It’s a Hard Subject

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…First, the wonderful subject is that:

“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. He who believes in Him is not condemned;

…regarding the hard subject:

“but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” John 3:16-21

It’s a hard subject; but the truth is, it’s real.
There is a thief who is out to kill, destroy, and steal–
a being who is fallen because of his pride–
a being who’s purposed to conceal and to hide
the true God in Jesus, the Lord over all–
that’s what Satan does because of his fall.

His ways are deceptive, and he wants you to think
there isn’t heaven or hell beyond this life’s brink.
He’s supportive of “gods” of other names–
or “No God at all” is another one of his claims.
Devotion to a religion or philosophy, he’s approved–
especially those endorsing that Jesus’ Lordship be removed.

He draws those he can to reject Christ’s light,
causing them darkness over any spiritual sight.
But you’re called to leave wrong things you’ve been taught
when you realize that, by Christ, your soul has been bought.
It’s simply a gift—but you must take and receive it.
Don’t listen to the naysayer, but simply believe it.

Of all time, the Bible is the best selling book–
if you think it’s inaccurate, then take a deeper look.
Please consider studies by Christians who aren’t slacking
in showing us the evidence that gives it absolute backing.
And to be the all-time best seller of books you can buy,
it must have the backing of Someone very high.

Be sober, be vigilant, the Bible warning is strong–
Jesus is The Way—any other way is wrong.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.’” John 14:6 NASB

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary, the devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith….” 1 Peter 5:8-9

“I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy: I came that they might have life and might have it abundantly.” Words of Jesus in John 10: 9-10 NASB

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12

“Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter 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 cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.'” John 3:5-8

We absolutely know that there is a deceiver, the devil, in this world. By simply turning on the news, we hear of lives and properties harmed or destroyed by his influence over people.  God, who is love, wants everyone who will, to receive the free gift of salvation, the forgiveness of sins, through His Son, Jesus Christ, and to experience His help, guidance, and peace. At http://www.levitt.com or http://www.levitt.tv is much information pertaining to the importance of Bible prophecy.

“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

Books:

The Holy Bible at http://www.christianbook.com (Click on “Bibles”)

The End: A Complete Overview of Bible Prophecy and the End of Days, by Mark Hitchcock, available at bookstores and being offered at http://www.levitt.com or http://www.levitt.tv

The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel; Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell; They Thought for Themselves: Ten Amazing Jews by Sid Roth; and various books at http://www.rhema.org; http://www.kcm.org; http://www.awmi.net and other sites previously mentioned on this blog.

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

A Word About NOW Faith

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“Nothing shall by any means hurt me!”  I have the victory now…

To the Word of God, to the Name of Jesus, to His blood, to my God-given authority, and to many previous testimonies, the devil must bow.

Jesus always leads me in triumph throughout any demonic test…

Therefore, it is unto me, according to His Word–I will receive God’s best! 

P. A. Oltrogge

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the Lord delivers him out of them all.” Psalm 34:19

“NOW faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”  Hebrews 11:1

“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

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” John 1:1-3

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”  James 4:7

“Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” Colossians 2:15

“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

“Then Mary said, ‘Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.”  Luke 1:38

“Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”  Matthew 6:10

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

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Believe Again – Come out of Mere Survival

by Andrew Towe, shared from: http://www.elijahlist.com

I heard the Spirit of the Lord say, “Discern the time, like the sons of Issachar, for a significant shift began in the month of May. This shift shall continue throughout the summer months and extend into the fall. Behold, a NOW SEASON has come to you, and you must listen for My voice.

“In this season, I shall give you precise instructions on how to pivot and align yourself with the plans I have ordained for your life. Old labels and past disappointments shall be cast off and replaced with a fresh vision and renewed expectation. Do not allow your sight to be clouded by the hope that was lost, for I declare unto you: believe again!

“Get your hopes up again, and watch as I come through for you. Do not fear breakdown, for this is your time of breakthrough. Stay rooted in prayer, and then step forth in action. Let no one stifle your progress, for I am with you, and I am moving on your behalf. Silence the demonic chatter that seeks to stifle your faith and trust in My hand.

