As Simon Peter may have remembered…

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I once said to the Master, Jesus, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!” Yet, I was forgiven by Him and blessed to be a part of His Father’s redemptive plan.

I remember when Andrew came to me with some news that truly amazed–that by way of John the Baptist, he had found the Messiah, who was to be praised!

Jesus became our teacher, and we left our nets to follow Him. This meant leaving our daily livelihood, so we weren’t simply doing so on a whim.

No, we knew that this was big. We began to see many miracles taking place–miracles of healing, provision, and protection were wrought by Him, revealing to all God’s grace.

The lame, the blind, and the deaf were finding that the Master was always willing. We disciples saw Him calm the sea during a storm that had been frighteningly chilling.

Another time, faith arose within me to walk towards Him upon the sea. He quickly saved me from sinking below the depths when fear had gotten the better of me.

Once, Jesus took me with James and John on a destined mountain climb, where He was transfigured before us–Elijah and Moses appeared at the time.

I suggested that three tabernacles be built for each, not knowing just what to say. Then a cloud came around us with a message from God on that remarkable day.

It was the voice of His Father in heaven, telling us that this was His beloved Son, and that we should listen to Jesus–His raiment was white as no launderer could have done.

Just as quickly as it had begun, the experience ended and we were alone. We often could expect the unexpected–such was His ministry’s tone.

HIs raising of Lazarus from the dead wasn’t envisioned by any of us disciples, though. Imagine our reaction when we saw death reversed to loose Lazarus and let him go.

I once gave the Lord the use of my boat, for Him to minister from to those on shore…only to be given back the catch of a lifetime–He gave back to us always more!

“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!” I declared to Him one day. He said His Father in heaven had revealed that truth to me about the Son, who had taught us all to pray.

At the Passover meal, I was taken aback when Jesus came to me to wash my feet. I allowed Him, though, for He said to be a part of Him, it was a duty I needed to let Him meet.

What a blessed remembrance, to have spent that time with the Lord in the upper room…before His betrayal and crucifixion and eventual resurrection from the tomb.

Of course, I felt remorse for my own denial of Him–my boasted loyalty and support having failed. But afterwards, I came to my senses, realizing that I was one…for whom, to the cross, He’d been nailed.

We disciples were so happy when He appeared to us after His glorious resurrection–and later were so glad to spread the news that Jesus is Lord…by the promised Spirit’s direction.

I loved to tell of Him throughout the following years and was always looking toward…that time of my reunion with Him, the Master and Teacher whom we all had adored.

P. A. Oltrogge

Sea of Galilee today…also called Kinnereth, Lake of Gennesaret, and Sea of or Lake Tiberias

For a relevant message today, visit: http://www.givehim15.com

also, messages by Yvon Attia and others: http://www.elijahlist.com

Not Against Flesh and Blood

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“Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints….” Ephesians 6:10-18

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Images that are savage, far beyond being cruel–these display the devil’s use of unredeemed men as a wicked tool…to carry out his wishes…on the very young to the very old. Perilous times will come, the Bible says, as world events continue to unfold.

“The thief,” Jesus said, “comes only to steal, to kill, and to destroy…” Jesus came to bring us life–to impart God’s love, His peace, and joy. We must not be overcome by evil, but are to overcome evil with good. That we’re in a spiritual battle, is certainly clearly understood.

In the midst of this world’s turmoil, see Christ’s image in the storm. Pray and use the scriptures, which won’t return void, but will perform. Father, thank you for your Holy Spirit, able to divinely save… Keep us sharing the gospel message…give us the courage to be brave.

P. A. Oltrogge

…thanking the Lord for the many outreaches which are going to areas of war to help the people there…and for His healing over the wounded…

Be sure not to miss today’s post at: http://www.givehim15.com

“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”

Father, “deliver us from evil,” as the Lord’s prayer says. Thank you for continuing to reveal your Son in supernatural ways through your Holy Spirit. Thank you also for using television, radio, books, and the internet to reach this world with Your Word, which tells people of Jesus, Emmanuel, God With Us…and which tells us to love, rather than to hate. in Jesus’ name, we pray…

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“But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.

“Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

“Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

“And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.” Matthew 1:20-25 KJV

Continuing in Faith and Prayer

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For a relevant message today, visit: http://www.givehim15.com

…and follow the Flashpoint programming: http://www.govictory.com/flashpoint

Psalm 91:

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most high will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!”

