A Prosperous Life

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Are you coming up short financially or do you find yourself in debt that’s deep?

“Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you”…is an assuring promise that God will keep.

You can trust the Almighty will care about you, whether you give to Him or not.

But those who give into His Kingdom find…that the more they give, the more provision they’ve got.

For God is a good Father and provider, who takes pleasure in giving back to you.

When we take Him at His Word in this, we’ll find…that His Word is absolutely true.

The Garden of Eden was a bountiful place, but there was a boundary for man that God had set.

In a similar way, if you don’t personally use His tenth, you’ll still have plenty for your own needs to be met.

As in any other business on earth, it takes funds for God’s Kingdom business to be done.

Give unto God, who provided a Savior for us…by giving of His one and only Son.

And a prosperous life isn’t just measured merely by money one has in the bank…

but health, happiness, family and friends come to mind, peace, and contentment. For all of these, we have the good Lord to thank.

P. A. Oltrogge

“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 6:38 NKJV

“The Lord will command the blessing upon you in your barns and in all that you put your hand to, and He will bless you in the land which the Lord your God gives you.” Deuteronomy 28:8 NASB

Matthew 6:33
Galatians 6:7
Malachi 3:10
Luke 2:49
3 John 2
Psalm 35:27
John 3:16

A financial help ministry:
http://www.faithlifenow.com
with Gary Keesee

http://www.kcm.org
Book/Study Guide, “The Blessing of the Lord”
by Kenneth Copeland
Book, “God’s Will is Prosperity”
by Gloria Copeland

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Peace of Mind

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I’d woken up feeling blessed–confident that my day was going to be good.
Then some things transpired that didn’t turn out like I had hoped they would.

Feeling troubled, I eventually remembered a verse that brought assurance back to me…
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee….”

I’d let “the winds and the waves” of life cause me to lose my sense of God’s peace– If you ever find you’re in a similar state, Isaiah 26:3 can bring freedom and release.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.” Isaiah 26:3 KJV

…more on His perfect peace:

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:26-27 KJV

“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.” Philippians 4:6-7

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 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 8:38-39 KJV (and all of verses 31-39)

Photographed by Stephanie at a rose garden in Europe
Garden Photo by Stephanie

Inspired Words to Pray

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Photo by Porch of the Lord

Lord,

Make me an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hatred–let me sow love,
where there is injury–pardon,
where there is doubt–faith,
where there is despair–hope,
where there is darkness–light,
and where there is sadness–joy.

Divine Master, grant that I may
not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive–
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi

…Some versions of this prayer add “where there is friction, union, and where there is error, truth.” You may want to add those thoughts in praying the prayer, as well.

God bless you today,

P. A. Oltrogge

As we forgive our debtors…

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“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” Matthew 6:9-13 KJV

Jesus taught His disciples, and us, not to look at the “speck” in the eye of another, when we have a “log” in our own eye–greater than that in the eye of our brother.

To have truly forgiven others is important, He said, when we stand praying…
to a God who’s forgiven all of our sins. We should also forgive, without delaying.

Just as Jesus, on the cross, said, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do,” His heart and forgiveness, even for those who opposed Him, we must demonstrate, too.

Regarding this, Peter asked if he should forgive his brother of offenses, at most, seven times. Jesus replied “seventy times seven” should be our attitude, even if the number climbs.

Jesus then told of a king, who settled accounts with a servant who’d owed him much. He had compassion on him and forgave it all, indicating we also should do such.

This servant then went out and found a fellow servant who owed him a debt, as well. Yet he didn’t, likewise, show mercy–only anger, and cast the man into a prison cell.

But, as in the story, if we don’t forgive, with the same mercy God’s given us by grace, He won’t be pleased; and it will hold us back in the course that He’s given us to race.

So pray for the power of His love if you’ve experienced things hard to forgive and forget. Then, you’ll enjoy His peace within as you race on…to make your best run yet!

P. A. Oltrogge

“Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” Matthew 7:3

“And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your transgressions. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions.” Mark 11:25-26

“And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, ‘Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.’ And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.” Luke 23:33-34 KJV

“Then came Peter to Him, and said, ‘Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times?’ Jesus saith unto him, ‘I say not unto thee, until seven times: but, until seventy times seven.’” Matthew 18:21-23 KJV and 24-35

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.” 1 Corinthians 9:24

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-3

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And Nicodemus Came Also

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“Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; this man came to Him by night and said to Him, ‘Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’ Nicodemus said to Him, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?’ Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.’ Nicodemus answered and said to Him, ‘How can these things be?’”
John 3:1-9 (from John 3:1-21)

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And Nicodemus Came Also
(God’s continual creative flow of new birth…)

Sometimes a photograph captures a scene
of overwhelming beauty like none you have seen;
The Lord has created so many beautiful things…
for us to enjoy, with the sense of awe that they bring.

The arrival in springtime of little young lambs;
new shells on the seashore from oysters and clams…
the arrival of a baby that makes a family grow–
all are a part of the Master Designer’s creative flow.

Blossoming cherry tree branches leaning over a lake;
a rainbow after rain or the first winter snowflake…
early fog around a mountain or a newly formed stream–
all point to the Creator and His “new birth” theme.

A Rabbi named Nicodemus wondered, “How can these things be?”
when Jesus said he must be born again by water and the Spirit to be free.
Of course, Jesus meant spiritually, not physically being born twice.
Thankfully, the Bible indicates, that Nicodemus took Jesus’ advice.

