A prayer…for people to no longer walk in the darkness

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“Again therefore Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.’” John 8:12

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Father God…evil events in this world point to our need to continually pray

for those who walk in the darkness–who haven’t found Your Son and the Way.

Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life–truly, this world’s light.

Christians are also “lights,” He said, here to direct other souls to what’s right.

Sin has darkened the minds of many people, to not recognize their need…

“Man doesn’t live by bread alone,” but on Your Word, we all must feed.

Jesus gives life abundant and eternal life–when a believer dies, yet he’ll live.

He taught us of Your love, Father–and that we’re to love others and to forgive.

Your Son went about healing, demonstrating Your compassion and grace.

He said to “Have faith in God,” that You’d be with us in whatever we’d face.

So, we believe in Your goodness, Father God, in the midst of evil’s blight.

We keep our trust in Your Word, holding onto it, with a grip of faith that’s tight.

Help us, Father, to be aware of those who are living without Christian hope–

and to tell them of Your love, with an offer of friendship, to help them cope.

For those who have a reverence for God, may Your Holy Spirit open their eyes….

to see Christ throughout the Bible, wherein is the truth that makes us wise.

in His Name, we pray….

Amen

“Then He said to them, ‘O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?’ And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” Luke 24:25-27 (This Jesus did, while on His walk with Cleopas and another disciple on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus after His resurrection from the dead…)

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom:  a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.” Psalm 111:10 

“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 (Jesus’ words during the temptation in the wilderness)

“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:15 KJV

“But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:14-17 NLT

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” John 10:10-11

“So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God.’” Mark 11:22 (faith that can even move mountains…)

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.”  John 11:25 

“Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?’ 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.’ Philip said to Him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.’” John 14:5-11

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” words of Jesus in Matthew 5:14-16

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, 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; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10 

“For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

“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)

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

Depiction of Jesus, with Cleopas and another disciple on the road to Emmaus…

(Poetic prayer by P. A. Oltrogge)

Everything to gain, because of God’s love

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Whoever desires to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

Jesus makes this statement yet today to us
because God’s great love is actually behind it.

For as we surrender to Christ, and God’s perfect will,
we needn’t have any apprehensions still…

since the Lord of all creation wants to guide us
to that which is best, by His Spirit, dwelling inside of us.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?’” Matthew 16:24-25 

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 

“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.” Proverbs 3:5-6 

“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulnrss.” Lamentations 3:21-23 RSV

“…For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:5 NLT

His love blesses us, and we seek to love and bless others…

“‘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 28:19-20 

“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted.

Peace be with you

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“Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” John 20:19 NKJV

Jesus came and stood in the midst of His disciples after He’d been raised from the dead.

He’s in our midst today, the eternal Prince of Peace–for us, His blood was shed.

Our Shepherd laid down His life for the sheep. He’s the chief cornerstone and our rock.

We praise God for what His Son has done and that we’re part of His blessed flock.

Nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

In the midst of troubled times, He’s the mighty fortress, who, with trust, we always look toward.

P. A. Oltrogge

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

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

“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.” John 19:14-15 NKJV

“Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:19-21 NKJV

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 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)

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2 NKJV

“Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.” 1 Peter 2:6 NKJV

“Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come—  that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.” Acts 26:22-23

See today’s http://www.givehim15.com

Our Faithful Tour Guide

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(…originally posted in February of last year….)

By Joan Vetter
Guest Contributor

The thought just wouldn’t go away. 

When I saw that Andrew Wommack’s Ministry was coming to Phoenix, Arizona, for three days for their Gospel Truth Crusade, excitement began to rise up in my spirit to attend.

However, there were many logical reasons why maybe this wasn’t a great idea. It would be a two-day drive, and my husband, Ted, was having a surgery just two and a half weeks before this. Plus, he had spent six days in the hospital with a heart problem just the year before. However, he told me that he could “see” or “picture” us at the conference. He was visualizing in faith, which boosted my faith. It was in the beginning of January, though, so we wondered what the weather would be like. Also, covid was spreading rapidly at that time.

But my Mom came to mind, who had always loved adventure, which kept her healthy and her mind sharp right up to 103 years old! She had often encouraged us to be sure to see the Grand Canyon one day. Yes, we could combine our trip with an excursion to the Grand Canyon!