For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper, and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.

You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day;

Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.

A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not approach you.

You will only look on with your eyes, and see the recompense of the wicked.

For you have made the Lord, my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place.

No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent.

For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.

They will bear you up in their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone.

You will tread upon the lion and cobra, the young lion and the serpent you will trample down,

Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.

He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him, and honor him.

With a long life I will satisfy him, and let him behold My salvation.

Ein Gedi Oasis, Israel
Photo/Unsplash

Messages for Israel, America

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Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, says: “Let my people go, so that they may worship me.” Exodus 9:1 NIV

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For a beautiful rendition of Israel’s national anthem–and the message, “Invoke God’s Covenant Over Israel,” which is filled with scriptures to claim on Israel’s behalf, given by Pastor George Pearsons yesterday–visit: http://www.emic.org

Pastor George named the scripture above to claim over those taken from Israel as hostages.

And for America, see today’s: http://www.givehim15.com

For Israel, Father, we pray that You will protect them from all of their enemies, deliver those captured, help/sustain those who are mourning, and heal those who have been wounded. And we pray that America’s present leaders will truly stand with Israel, in Jesus’ name. Another Christian ministry has shared the following:

1. Pray for ALL people: Lift up every person, poor or powerful, on both “sides” of this evil to be reconciled to Jesus:

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. —1 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭4, NLT

2. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: Ask for God’s mercy, grace, and hope to be restored:

Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper. ‭‭—Psalm‬ ‭122‬:‭6‬ 

3. Pray for a great in-gathering into Jesus’ Kingdom: May the news of this great city be peace rather than conflict — all pointing toward the return of our Savior:

Go out through the gates! Prepare the highway for my people to return! Smooth out the road; pull out the boulders; raise a flag for all the nations to see. The Lord has sent this message to every land: “Tell the people of Israel, ‘Look, your Savior is coming. See, he brings his reward with him as he comes.’” —Isaiah‬ ‭62‬:‭10‬-‭11‬

A Word of Encouragement

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“And He (Jesus) said to them, ‘What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?’ And they stood still, looking sad. And one of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to Him, ‘Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem and unaware of the things which have happened here in these days?’” Luke 24:17-18 (NASB)

“And beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.” Luke 24:27 (NASB) (from the account, after Jesus’ death and burial, of the walk to Emmaus by Cleopas and another, who met the risen Lord on their walk, verses 13-32)

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There’s nothing like ENCOURAGEMENT when the way seems hard. There’s nothing like its bolstering to keep a day (or life) from being scarred.

A word of praise can be depended upon to keep enthusiasm or creativity flowing, causing a downcast countenance to be one that’s actually “glowing.”

There’s nothing like a caring friend who sends a note or gives a call. There’s nothing like an encouraging word to keep us from a downfall.

There’s an enemy in the world, who wants to ruin God-given potential, which is why a word of praise from someone is often vital and essential.

Cleopas, while on the road to Emmaus, was talking with his friend…about the recent discouraging facts–on Christ’s life having come to an end.

Then later, when they were joined by Jesus, the Lord opened up their eyes, to the truth of His resurrection–likewise, we need the truth that God supplies.

Of course, the Lord is always there for us, speaking by His Spirit and His Word; but through friends or even strangers, He can also often be “heard.”

So, as you look around, throughout your day, be attentive if God is showing to you…someone who needs encouragement–let His supportive words be flowing through you.

P. A. Oltrogge

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

“Yet in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:31 and 37 (NKJV)

“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)

Watch the Truth and Freedom Tour/Flashpoint from last night on October 5th at: http://www.govictory.com/flashpoint

See also today’s message at: http://www.givehim15.com

Once for All Time

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“After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, ‘I thirst!’ Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!’ And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.” John 19:28-30 NKJV

“For Christ did not enter into a holy place made with human hands, which was only a copy of the true one in heaven. He entered into heaven itself to appear now before God on our behalf. And he did not enter heaven to offer himself again and again, like the high priest here on earth who enters the Most Holy Place year after year with the blood of an animal. If that had been necessary, Christ would have had to die again and again, ever since the world began. But now, once for all time, he has appeared at the end of the age to remove sin by his own death as a sacrifice.