Nicodemus thought for himself, being bold to question what he’d been taught–
If you can’t say with assurance your faith brings you what it ought,
then learn from the example of a Rabbi back in Jesus’ day…
Take hold of the Gospel of Christ and receive new birth as you pray.

P. A. Oltrogge

“So there arose a discourse in the multitude because of Him (Jesus). And some of them wanted to seize Him, but no one laid hands on Him. The officers therefore came to the chief priests and Pharisees, and they said to them, ‘Why did you not bring Him?’ The officers answered, ‘Never did a man speak the way this man speaks.’ The Pharisees, therefore, answered them, ‘You have not also been led astray, have you? No one of the rulers or Pharisees has believed in Him, has he? But the multitude which does not know the Law is accursed.’ Nicodemus said to them, (he who came to Him before being one of them), ‘Our Law does not judge a man, unless it first hears from him and knows what he is doing, does it?’ They answered and said to him, ‘You are not also from Galilee, are you? Search, and see that no prophet arises out of Galilee.’ And everyone went to his home.”
John 7:43-53

“And after these things, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate granted permission. He came, therefore, and took away His body. And Nicodemus came also, who had first come to Him by night; bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds weight. And so they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen wrappings with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was crucified, there was a garden; and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been laid. Therefore on account of the Jewish day of preparation, because the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.” John 19:38-42

“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 NKJV

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The Mountaintop

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Thank You, Jesus, that because of You, I’m up on the mountaintop,
where faith, hope, love, and amazing miracles never stop.

You don’t want me to be downcast, as if stuck in a valley below.
You’re seated at God’s right hand, from which all blessings flow.

I’m seated with You, too, You’ve said about me in Your Word—
far above the devil’s dominion. My victory has been assured.

You always lead me in triumph—You’re the Way Maker, for sure.
Your goodness and mercy, Good Shepherd, will forever endure.

P. A. Oltrogge

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will 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 surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand, in the heavenly places, FAR ABOVE all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” Ephesians 1:18-23 NASB

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come, He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in 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 as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:4-10 NASB

“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 NKJV

The poem was written after reading a message
by Rev. Kenneth E. Hagin,
Founder, Rhema Bible College
http://www.rhema.org
“Come Out of the Valley,” Book written by
his son, Rev. Kenneth W. Hagin

Meditation on God’s Medication

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“ALL their flesh” is a thorough description
of that which is covered by the Lord’s prescription.

A stronger medicine, you cannot find—
let God’s healing Word permeate your heart and mind.

P. A. Oltrogge

Proverbs 4:20-24

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.

Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it spring the issues of life.

Put away from you a deceitful mouth,
And put perverse lips far from you.

New King James Version (NKJV)
______________________

My son,

pay attention to my words.
Open your ears to what I say.

Do not lose sight of these things.
Keep them deep within your heart

because they are life to those who find them
and they heal the whole body.

Guard your heart more than anything else,
because the source of your life flows from it.

Remove dishonesty from your mouth.
Put deceptive speech far away from your lips.

God’s Word Translation (GW)

Booklets that reinforce this:
“God’s Prescription for Divine Health”
by Gloria Copeland,
http://www.kcm.org
“God’s Creative Power for Healing”
by Charles Capps
http://www.cappsministries.com

He Upholds all Things by the Word of His Power

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“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in times past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds, who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. Hebrews 1:1-4 New King James Version

The God’s Word translation reads “He holds everything together by His powerful words….”

Does something in your life need to be upheld or held together? Trust the One, who holds all things together….

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Cast Your Burden Upon the Lord

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Regarding any difficulty, a prayer…

I don’t know how, Father, that You can take care of this;

but if I were to doubt Your Word, I would be remiss.

I can remind You of a chosen promise, as found in Your Word.

It prospers as You send it forth over any anxious thoughts I’ve heard.

For any matter that requires my patience, I leave it in Your hands.

I don’t know how You work miracles—I only know they’re in Your plans.

Jesus Christ, the same—yesterday, today, and forever…

There’s no weapon formed against me that Your power cannot sever.

Thank You, Father, that You’ve already taken care of things.

That’s what Your Word says, and that’s what faith in its integrity brings.

P. A. oltrogge

“Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Psalm 55:22 NASB

“…I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.” 1 Corinthians 14:15 NKJV

“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:10-11 NKJV

“Then said the Lord unto me, ‘Thou hast well seen; For I will hasten my word to perform it.’” Jeremiah 1:12 KJV

“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

“‘No weapon that has been made to be used against you will succeed. You will have an answer for anyone who accuses you. This is the inheritance of the Lord’s servants. Their victory comes from Me,’ declares the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17 GW

“Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks.” Philippians 4:6 GW

“Turn all your anxiety over to God because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 GW

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

“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 NKJV

A Morning Walk with Jesus

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“For the Lord is a sun and shield; the Lord gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, how blessed is the man who trusts in Thee!” Psalm 84:11-12

Early this morning, I got up from the night’s rest
and stole quietly out to find day at its best.

It renewed and inspired to greet God’s morning sun,
and it spoke of His glory before my day had begun.

I thought of this verse, how He’s a sun and a shield;
it’s in looking to Him that I’m guarded and healed.

He gives grace and glory–all good things are mine–
I just “receive” from His bountiful source of “Son” shine.

P. A. Oltrogge

“…Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and brought them up to a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light.” Matthew 17:1-2

“…a bright cloud overshadowed them; and behold, a voice out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!’” (verse 5)

“Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they shall be granted you.” Mark 11:24