The Praise Cure

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Just last night I was watching a Mark Hankins program, where he again told of this story. He added that the woman in the story had been standing in faith that she would not get smallpox, but yet did, and not a mild case. So she asked the Lord about it…how she should react about that–what she should praise Him for. He told her to praise Him for His faithfulness to keep His Word! And, as you can read in the rest of the account, she was totally healed, without it leaving a scar….

Lilian B. Yeomans, a medical doctor in the early 1900’s, told the story of a missionary, a woman who had come down with a severe case of smallpox. The following is the story of her healing from that disease.

The Lord gave this woman a vision…of two “baskets” of prayer and praise.
Each of us has such baskets, to which we contribute, in either of those ways.

So, her prayer basket on problems was very full, almost to be spilling out,
while her praise basket was only half full, due to neglect and, often, her doubt.

While prayer can be effective and fervent, there’s an enemy who opposes.
Praise to God is also of great power; and, to Him, it’s as fragrant as roses.

Dr. Yeomans called it “The Praise Cure,” to which there is no expense.
She said it would work in every case, which, by Biblical examples, makes sense.

God told the woman to fill up her praise basket, making it heavy with praise
and song. As she did that, the problem basket eventually “lifted” in her life, 
removing what had been wrong.

Though the doctor had told her to rest quietly, she’d kept up her praises and 
singing. Even nurses who were attending to her decided to join in, keeping her
bedroom ringing! 

So if on some matter, you feel distraught, with a problem that seems very hard–
turn to praise, as did that woman. The affliction ceased, and it left her unscarred.

Praise the Lord! 

P. A. Oltrogge

If you do an internet search, you can find a more detailed version of this poetic account. Look for: Mark Hankins The Praise Cure Lilian B. Yeomans

“Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory.” Psalm 98:1 

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.” Psalm 100:4-5 

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16 

“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” Hebrews 13:15 

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6 (Scriptures NKJV)

Be encouraged through the many ministries mentioned on this blog that teach and are seeing wonderful testimonies of healing. Consider the CD set, “Lay hold on God’s Faithfulness,” available in the Store at http://www.markhankins.org

Andrew Wommack’s ministry has a strong focus on health/healing: http://www.awmi.net

and Kenneth Copeland’s, http://www.kcm.org

Also his ministry at: http://www.govictory.com

Visit http://www.moorelife.org for “101 Things God Said About Healing.” Click on “Word Supply” and then “Resources” for those scriptures. To hear Keith Moore’s songs, click on “Word Supply,” then, “Music.” A favorite of mine is “Healing Compassion,” which is under “Quicken Thou Me.” Be blessed by any and all of them. If you feel in need of peace, listen to his beautiful songs on the peace of God….

I am praying for you–a follower or friend of this blog…

Jesus Christ is Victor

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“…For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8

…of Jesus Christ, is written:

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 

“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11

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If you’ve prayed about something but find yourself yet, at times, tending to panic, 

trust that God’s power and plans can’t be outdone by schemes that are satanic.

Jesus came and destroyed the works of the devil, carrying out what God had assigned.

He took our punishment, so we could be restored to God, as was originally designed.

Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection from the grave brought about the devil’s defeat–

Now we enforce that, declaring its truth, in the midst of any challenges we may meet.

We’re not in faith if we’re worrying–so when the enemy suggests his superiority, 

express your thanks and praise to God, thereby showing the devil’s defeat and inferiority.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men.” Psalm 107:8, 15, 21

Count Your Blessings

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done. 

Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by. [Refrain]

by Johnson Oatman, 1897

…always continue to meditate on and speak God’s powerful Word!

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39 

“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 

“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20

Refer to: http://www.givehim15.com

Also: http://www.govictory.com

Scriptures New King James Version

Christ in me…is victory!

Know the Language

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It’s a well-known fact that it’s best to have command
of the language that’s spoken in a foreign land.
We get around better and enjoy our stay
when no language barrier hinders us on our way.
Just so, in our daily lives, God wants us to speak
the language of His Word so that we’ll not be weak.
It will keep us strong and able in this journey that we walk,
for it’s here on this earth that we need “faith talk.”
As Christians, we’re not conformed to this world’s speech,
but a higher language is what we practice and preach.
God’s “Kingdom language” helps us to move about
with confidence in Him on how a matter will turn out!