So this door to adventure was standing open, waiting for a “yes.” We knew there were preparations to make, beyond just securing hotel reservations and packing. We recognized how important faith was before we even started. Scripture states, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). So after determining that we were following the Lord’s leading, we knew it was to be a faith journey all the way; and each negative or fearful thought needed to be met with faith to counter it.

When we hear that God has plans to prosper us–plans for good–our spirits need to agree with that and not allow a picture of anything that would negate that in our minds. Thus, once we made the decision to go, every negative thought was to be defeated. Our part was to continually agree for the Lord’s blessings. (“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

We felt a sense of “mission” before we left. We were to pray for the country and to bless the people along the way. The first night at our hotel, I was able to share the Lord’s love with a woman working there. When I asked if she could use some prayer, she was so thankful. She lived on the Navaho reservation and had a broken water pipe at home. She also was experiencing some conflict with her son. Then, a waitress I talked with shared a need for prayer, as well, regarding her children. With both of these ladies, I thought of what Jesus said in John 4:4–that He needed to go through Samaria. Even as it was a divine appointment for Him to speak to the woman at the well in Samaria, I felt we were directed to meet both of the women that we did. As we continued to drive through New Mexico, I found myself praying for all of the Navaho people.

The Andrew Wommack conference was wonderful–we basked in the teaching of the Word; and the hotel was beautiful. 

Andrew taught on truth, and the Holy Spirit was present to bring understanding and hope for many personal situations. An explanation, so simple, has remained a constant since we’ve come home. He said that three different people will have an opinion as to the length of the stage, but then someone will measure it. That becomes the only truth! With the Word of God, we don’t need people’s opinions. We will “know” the truth and the truth will set us free (John 8:32).

Andrew teaches the truth of Galatians 5:6 – that faith works by love. He says, “Love is the driving force behind our faith. Many of us try harder to believe when we should be seeking a greater revelation of God’s love for us. Then faith would just naturally work.” The atmosphere in the meetings is such a powerful demonstration of both love and faith. An hour before and after each session, prayer counselors pray with those who desire prayer. To explore his ministry, see:  http://www.awmi.net

I bought a T-shirt with the words WARRIOR NOT WORRIER on it. Yet, I have to confess that the subtle fear of contracting the virus was still trying to crowd out my confidence. As we traveled home again through New Mexico, they were strict about masks; and there were constant signs along the road about obtaining the vaccine. On top of that, Ted seemed to be developing a cough. Then, when we stopped for lunch, we were told that four waitresses had left work feeling sick that morning. However, we felt confident in God’s protection, so we stayed. When our waiter came to our table, he had on a mask with the words, “PROTECTED BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS.” Amen! Thank you, LORD!

When we arrived at that evening’s hotel, suddenly Ted began to run a fever. Faith rose up in us both like David going after Goliath, and we refused to be intimidated by fear of sickness. I laid my hand on his forehead and rebuked the fever in the name of Jesus. When Jesus prayed for Peter’s mother-in-law, her fever left immediately (Luke 4:38-39). That was what rose up in our hearts and, within minutes, his fever was gone. I had on my WARRIOR NOT WORRIER shirt, so that was a constant reminder to trust God. The amazing thing was that I was able to go to bed and fall right to sleep. The next thing I knew was that he was waking me up, saying, “Get ready–we need to get on the road!” He was already up and showered.

I savor the memories of our trip–the faith-boosting conference, the Grand Canyon, which we finally saw, other beautiful natural scenes, and the people we encountered. They’re now embedded in our hearts as the rewards of tackling a trip that looked intimidating. But we made it through to the other side. That reminds me of Jesus’ disciples–when He told them to get into their boat and to cross over to the other side–(Mark 4:35 or Matthew 14:22). He knew there would be winds that would be contrary, but He wanted them to go in faith. 