“And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.” Hebrews 9:24-38 NLT

Overcoming life’s trials, relying on God’s goodness expectantly…

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Pixabay

I thank the Lord, for my answer to prayer–
for His encouraging words and His goodness to me.
I believe I received when I prayed,
so that result, I stand–expectant to see.

Far be it from me 
to disagree…
with Almighty God and His promises that I see, 
written for His children in His Holy Word.
Of His faithfulness to keep them, we must rest assured.

P. A. Oltrogge

“For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatsoever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” Words of Jesus in Mark 11:23-24

“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:11-13

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13, from Ephesians 6:10-20

Visit often:  www.faithschool.org
http://www.govictory.com

Consider the CD set, “Layhold on God’s Faithfulness” available at: http://www.markhankins.org

…from Mark’s website: “God’s Word contains power when faith is mixed with it! To live by faith, we must live with constant consciousness of the blood of Jesus. When you have faith in the blood, there is victory in every area of your life.”

(…the first letters of each word in the title of this post happen to be an acronym of my last name. You may find that you have an acronym of encouragement in your name, too, either first or last.)

…We persevere, with faith over fear…

Picture this…

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Picture great crowds, coming to be taught…
Picture the sick, whom others had brought.
Picture them healed through miracles wrought
By Jesus, God’s Son, Whom so many had sought.

Picture a day where the sun was getting low.
“Hear” the disciples saying they just didn’t know…
How the people would eat—and should be told to go;
But picture five loaves of bread and two fish that would grow.

“Listen” to Jesus say, “Bring them here to me…”
Picture the loaves and fish multiplied by His decree,
With five thousand (plus) being fed, at a cost that was free,
And twelve baskets left over before the disciples put out to sea.

Picture Jesus sending the multitudes away,
Going up to the mountain by Himself to pray–-
Then joining the disciples, through water and spray,
On the fourth watch of the night, just before day.

Picture Peter bravely wanting to join the Lord,
Picture him boldly stepping overboard;
Then see his faith waver as sea and wind roared–
Picture him sinking but, by Christ, being restored.

Picture your own life and remember these things;
Remember that “greatness” to small things Christ brings.
Look to the Lord for your faith to take wings,
As you walk on life’s waters with the King of Kings.

P. A. Oltrogge

Reference: Matthew 14:14-31 (He fed five thousand men, besides women and children)

(In Matthew 15, Jesus again feeds many–four thousand men, plus women and children, from seven loaves of bread and a few fish, with seven baskets left over…)

Then, in Matthew 16:5-12, Jesus speaks to His disciples, warning them against the leaven, or yeast, of the doctrine of the Pharisees and the Sadducees….

“Now when His disciples had come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.’

“And they reasoned among themselves, saying, ‘It is because we have taken no bread.’

“But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, ‘O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves because you have brought no bread? Do you not yet understand, or remember the five loaves of the five thousand and how many baskets you took up? Nor the seven loaves of the four thousand and how many large baskets you took up? How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread?—but to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’ Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

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The disciples had the miracle-working Son of God to believe, as we do today! Picture Him always at work in your life…

…photo/Porch of the Lord

Testimony of Faith/Prayer on a news incident you may recall…

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This is such a tremendous testimony…. glory to God….

Mac and Lynne Hammond interview Landen Hoffman and his mom; Landen was miraculously healed after being thrown off a balcony by a stranger at the Mall of America in Minnesota.

If you follow the Hammond’s ministry, you may have already seen this program, or perhaps you’ve seen some of the story via the internet; but, if you haven’t yet seen it, go to http://www.govictory.com

Then click on “Programs” and scroll down to the very bottom row and click on the “Winner’s Way,” the first featured program on the left.

Landen was in the hospital for four months due to his injuries from that incident.

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Mac and Lynne Hammond are the senior pastors of a large body of believers at Living Word Christian Center, located in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.

Meet Nurse Georgee (Part 2)

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Part 2 (a continuation of Big John—I saw Jesus)…having left off at:

“John, I’m here. What’s wrong?”

“I SAW JESUS! I SAW JESUS!”

“Oh, John! What did He look like? I never saw Him. What color were His eyes, His hair?”

“I can’t tell you that. All I know is that He is love. Look, He’s here,” pointing to the left side of his bed. “You want to know something? That devil is a mean devil.”

“What do you mean, John?”