P. A. Oltrogge

Our prayer language, too, goes beyond our comprehension, touching situations and things that we may fail to mention. Thank you, Lord, for that heavenly understanding; and help us to be bold and circumstance-commanding!

See archived Porch post: “You Hold the Keys” and visit today’s: http://www.givehim15.com

“But Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’” Luke 4:4

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23

“With the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied; he will be satisfied with the product of his lips. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:20, 21

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” Hebrews 11:1-3 KJV

“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

“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

“And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 2:38

“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water.’ But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” John 7:38-39

“For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries.” 1 Corinthians 14:2

“Therefore let one who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. What is the outcome then? I shall pray with the spirit and I shall pray with the mind also; I shall sing with the spirit and I shall sing with the mind also.” 1 Corinthians 14:13-15

“And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27

“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

“The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a lion.” Proverbs 28:1

Mark 16:17-18; Acts 1:8; Acts 4:31; Ephesians 6:10-20; Colossians 3:16

For further info, click on “Kenneth E. Hagin,” then put “Why Tongues?” in the search bar at: http://www.rhema.org

photo/Unsplash

Prayers, Faith Decrees, and Worship Warfare

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Be sure today to visit: http://www.givehim15.com

“Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.” Job 22:28 KJV

“Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His word.” Psalm 103:20

“May the praise of God be in their mouths, and a double-edged sword in their hands.” Psalm 149:6

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God…” Ephesians 6:17 (from Ephesians 6:10-20)

“…having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever…” 1 Peter 1:23

The name, gladiolus, comes from Latin and Greek words, meaning sword, which can remind of the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

“This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

…photo/Porch of the Lord

Even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these….

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Consider a lovely orchid, gladiola, iris, gardenia, carnation, or a rose…
Through any one of the world’s flowers, God’s creativity shows.

He makes designs of beauty as a blessing to our lives;
and bees take nectar and pollen, for themselves (and us), back to their hives.

Bees pollinate the flowers–all orchestrated by God…
And it’s a joy in spring and summer when flowers come up from the sod.

So many things in this natural world speak of a Master’s design…
Where would creation be without the beneficial rain and sunshine?

Mountains are majestic, and wildlife and the oceans are amazing…
But, to me, a powerful evidence of God comes by the flowers He’s always raising.

P. A. Oltrogge

“So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” words of Jesus in Matthew 6:28-29

“O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all. The earth is full of Your possessions—” Psalm 104:24

“As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.” Psalm 18:30

See the creation account in Genesis and Colossians 1:15-18

…photos/Unsplash and Porch of the Lord

On a Visit to Italy

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Recently, a niece of mine toured Italy. The following are a few of her photos (these are from Rome) taken during the visit:

Rome, Italy from Gianicolo Hill…

…photo of The Pietà taken at St Peter’s Basilica, in Rome, Italy/Porch of the Lord

Sculpture by Michelangelo Buonarroti

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“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’” John 1:29

“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

“…For, indeed, Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” 1 Corinthians 5:7

“For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures…” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

“For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.”  Colossians 1:19-20

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“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold your son!’ Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother!’ And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.” John 19:25-27

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“Now when evening had come, because it was the Preparation Day, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent council member, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, coming and taking courage, went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.  Pilate marveled that He was already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him if He had been dead for some time.  So when he found out from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph.  Then he bought fine linen, took Him down, and wrapped Him in the linen. And he laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock, and rolled a stone against the door of the tomb.  And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses observed where He was laid.” Mark 15 42-47

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Regarding Mary, His mother, before and at the time of Jesus’ birth:

“Then the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.’” …from Luke 1:26-38

“So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.’ And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:15-19

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“And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:

“‘Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
According to Your word;
For my eyes have seen Your salvation
Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.’

“And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, ‘Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.'” Luke 2:25-35

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“Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, ‘Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ ” Luke 24:1-7

…a depiction of the open tomb….

“When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, ‘Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look–I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.'” Revelation 1:17-18 NLT

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die…” from John 11:25-26

“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” 1 John 5:11 KJV

“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and are in him that is true, even in his Son, Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” 1 John 5:20 KJV

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

Bountifully Blessed through the Word

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The scripture verses presented on this blog usually confirm or tie in with the poetic message; but these are the best reasons to list the various scriptures:

“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.”  Proverbs 4:20-24

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”  Romans 10:17

“But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”  Matthew 4:4

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”  Joshua 1:8

“Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.”  Psalm 1:1-2

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”  Colossians 3:16


The more we hear the Word,

the more we’ll be assured.