“I have heard your cry, and I am responding. Cast off everything that hinders you in this season. Believe again! Expect again! Release the weight of past disappointments and missed opportunities. Allow Me to heal the wounds of battle and restore your joy. For you, warrior, have entered your NOW SEASON. Arise, come forth, for I am calling you!”

While running on the treadmill, I was praying in the Spirit and heard the Lord say, “Andrew, repent.” I did not understand. “What do You mean, Lord? I don’t know of any active sin that is in my life.” He said, “You have settled for where you have been and stayed content with mere survival. Your expectation of who I am and what I will do has been depleted. You have limited Me by seeing through the clouded lens of past seasons.” When I say that I jumped off the treadmill, I am not exaggerating. Right there, in the public gym, I knelt on my knees and repented. Some of you reading this have had your hopes dashed and your expectations limited, but God says to you, “Recognize that you have crossed into a NOW SEASON!” God has ordained this.

You Have Crossed into a Now Season

What is a NOW SEASON? It is somewhat different than a new season. Although it is new, the now is where faith becomes activated, and promises come to life. The NOW SEASON is when prophecies come into manifestation and suddenlies are released.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1, KJV)

The Bible tells of a blind man who recognized it was his NOW SEASON. His faith became activated, and he refused to be denied.

“And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.” (Mark 10:47–48, KJV)

Notice it says, “when he heard.” The word “when” signified the announcement of his NOW SEASON, and “he heard,” remember, faith comes by hearing (Rom. 10:17). Since we have entered this NOW SEASON, it is not the time to sit around and continue in the mundane. No! This arrival should activate us to pray even more earnestly.

What Are You Letting Speak through Your Mouth?

Blind Bartimaeus was begging for money “when he heard” that Jesus was coming. He intuitively knew this was his divine appointment and began to cry out in faith. Your faith has a voice and will speak. Doubt also has a voice. I would ask you, What are you letting speak through your mouth?

The people tried to quiet Bartimaeus; perhaps they looked down upon this beggar, but they did not know what he knew. It was his NOW SEASON. He refused to quit crying out, “Son of David, have mercy upon me.” By calling Jesus the Son of David, Bartimaeus was declaring Jesus as the Messiah, for it was prophesied that the Messiah would come from the line of David.

“And Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; He calleth thee. And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.” (Mark 10:49–50)

The very ones who tried to quiet Bartimaeus were forced to acknowledge that Jesus favored him, for He had called for Bartimaeus to come to Him. It was Bartimaeus’ NOW SEASON. Get ready for those who judged you to change their attitude about you! Take note that “they” called the blind man, speaking words of comfort to him.

“What Would You Have Me Do for You?”

“And he, casting away his garment, rose.” Don’t miss this! Bartimaeus took hold of his beggar mantle and cast it away from him. The beggar mantle represented his old season. You cannot walk into the NOW carrying the baggage of the past. Before you can rise to another level, you must first cast away the hindrances that would restrict your NOW.

“‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Jesus asked. ‘My Rabbi,’ the blind man said, ‘I want to see!'” (Mark 10:51, NLT).

Why would Jesus ask him a question with such a seemingly obvious answer? He was challenging Bartimaeus to stretch his faith to believe for more than just temporary provision. His story would have been much different if he had asked for what he had always asked for, which was money.

“And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus in the way.” (Mark 10:52, KJV).

Not only did Bartimaeus receive his sight, but he was made whole. The Lord is asking you, “What would you have Me do for you?” It’s time to embrace your NOW SEASON!

A floral post for you…

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…I often send flower photos to family/friends…perhaps those who follow the Porch of the Lord blog may enjoy some as well. Today’s photo features some from the hydrangea bushes blooming currently… Among so many things made, flowers, certainly, are an expression from God.

Blessings upon you…

P. A. Oltrogge

“Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” Words of Jesus in Luke 12:27

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” John 1:1-5

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth…

“And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.” from John 1:14-18 NKJV

Peace, Our Protection

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by Kim Potter, http://www.anewthingministries.com

God hasn’t taken His hand of blessing off this nation or its people, but it can sure feel like it some days. 