I have an even greater appreciation for Jesus since the trip. He was with us all the way and always will be–He’s the Rock of Ages…

“…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.  Matthew 28:20

“No one is holy like the Lord, For there is none besides You, nor is there any rock like our God.” 1 Samuel 2:2

…photo by J. Vetter, taken at the Grand Canyon…

Jesus, His Name, our Anchor

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For example, there was God’s promise to Abraham. Since there was no one greater to swear by, God took an oath in his own name, saying:

“I will certainly bless you,
and I will multiply your descendants beyond number.”

Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised.
Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.  This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 6:13-20 NLT

In calm times of life or in a storm, a strong anchor is what I need. The name of Jesus is that anchor—demons will take heed.

By quiet waters or a turbulent sea, my anchor firmly holds. Sure and steadfast is my hope as every moment unfolds.

In the order of Melchizedek, Jesus is my High Priest FOREVER. His covering of love gives me confidence in whatever I endeavor.

God has given us His promise and oath. It’s impossible for Him to lie. We have covenant with Him through Jesus Christ—the Son of the Most High.

P. A. Oltrogge

“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 bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.’” Luke 1:30-33 NASB

“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:14-15 NKJV

“And inasmuch as He was not made priest without an oath, (for they have become priests without an oath, but He with an oath by Him who said to Him: 

“The Lord has sworn and will not relent.
‘You are a priest forever,
according to the order of Melchizedek’”),

by so much more, Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant. Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. But He because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.”

Hebrews 7:20-28 NKJV

“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.” Psalm 42:11

“Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 NASB

“…Christ in you, the hope of glory.” from Colossians 1:27

Recommended:
“The Name of Jesus” book by Kenneth E. Hagin
under Bookstore at: http://www.rhema.org

Raise your thoughts high, praising the Most High

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“I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.” Psalm 7:17

“For the Lord Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth.” Psalm 47:2

“Offer to God thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High.” Psalm 50:14

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…I’ll admit, this poetry was written after I’d shed some tears over a situation. I felt the Lord said to me…

“After you cry enough, 

ask yourself if you’ve been thinking high enough….”

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Start thinking high, and glorify…the God of the universe–“the Most High!” 

Glorify Jesus, His Son, who arose, triumphing over all of God’s foes.

Realize, those who are with you are more than those who oppose.

_________________________

By the power of the Holy Spirit…not an audible voice–yet we can hear it,

keep thinking high…and glorify…our God who reigns from very high…

far above the visibly seen sky.

P. A. Oltrogge

“The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, than the mighty waves of the sea.” Psalm 93:4

“O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens.” Psalm 8:1 NLT

“The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; Let the many islands and coastlands be glad.” Psalm 97:1 AMP

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

“So he answered, ‘Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, and said, ‘Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” 2 Kings 6:14-16 

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

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus, in order that in the ages to come, He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:4-10 NASB

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4

“His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us.” Acts 17:27 NLT

“Though the Lord is on high, yet He regards the lowly; But the proud He knows from afar.” Psalm 138:6

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

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.

“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 55:6-11

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!”  from Psalm 107, verses 8, 15, 21, 31

“Then my enemies will be turned back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me.”  Psalm 56:9 Think of that–God, the Most High, is for you!

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

Today, you can be inspired to read an account of terrorist plans thwarted at the home page of the Intercessors for America website and may want to consider ordering their new book on fifty years of answered prayer….

Dutch Sheets reminds today that we need to be firmly anchored in faith in the Lord for these times…

Postscript 2

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Dear Porch of the Lord blog followers. In order to honor the artist, and at his request, I noted his website. However, I’m sorry, there seems to be a problem with the link via my post. If interested to view his site, just entering it on your own via the web should bring you to the site. Thanks for your understanding and patience.

God bless you today….

Why Faith?

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“Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’

“So he said to them, ‘Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.’

“And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, ‘Peace to you!’ Then He said to Thomas, ‘Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.’

“And Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’

“Jesus said to him, ‘Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’” John 20:24-29 NKJV

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Why is faith needed–because, like Thomas, we, too, can sometimes doubt,

so we need to continually go to God’s Word to push wrong thinking out. 

Without faith, it’s impossible to please God–it’s a detriment to us as well. 

How can we doubt God’s integrity, who’s provided heaven and escape from hell? 

The truth about this…is that there’s a deceiver, who actively bombards with lies,

which is the reason God says to be vigilant in keeping His Word before our eyes. 