Faith comes by hearing it often.

Through it, worries and fears will soften.

The Word will actually drive out fear,

which is why on this blog, it will often appear.

The Word becomes a part of you as you quote it…

It’s inspiration from God, who, by the Holy Spirit, wrote it.

The more we hear it,

the more we’ll revere it.

The more we read it,

the more we’ll heed it.

The more we view it,

the more we’ll do it.  (“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”  James 1:22)

And the more the devil hears it from us, 

the more he’ll want to stay clear of us!

P. A. Oltrogge

Jesus said, “It is written…”

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

Staying with the Word

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Vigilantly, against the devil’s attacks, I won’t be lax…
With God’s Word, I will always agree.
It proclaims my liberty–and authority!

God guards my life, while I’m awake or when I sleep.
I’ve released His Word, which He’s faithful to keep.

P. A. Oltrogge

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

“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, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:8-11

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

“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

“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.” Psalm 103:1-5

“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’ They answered Him, ‘We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’? Jesus answered them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.'” John 8:31-36

“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” 2 Corinthians 3:17

“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.” words of Jesus in Luke 10:19

“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17 KJV

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.” Psalm 138:8

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:7-8

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3

“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

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Today, if you feel alone with some worrisome cares,

come sit with other believers out on the porch chairs.

Join me in praying for those who follow these posts…

He’ll perfect what concerns us, as we trust the Lord of Hosts!

For our country, for our futures, we continue to believe…

for all of the good things that He said we could receive.

Of those suffering for their faith, today, we’re reminded;

we pray for them and their enemies, who are spiritually blinded.

We’re strong in the Lord and in the power of His might…

His Word lights our path as we fight faith’s good fight!

P. A. Oltrogge

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” Ephesians 6:10

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12

“Is anyone among you suffering?  Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful?  Let him sing psalms.  Is anyone among you sick?  Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.  Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.  The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.  Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months.  And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.” James 5:13-18

Powerful Prayers for Peter

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…the following has been posted previously, but is helpful to review for encouragement on prayer for any matter or simply as regards prayer in these times…

Herod began to persecute those who believed in Jesus, it’s told in the twelfth chapter of Acts. James was martyred by the sword and Peter was seized, though there had been no criminal facts.

The church was offering up constant prayer for Peter–imprisoned by Herod Agrippa, the king. So in the dark of the night, God sent an angel to visit Peter there, who was asleep despite everything.

Four squads of soldiers had been assigned to him; and he was chained as he slept that night. A soldier on each side of him and guards were there, who were keeping the prison door barred tight.

Suddenly, the angel of the Lord stood by Peter, and a light shone inside the prison cell. The angel struck him on his side and raised him up; and from Peter’s hands, the heavy prison chains fell.

At the angel’s instruction, Peter dressed quickly to follow him–though it all seemed to be unreal. They went past the first and second guard posts. “This must be a ‘vision,’” was how it made him feel.

They came to the iron gate that led to the city, which simply opened to them of its own accord–then went out and down one street, and the angel departed. What a rescue from an angel of the Lord!

Peter came to his senses, realizing it had actually happened–he’d escaped Herod and leaders of the Jews. He proceeded on to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where they’d fervently prayed for this news.

Peter knocked at the door of the gate to the house, and a girl by the name of Rhoda came to see who was there. In her joy at hearing his voice, she ran to tell the others it was Peter, and that God had answered prayer.

They just couldn’t believe her, so Peter had to continue to knock, until they opened the door themselves to see…that God, indeed, had heard their prayers for Peter, and had sent His angel–to miraculously set him free!

At dawn, back at the prison, there was a commotion among the soldiers, as to how Peter’s captivity was defied. After a search was endeavored, Herod ordered the soldiers’ deaths; but the Bible records that he, too, soon afterward died…

“But the word of God grew and multiplied!”

P. A. Oltrogge

(From the account in Acts 12)

“Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.” Acts 12:5

“Then He (Jesus) spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart…” Luke 18:1 

A Living Sacrifice

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“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1-2

For special insights on finding, following, and fulfilling God’s will, and to receive the free booklet, “Twenty Revelations That Will Change Your Life,” visit the current programming by Andrew Wommack, (click on This Week’s T.V.) at http://www.awmi.net

Andrew’s ministries are based in Colorado, but he has further extensions worldwide.

…photo/Porch of the Lord