.
We simply can’t afford to go down any unapproved trails; we’re relying on Your love, Lord. You are love, (Who) never fails.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Love never fails….” 1 Corinthians 13:8
“He who does not love does not know God, for Godislove.” 1 John 4:8
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” John 10:1-5
“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
“…but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.” …from 1 Kings 19:11-12
“When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.” Acts 16:7 NIV
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” John 10:27-28
“Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore!” Psalm 105:4
“Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21
“Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments….” Deuteronomy 7:9
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:8
“TrustintheLordwithallyourheart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
We’ve all heard this familiar term…sometimes things are “against all odds.” Against natural law or against all odds–these define miracles, and miracles are God’s.
If there’s One who can do the impossible, it’s Jesus, the Lord of all. Peter, the fisherman, received of His power, when he netted and brought in a huge fish haul.
Later, Peter was called upon to go and raise Tabitha, (or Dorcas), who had died. Other miracles, too, he did–through the name of Jesus, the King who’d been crucified, (but glorified).
Lazarus, Jairus’ daughter, and the only son of a widow out of the city of Nain…were also raised up by the Messiah, while many others were cured of sickness and pain.
When thousands came for healing and to hear Jesus teach, He even provided them with a meal. He blessed five loaves and two fish to feed them all, looking to God, His Father, in a miracle appeal.
Jesus walked on turbulent waves of the sea and caused a storm there to cease. He Himself was raised from the dead, and now He reigns as our Prince of Peace.
He turned mere water into wine at a wedding, causing the best wine to be served last. He knew of tax money inside the mouth of a fish, caught by a hook that He’d told Peter to cast.
He made the deaf to hear, and those who were blind were freely given their sight. Miracles today still occur through His name–Jesus Christ is the world’s great Light.
And, talk about a miracle…how about when He came to earth as a baby in a manger? He was born to die as the Lamb of God–all who receive Him are rescued from danger.
Teaching that He was the way, the truth, and the life was the most miraculous truth He taught. May many still receive the pardon and gift of life…that His death and resurrection have bought.
We were lost–unable to work our way back to God–but, then, against all odds, the Father in heaven provided a way through His Son–such a brilliant miracle plan could only be God’s.
P. A. Oltrogge
“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
Peter spoke the following to the people after the healing of a lame beggar at the temple gate: “The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus, the one whom you handed over and disowned in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him. But you disowned the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, but put to death the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, a fact to which we are witnesses.” Acts 3:13-15 NASB
Like other people, I’d heard some stories about the man named Jesus. He’d done unheard-of miracles and had lived a life that was upright and clean.
So, I never thought I’d arrive in Jerusalem at such a terrible time, of seeing Him being brutally led to His own crucifixion…that was the scene.
It seemed incomprehensible that His acts of compassion were being “rewarded” with this punishment to which He was going.
I could see that He was becoming too weak to bear the heavy cross. He’d obviously been scourged, and blood from the stripes was flowing.
Suddenly, I was pressed into service by some of the Roman soldiers. I was ordered to carry His cross, in His stead, as His strength was depleted.
Had He done something criminal that I hadn’t heard of in His recent past? I didn’t know, but the mocking and reviling were being repeated.
Of course, I didn’t appreciate being singled out for such a despicable task. It seemed obvious to me that I’d been in the wrong place at the wrong time.
But something in the eyes of this Jesus, who staggered beside me, reflected kindness; and I sensed something noble or majestic—nothing of crime.
After reaching the destination, I couldn’t bear to watch the proceedings. If He’d been wrongly accused, there was nothing I could have done to stop the event.
So I left; but, later, darkness came over the land, and an earthquake caused tombs to open. Some people were reported as having been raised from the dead after the temple curtain was rent.
After all that had happened, a centurion and other guards declared that, truly, Jesus was the Son of God. Perhaps my unchosen role in this—being singled out—had, instead, been a divine appointment.
A great many people were recipients of Jesus’ ministry, and believed that He was who He said He was. That day lives large in my memory; and His disciples are saying that His Name is God’s healing and saving ointment.
P. A. Oltrogge
One of Jesus’ disciples, Peter, regarding a man made well by the name of Jesus, spoke to the rulers, elders, and scribes gathered in Jerusalem:
“…let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by this name this man stands here before you in good health. He is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, but which became the chief corner stone. And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:10-12 NASB
The Porch of the Lord 