Led by God’s Word and the Holy Spirit, Christians are a formidable “team.” Some “players” are led, at times, by God speaking to them through a dream.
Some are led to start and pastor churches, and some are called to teach… Some become evangelists or missionaries to the souls God wants them to reach.
Then, too, many serve the Lord in other of the various walks of life– as businessmen and women or as lawyers or judges who settle strife.
Doctors and nurses, builders, those who work on roads or out on a farm… firemen, police, and soldiers–all serve God, some keeping us from harm.
Every Christian is called to pray and, with humility, to serve others… especially those of the household of faith–their “sisters and brothers.”
Many Christians have great courage, and they’re quick to meet critical needs. Having studied the Word of God, their faith is developed for noble deeds.
As good Samaritans, the love of Jesus, is the believer’s guiding light. It’s that love that keeps TEAM JESUS glowing in the midst of the darkest night.
Our “Coach” is Jesus Christ, whose words and example keep us strong. If you’ve not signed on to TEAM JESUS–it’s the winning team to which YOU can belong!
“But He holds His priesthood unchangeably, because He lives on forever. Therefore, He is able also to save to the uttermost (completely, perfectly, finally, and for all time and eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He is always living to make petition to God and intercede with Him and intervene for them. (Here is) the High Priest (perfectly adapted) to our needs, as was fitting–holy, blameless, unstained by sin, separated by sin, separated from sinners, and exalted higher than the heavens.” Hebrews 7:24-26 (The Amplified Bible)
God is able to save to the uttermost…
He’s able to cleanse any soul.
He’s able to love to the uttermost…
Forgiving and making them whole.
He’s able to comfort to the uttermost…
When things have gone hurtfully wrong;
He can heal broken hearts to the uttermost…
Replacing their grief with a song.
He’s able to guide to the uttermost…
Leading beside quiet waters.
He possesses all wisdom to the uttermost…
And shares it with His sons and daughters.
P. A. Oltrogge
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity….” Proverbs 2:6-7
“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 affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians1:3-4
“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 34:18, 19
“The Lord is my strength and song….” Exodus 15:2 and Psalm 118:14
“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
From a mailing received from Kenneth Copeland Ministries, long before the present virus situation, the following statement referred to the above scripture reference. “No creature–including virus or bacteria, which are living things that can cause infections in our bodies–can hide from the Living Word. Speak these scriptures as God’s medicine to your body and close the door to any bug, or other stranger, the enemy would try to send against you.”
Scriptures selected from the book, “Words That Heal” by Gloria Copeland (www.kcm.org)
Exodus 15:26; Exodus 23:25 Deuteronomy 7:14-15; Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Deuteronomy 30:19-20 1 Kings 8:56 Psalm 91:9-10; Psalm 91:14-16; Psalm 103:1-5; Psalm 107:8, 19-21; Psalm 118:17 Proverbs 4:20-24 Isaiah 40:29, 31; Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 53:4-5 Jeremiah 1:12; Jeremiah 30:17 Joel 3:10 Nahum 1:9 Matthew 8:2-3; Matthew 8:16-17; Matthew 18:18-19; Matthew 21:21 Mark 9:23; Mark 10:27; Mark 11:22-24; Mark 16:14-18 John 10:10 Romans 4:16-21; Romans 8:2, 11 2 Corinthians 4:18; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Galatians 3:13-14, 29 Ephesians 6:10-17 Philippians 1:6; Philippians 2:13; Philippians 4:6-7 2 Timothy 1:7 Hebrews 10:23; Hebrews 10:35-36; Hebrews 11:11; Hebrews 13:8 James 5:14-16 1 Peter 2:24 1 John 3:21-22; 1 John 5:14-15 3 John 2 Revelation 12:11
In the beginning was the Word (Jesus)–the Word became flesh. Looking to scripture starts every day with Jesus afresh. Agreeing with a recording of scriptures is a way to upgrade our confession of faith in the Word of God after we’ve prayed.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1
“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits, Who pardons all your iniquities; Who heals all your diseases…” (from Psalm 103)
When morning gilds the skies, My heart awaking cries: May Jesus Christ be praised! Alike at work and prayer To Jesus I repair: May Jesus Christ be praised!
To Thee, my God above, I cry with glowing love, May Jesus Christ be praised! The fairest graces spring In hearts that ever sing, May Jesus Christ be praised!
Does sadness fill my mind? A solace here I find, May Jesus Christ be praised! Or fades my earthly bliss? My comfort still is this, May Jesus Christ be praised!
When evil thoughts molest, With this I shield my breast, May Jesus Christ be praised! The powers of darkness fear, When this sweet chant they hear, May Jesus Christ be praised!
When sleep her balm denies, My silent spirit sighs, May Jesus Christ be praised! The night becomes as day, When from the heart we say, May Jesus Christ be praised!
Be this, while life is mine, My canticle divine, May Jesus Christ be praised! Be this th’ eternal song Through all the ages long, May Jesus Christ be praised!
((Hymn by Edward Caswall)
“Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.” John 8:1-2 KJV
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 RSV
“Answer me speedily, O Lord; My spirit fails! Do not hide Your face from me, Lest I be like those who go down into the pit. Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.
“Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; In You I take shelter. Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.”
Psalm 143:7-10 NKJV
Deliver Your people, O Lord, from the plans of their enemies… If an evil man comes near, let Your angels be the ones he sees.