And words of faith are like a refreshing breeze in the midst of a bad situation. 

“Have faith in God,” Jesus said, which are His words to the people of every nation. 

“For with God, nothing shall be impossible,” is another important Biblical quote. 

We can even “walk on the water,” at His direction, boldly stepping out of the boat. 

Though called “the questioning apostle” or “doubting Thomas,” his doubt didn’t stay. 

He went on to serve in God’s kingdom, leading others to follow Christ and The Way.

So, just like Thomas, we can walk on in faith, despite doubts that have assailed us. 

Fixing our eyes upon Jesus, we’ll be able to say, “God’s Word has never failed us!”

P. A. Oltrogge

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV

The above image of Jesus
used by permission of Bob Berran
at: http://www.bobberran.com
See his Online Store to
purchase reprints of
various sizes.

Thomas’s influence for Christianity has been historically noted in Kerala, India.

For a message on God’s love for all people, see today’s: http://www.givehim15.com

…and visit often: http://www.faithschool.org

A Message from the ACLJ, Jay Sekulow, and a prayer…

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“For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)

The ACLJ is working to raise awareness for the hostages and petition the international community for help to ensure they’re returned home safely. It is for “such a time as this” that your ACLJ has been placed in a unique position with offices in Jerusalem, Europe, and the U.S. to help defend Israel. Please pray for the hostages’ safe return and that Israel will be victorious against Hamas.

Donation site at: http://www.aclj.org

Father,

You’ve seen the brutality of this war begun towards the Jewish people–even infants, children, and the elderly. You also have seen innocent people being harmed in Gaza…and other war zones. We understand the times we’re living in and that the source of evil is the devil, satan.

As written in your Word, you are good to all, and your tender mercies are over all your works.  So, though it seems very difficult in the face of such brutality, we believe for and claim your tender mercies over those taken hostage by demonically-influenced people and your mercies over those who have suffered loss of loved ones and friends.   You are the God of deliverances, so we look to you, Lord, for such.  Help the IDF soldiers–give them courage, wisdom, and strength.  Convict the evildoers….

Thank you for accounts we’ve heard of, of some having received visions/dreams of Jesus, your Son, our Savior….

We pray and thank you for your help in all of this, in His name, Amen

____________________

“The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.” Psalm 145:9 NKJV

“Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God who is our salvation. God is to us a God of deliverances; and to God the Lord belong escapes from death.” Psalm 68:19, 20 NASB

…and one can assist through other ministries previously mentioned on this blog….

From the Father’s Heart

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“Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen”  Hebrews 13:20-21 

My Son watches over your life as the great Shepherd of the sheep. He is with you always, as He is with all of His lambs, even as they sleep.

Some men trust in military might, but I’m the One of whom to boast. I AM the God of the entire universe and am the LORD of hosts.

“I give my angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.” “No plague shall come near your dwelling”–trust this throughout your days.

I hold all things together in your life by the Word of my great power. The name of the Lord is, to you, your strong and dependable tower.

Jesus’ blood cleanses of all sins, and there’s healing through His blood. That which seems to be failing, by My resurrection power, can bud.

God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit–we are three yet one. “In God we Trust” are words to remember as the Christian race is run.

P. A. Oltrogge

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

“…’Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts.” Zechariah 4:5-7 

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10

“Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven
with the saving strength of His right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;
but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. They have bowed down and fallen;
but we have risen and stand upright.” Psalm 20:6-8

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” John 10:11 

“…how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” Acts 10:38

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

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2

“…knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver and gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” 1 Peter 1:18-19 

“And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.” Romans 8:11 AMP

“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 28:19-20

…and the third paragraph of the above poem references Psalm 91

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

On healing: www.rhema.org offers the book, “Bodily Healing and the Atonement,” by Dr. T. J. McCrossan, reedited and reprinted by Rev. Kenneth E. Hagin and Dr. Roy Hicks. Refer also to messages on healing at other ministry sites previously mentioned on this blog.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
3 Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
4 Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalm 103:1-5

“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed;
Save me, and I shall be saved,
For You are my praise.” Jeremiah 17:14

“…who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:24-25