When we turn on the TV, or social media, we are confronted with yet another crisis going on in our nation. Thanks to today’s technology, we have hourly exposure to crime, ungodly laws being put in place, rioting and war. In this constant barrage of negative news, it is challenging to remain in peace. Challenging, but not impossible. 

While thinking on this, I remembered a statement I heard recently. It was, “if you protect your peace, your peace will protect you.” I pondered this statement for a few days. While I knew in my heart it was true, I went in search of a scripture to confirm it. I did not have to look very far. 

Philippians 4:7 says, And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

I found some interesting things as I studied the word keep.

In the Strong’s Concordance, this word means; to be a watcher in advance, to mount guard as a sentinel (post spies at gates); to hem in, protect, keep (with a garrison). 

It further means; to guard, protect by a military guard, either to prevent hostile invasion, or to keep the inhabitants of a besieged city from flight. 

I have known peace is an aggressive weapon for years, today I discovered it is also a guard and a protector. However, before that peace can be your guard and protector, it must first be cultivated in your life…into your heart and mind. 

Peace is not something I sense on most people, even Christians. I believe this would be different if we realized the true power of peace, His peace. Jesus said in John 14:27, 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. 

Do you see what He is saying? He gave us HIS peace. The same peace that carried and protected Him through crowds who wished to stone Him. The same peace that carried Him through the Cross. The same peace that carried Him, that garrisoned about Him, through Hell. The same peace that led Him out to rise again. That peace is the peace He has given you and me. A peace that rules and reigns, if we will allow it to. A peace that protects and guards. 

So, how do we cultivate this peace in our life? The answer is found in Isaiah 26:3. 

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You because he trusts in you. 

We can’t keep our mind on the problem, or on the news and walk in peace. We must keep our mind on God, His Word and His promises. Then and only then will we walk in peace. 

Once we have peace, we must protect it. We can’t allow things or people to come in and steal our peace. And trust me, the enemy will do everything in his power to steal your peace. However, he can’t touch it if you don’t allow him to. Jesus gave it to you, it is yours. Yours to keep or yours to let slip away. 

As you cultivate and protect peace in your life – that same peace will protect you.

While we may not be able to change the facts that invade our daily lives, we can change our reaction to it. We can change how it affects us and our family. We can also change the atmosphere that surrounds us. We do that by cultivating and protecting the peace Jesus gave us. 

Just as scripture says, peace will watch out for you and warn you in advance. It will garrison about you and protect you. It will help you to stand your ground when things try to invade your atmosphere. 

How do we walk this out in our daily lives? We can when we choose to keep our minds firmly upon God and His Word. When we don’t lend our ears or our eyes to the negativity of the media. Instead, we choose to think on God and think on His Word. As we do that, we will stay firmly planted in His plan and in His peace. Today, it is my prayer that you walk into His peace. That you will protect that peace once you are walking in it. And that His peace will therefore protect you – all the days of your life. 

What Powers Your “Faith Train”?

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photo/John Seb Barber

Come into the Lord’s presence with thanksgiving in your heart and enter His courts with praise. Trust in Him at all times to direct your paths, as you acknowledge Him in all of your ways.

Don’t allow praise and thanks to be your faith train’s “caboose,” because the “engine” of your faith is praise! Waiting to thank Him until you “see” (the answer to your prayer) will only bring about delays.

“At all times,” your Father in heaven desires to have fellowship with you. You were created to bring Him that pleasure. He’s the trustworthy Engineer and Conductor of your life. Friendship with Him is your greatest treasure.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving. And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” Psalm 100:4 

“I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1 

“Trust in Him at all times, you people. Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah” Psalm 62:8 

“For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.” Psalm 96:4

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7 

“Fear not, for I AM with you, be not dismayed, for I AM your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 RSV

“Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts.” Psalm 145:3-4

“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts! Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all you stars of light!” Psalm 148:1-3

This poem was written after hearing a message on the effects of praise at: http://www.awmi.net

See archived post for link to photographer…

And, as we consider the many prayer needs out there in our world, may we do what we can to help in various situations, but increase and accentuate our praise to God for His help and intervention…

From Out of the Miry Clay

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“He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay; and He set my feet upon a rock, making my footsteps firm.” Psalm 40:2

…the following is a little contemplation on what I envision the Lord might say to someone who just placed their faith in Him…

To My mind, your life without Me was like being in miry clay; but I kept My hope that you’d respond to My love one day.