Show those with darkest hearts the way, the truth, and the life– that You are the God of love, who steers men away from strife.
We plead the blood of Jesus over those persecuted for faith in You… They’ve placed their lives in Your hands, for You are faithful and true.
Not forsaking belief in miracles, we pray and claim, for them, Psalm 91… “No evil will befall you,” is Your trusted Word, by which miracles are done.
I thank You for Your answers even before my prayers have begun… because of what Your Son, Jesus Christ, has done.
I’m seated in the heavenly places—my victory’s been won… because of what Your Son, the Lord Jesus, has done.
At Calvary’s cross, the curse was defeated. All fear I now can shun… because of what Your Son, the Messiah, has done.
Not by my own merit, but by the blood from His veins that had run, I can come before You boldly because of what He’s done.
Regarding the name of Jesus—a greater name, there’s none, because He so pleased You as a perfectly obedient Son.
And, one day, when my race on earth has been completely run, I’ll be immediately in Your presence because of what Your Son has done.
P. A. Oltrogge
“For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’ And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.” 2 Peter 1:16-18
“And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.” Words of Jesus in Matthew 6:7-8
“Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in that which is to come.” Ephesians 1:15-21
“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespassses, 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
“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. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:17-19
“So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’” Hebrews 13:6
“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
“We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8
“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11
I can’t direct you to a better website in these days than http://www.givehim15.com by Dutch Sheets (or http://www.dutchsheets.org). Yesterday’s and today’s posts address the issues of the day/times so well.
For your own personal life, may these poetic thoughts bless:
Even when it seems as though the enemy has gotten farther ahead, realize that you’re more than a conqueror, as the compass of God’s Word has said.
For the “ship of faith” sails, on every journey, at a steady and determined pace; with the guidance of God and faith and patience, it will certainly win the race.
Just as Jesus spoke to the winds and waves in the midst of a furious storm, with the spirit of faith and God’s Word on your lips, your victory, too, will form.
Then, Jesus mercifully said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk,” stepping in for the said “no man.” (from archived poem on the Lord’s compassion in the healing of the man at the pool of Bethesda)
We’re so grateful that we can come boldly to your throne of grace, Lord, on any given day.
Thank you for answering with compassion… We know that you hear us every time we pray.
Our efforts can help, with your guidance, but when things have become very mired….
as in the Bible, miracles were obtained, when your powerful intervention transpired.
P. A. Oltrogge
If you’ve not seen it, you can watch Glenn Beck and David Barton, interviewed by Andrew Wommack, on programming of August 30th at http://www.truthandliberty.net (scroll down). They tell of their recent trip to help rescue thousands from Afghanistan–Christians, Americans, and allies of America. That they were able to do so, they attribute to God stepping in to help them. Also emphasized was the need for further prayer and donations for the care of those whom they helped to escape.
Continue in fervent prayer for those left behind….
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21
“Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:47
“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 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 4:14-16
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” 1 John 5:13-15
“The voice of the Lord is over the waters; The God of glory thunders; The Lord is over many waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; The voice of the Lord is full of majesty.” Psalm 29:3-4
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” words of Jesus in John 14:27
Wonderful young people, willing to serve America, in whatever was asked… went to the country of Afghanistan, to do that with which they were tasked.
For twenty years, Americans and others went to bring stability to that land. Then, suddenly, everything changed due to actions that weren’t wisely planned.
Now we pray for those who’ve lost precious loved ones–for them, we grieve. And we pray for the many Afghans affected due to the U.S. decision to leave.
Thank God for those who, acting on their own, rescued some from an evil fate. We’re praying for miracles yet, for those for whom it seems that it’s too late.
We pray against the deception of believing in a religion that would kill and take. Let’s keep trusting God’s Holy Spirit to awaken those deceived by this mistake.
Many Afghans have been uprooted. By God, each of their lives was planned. May they find the specific pathway now that comes from His guiding hand.
In the midst of it all, we must persevere, believing God will turn things around; and that all will find their hope in Christ–only through Him, will good be found.
We continue to pray for America’s leadership–we need leaders who are wise. We thank God for the troops, who’ve given their lives; they’ve inspired courage that never dies.
I’ve come across your path today, and I may not know your name, But though we’re not acquainted, I’d like to speak of Jesus just the same. He knows the details of your life–anything you’re going through; Yes, even if you don’t know Him, He knows all about you.
I’ve found Him to be a faithful God, Who I know in a personal way. He desires to help each person intimately–all we have to do is pray. For those who’ve put their trust in Him, guidance becomes very sure; His will is good and perfect, coming from a heart that’s loving and pure.
If you’re facing worries, never despair–the name of Jesusis a strong tower— To run into for help and wisdom, which flow richly from that Name’s power. And at the name of Jesus, one day, every knee will bow; But God’s Spirit is moving every day, seeking all who will honor Him now.
P. A. Oltrogge
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10 (NASB)
“Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 (NASB)
Father, we pray, first of all, for those in authority, to desire your true guidance. Bring forth correction where it’s needed. Protect people from harm or, for some, from doing harm. We continue to pray for the souls of all those who need to recognize Jesus as their Savior–to find peace and the reason for living in Him. We thank you that your Holy Spirit is at work throughout the world…and that you are faithful, our strong tower… In the name of your Son, Jesus, we pray. Amen