“You know all those fights I told you I was in? Well, I never fought so hard as I did with that devil. I was sweating buckets full. That devil almost got me, but Jesus saved me. So, then I asked Jesus if I could come back for a little bit. So then, Jesus went through the gate to the Dad and asked the Dad if I could come back.”

It was at this point that I felt it necessary to interrupt John and inform him that Jesus went to the Father. I thought it necessary to have a theological discussion about the trinity.

“Nurse Georgee, Jesus went to the DAD. He went to the DAD.”

I heard the Lord yell at me as loudly as John screamed my name earlier, GEORGIA, BE QUIET. LISTEN TO JOHN.

But I just had to ask one more question. “John, did you see the Dad?”

“Oh, no, I didn’t see the Dad, but I heard the Dad.”

“What did the Dad sound like?”

“Well…I guess it was like He was talking through a great big megaphone.”

“WOW! You mean like thunder?”

“Yeah, that’s what the Dad sounded like.” Then, John sat straight up in bed and pointed his finger at me, commanding my attention. “Nurse Georgee, I want you to know something. No one goes through that gate to the Dad unless Jesus takes them.”

I literally froze in amazement at what John just said to me. I’m sure my eyes were as big as cantaloupes. John had quoted my favorite scripture in the Bible. It is found in the book of the gospel of John chapter 14, verse 6:

…..”Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”

My mind was racing with questions. John told me before his cardiac arrest that he never saw a Bible. He said he was never in church. Yet, he was quoting from the Bible a truth that I knew. How could this be? He couldn’t be making it up. He knew nothing about the Bible. Did he really see Jesus? I was so confused. I am ashamed to admit that I doubted his account of what happened to him. Was John hallucinating? When he said Jesus went to the Dad, I asked John if he saw the Dad. I asked him that question because I doubted his story. The Bible tells us in the gospel of John chapter 6, verse 46:

…..“No one has seen the Father except the one (Jesus) who is from God; only He has seen the Father.”

I knew this passage of scripture. Therefore, if John would have said he saw the Father, then I would know he was hallucinating. God forgive me. Why do You even bother with me? I battle fears, doubts, and unbelief. Is there any hope for me? Forgive me for doubting You.

John continued to yell at me at the top of his lungs. “Nurse Georgee, I’m telling you the truth. NO ONE GOES THROUGH THE GATE TO THE DAD UNLESS JESUS TAKES THEM!” It was like John knew I doubted his story. How much clearer can it be? JOHN SAW JESUS. Glory be to God. John had an encounter with the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Who am I to discredit his encounter? God forgive me.

Again, John very emphatically yelled, “Nurse Georgee, I’m telling you the truth. NO ONE GOES THROUGH THE GATE TO THE DAD UNLESS JESUS TAKES THEM. You don’t believe me. Nurse Georgee, I’m telling you the truth.”

“John, I believe. I believe.” Once John knew that I finally believed him, he was ready to tell the world he saw Jesus and that Jesus was for real. With the door wide open to John’s room and the nurse’s station within earshot, John yelled as loud as he could, “Is there anyone out there that doesn’t know Jesus?” Immediately, all staff and even some visitors gathered in John’s room. John radiated while he related his encounter with Jesus. Even his dear wife, who sat quietly in the corner of John’s room, took it all in.

Eventually, John’s room was cleared of nurses and visitors; however, the presence of Christ continued to permeate the atmosphere.

“John, let’s talk about what just happened to you. Jesus revealed Himself to you as the Lord of lords and the King of kings. John, are you now ready to surrender your life to Jesus?”

“I sure am. What do I need to do? I know that Jesus is for real. I want to be with Him forever.”

“John, you need to pray and invite Jesus into your life. You don’t need to worry about fancy words. Talk to Jesus just like you talk to me.”

“O.K., Nurse Georgee, here it goes. Jesus, it’s John, the one you just saved from the devil. Don’t leave me, Jesus. Forgive me of all the fights I was in. Sorry I beat my wife up. Come live in me. Thank you for loving me. I’m YOURS. Amen!”

God, You are so amazing and awesome. Thank You for giving me the privilege to talk with a patient who has been in Your presence.  You have blessed me beyond belief. I know, without a doubt, that every word is true in the Bible. Sorry it has taken me so long. Thank You again for Your patience with me. 

For other compelling stories, Georgia’s book, Nurse Georgee, is available at http://www.ChristianBook.com

also Barnesandnoble and Amazon