Where you had been didn’t matter so much, for I knew that you were in need of My touch.

Ever so gently I drew you away–I knew this would happen if you would just pray.

By the power of My Spirit you opened your heart, and now, through My grace, you have gotten a new start.

That person you were has actually died; a new life’s begun due to “Christ crucified.”

So rejoice in My love as I do in yours. Share it with others despite troubles or wars,

for I have room for so many through heaven’s open doors. And from out of heaven’s windows, My love surely pours–

down to the miry clay–or wherever it may…find people and lead them out to My way.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.’” John 14:6

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

“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

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Galatians 2:20

“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

“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

“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” Habakkuk 2:14

“He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge. His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.” Psalm 91:4

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” Matthew 23:37

Be willing to come to Christ and be blessed….

“‘Come now, and let us reason together,’
Says the Lord,
‘Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.
If you are willing and obedient,
You shall eat the good of the land….’” Isaiah 1:18-19

“And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come. Again, he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding.” But they made light of it and went their ways….’” Matthew 22:1-5

“…choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” from Joshua 24:15 AMP

“Salvation belongs to the Lord.
Your blessing is upon Your people. Selah” Psalm 3:8

Scriptures NKJV, or as noted

Blindness “Wall” Falls at Jericho

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While Jesus, His disciples, and a great multitude were going out of Jericho, a beggar was there sitting by the side of the road.

He was Bartimaeus; and though blind, his hearing was fine to have heard of how Jesus’ healing ministry had flowed.

So, when, that day, Bartimaeus heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, Himself, who was passing by…

“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” became his earnest and heartfelt cry.

Many, among the crowd, told him to be quiet, as if, for him, there could be nothing in store.

But his plea of “Son of David, have mercy on me!” he kept shouting out all the more.

So Jesus heard Bartimaeus, then stood still, and commanded that he be called.

The persistence and “prayer” of Bartimaeus had caused the pace of Jesus’ journey temporarily to be stalled.

Bartimaeus was now beckoned, instead, with words of encouragement, “Rise, be of good cheer; He is calling you.”

Throwing aside his garment, he got up and came to Jesus, who asked, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Victory was breaking through…

At that point, Bartimaeus said, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight!”

“Go your way, your faith has made you well,” Jesus said; and immediately his world turned from darkness to light.

Walls had fallen down at Jericho through faith in God in an earlier, historical Biblical story.

And a “wall” of blindness fell at Jericho for Bartimaeus, when by faith in God’s mercy, he saw the Lord’s glory.

The account closes with Bartimaeus following Jesus down that outer Jericho road…

He had been confident of mercy and grace through Jesus Christ—from whom God’s marvelous light had flowed….

and still does today!

P. A. Oltrogge

(Based on the account from Mark 10…and referenced is the story of Joshua and the walls of Jericho in Joshua 6)

“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days.” Hebrews 11:30 NKJV

“But you are a chosen generation, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9 NKJV

“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 4:20-22

Scripture Excerpts

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The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward.

Who can understand his errors?
Cleanse me from secret faults.
Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins;
Let them not have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
And I shall be innocent of great transgression.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

Psalm 19:7-14

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Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
Whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is no deceit.

When I kept silent, my bones grew old
Through my groaning all the day long.
For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah
I acknowledged my sin to You,
And my iniquity I have not hidden.
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah

Psalm 32:1-5

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Have mercy upon me, O God,
According to Your lovingkindness;
According to the multitude of Your tender mercies,
Blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
And cleanse me from my sin.

Psalm 51:1-2

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Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

The Lord executes righteousness
And justice for all who are oppressed.
He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the children of Israel.
The Lord is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities.

For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
As a father pities his children,
So the Lord pities those who fear Him.
For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust.

As for man, his days are like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
For the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
And its place remembers it no more.
But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting
On those who fear Him,
And His righteousness to children’s children,
To such as keep His covenant,
And to those who remember His commandments to do them.

The Lord has established His throne in heaven,
And His kingdom rules over all.

Bless the Lord, you His angels,
Who excel in strength, who do His word,
Heeding the voice of His word.
Bless the Lord, all you His hosts,
You ministers of His, who do His pleasure.
Bless the Lord, all His works,
In all places of His dominion.

Bless the Lord, O my soul!

Psalm 103

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How sweet are Your words to my taste,
Sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Through Your precepts I get understanding;
Therefore I hate every false way.

Psalm 119:103-104

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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 4:20-22

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Seek the Lord while He may be found;
Call upon Him while He is near.
Let the wicked abandon his way,
And the unrighteous person his thoughts;
And let him return to the Lord,
And He will have compassion on him,
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon.

Isaiah 55:6-7

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If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 1 John 2:1 

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Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace…

Ephesians 1:3-7

Scriptures: New King James Version

Hang On

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So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

– Isaiah 55:11

by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland

Did you know that the battleground for the problem you’re facing right now is in your mind and on your lips? If you’ll hit the devil with the Word and cast the care of the situation over on God, you’ll win.

Let me warn you though, hanging on to the Word isn’t always easy. The devil knows that if he doesn’t steal it from you, you’ll use it to enforce his defeat.

So don’t be surprised when he sends an evil spirit to exalt itself against the Word of God. If you’re sick, he may begin to tell you, “You’re not healed. You know that healing’s not for today. Even if it were, it wouldn’t work for you. It might work for someone else but not you.”

If he starts to tell you that kind of thing, don’t buy it! Don’t start worrying around about it and thinking, Oh my, I’m afraid I’m not going to get healed. I sure don’t feel healed. Why, I’m probably going to just get worse and worse….

Remember this: It’s the Word that does the work, not the one holding on to it. It’ll work for anyone who’ll put it to work. It’ll work for you just like it worked for Jesus when He walked the earth.

He told Satan, “It is written!” No matter what the devil tries to tell you, refuse to let go of the Word. Tell him what is written concerning your situation. Let the Word fight its own fight. It’ll whip the devil every time.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 19:7-14

Reprinted with permission from Kenneth Copeland Ministries

…additionally, from P. A. Oltrogge:

“…for in Him we live and move and have our being…” Acts 17:28

In Christ I live and move and have my being…
despite how I may feel or what I’m seeing…
Over all the power of the enemy, I’ve been given authority;
I use that, in Jesus’ name–God’s word and will have the PRIORITY!

Whether it’s through doctors, medicine, nutrition or the divine…
God’s healing promises that He’s given are mine.

“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

“Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

“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 4:20-22

On a Recent Morning, Upon Awakening

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…this was actually during a brief hospital stay…

I awoke today to view, through the window, a perfectly clear blue sky.
A bit later, some fluffy white clouds of interesting shapes drifted by.
A bird flew up towards them, but then turned back down to the earth.
The heavens are telling of the glory of the Creator–our God of unsurpassable worth.

P. A. Oltrogge

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork.” Psalm 19:1

“Then God said, ‘Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.'” Genesis 1:20

“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?” Psalm 8:3-4

“By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, And all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.” Psalm 33:6

“Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.” Psalm 36:5

“For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens, and Your truth unto the clouds.” Psalm 57:10

“Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth; Oh, sing praises to the Lord, Selah
To Him who rides on the heaven of heavens, which were of old!
Indeed, He sends out His voice, a mighty voice.
Ascribe strength to God;
His excellence is over Israel,
And His strength is in the clouds.
O God, You are more awesome than Your holy places.
The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God!” Psalm 68:32-35

“Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; Sing praises on the harp to our God, Who covers the heavens with clouds, Who prepares rain for the earth, Who makes grass to grow on the mountains.” Psalm 147:7-8

“Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah” Psalm 62:8

Our God, the great I AM:

“Fear not, for I AM with you, be not dismayed, for I AM your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 RSV

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Then Moses said to God, “Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?”

And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Moreover God said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations.’ Exodus 3:13-15

Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” John 8:58

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.” John 14:6-7

You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I. words of Jesus in John 14:28

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted