“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

Our Lord Jesus doesn’t do things for us in a manner that’s halfway. We need to keep that in mind in regard to that for which we pray.

Just as He provided Peter with a net-breaking, miraculous catch, or made a few fish and loaves into an enough-for-a-multitude batch…

and as He healed the blind man who first saw men as trees that were moving, Jesus went on to heal the man’s sight totally, His “completion” power proving.

Still today, He’s with us always, not doing things by half-measure; but He desires to see us whole, for that’s always His Father’s will and pleasure.

And for any kind of “answer to prayer” that doesn’t seem quite right, we wait upon the Lord for His very best, for His is the power and might.

Remember the wedding banquet in Cana, where the best wine served was the last. It was Jesus’ miraculous touch that caused the first wine to be outclassed.

Let’s be assured He will answer our prayers in a way that’s truly complete, thereby displaying to all, once again, that Jesus secured the devil’s defeat.

P. A. Oltrogge

See Mark 8 for the feeding of four thousand and the instance of the blind man receiving full sight. John 2:1-11 tells of Jesus turning water into wine.

“And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:16-17

“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.” …spoken by Jesus in John 10:10

“But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8 NLT

“And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” …spoken by Jesus in John 16:23-24

“…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

And Jesus’ words on the cross, “It is finished!” were words of completion of the will of God and His Father’s calling upon His life.

“But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:25-32

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you with all joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ….” Philippians 1:3-6 

“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 understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 

“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

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

…visit today’s important message at: http://www.givehim15.com

“And Jesus called a little child unto Him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, ‘Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.’” Matthew 18:2-5 (KJV)

A heart that is very tender, like that of a little child, is needed to perceive God’s chosen Lamb, who was perfect and undefiled.

Sweetly, Jesus came, long ago, as a baby on the hay; and, tenderly, He calls to each person yet today, to recognize God’s pathway to the Way, the Truth, and the Life, for eternity and, also, in this present world of strife.

Jesus laid down His life on a cross, and rose again so that we can be free, to draw from His strength in our own lives, helping others to also see–that they can be restored, to a heavenly Father who is gracious, to lead them in this life and then to a heaven, fair and spacious.

There will be room there for any person, who, like a little child, took…the gift freely offered by Jesus Christ, as recorded in God’s Holy Book.

Remember, please, its warning–not to be too “wise,” but to take of the offer that is proper in His Father’s eyes. Harden not your heart, for you’re meant to be relieved, of search for Truth by any other, than by Christ, in whom we’ve believed.

P. A. Oltrogge

“That is why the Holy Spirit says, ‘Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled, when they tested me in the wilderness. There your ancestors tested and tried my patience, even though they saw my miracles for forty years.’” Hebrews 3:7-9 NLT

“So God set another time for entering his rest, and that time is today. God announced this through David much later in the words already quoted: ‘Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts.’” Hebrews 4:7 NLT

“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” spoken by Jesus in Matthew 11:28 NASB

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:5-7 KJV

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” John 17:17 KJV

“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 NKJV

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.” Proverbs 3:5-8 NKJV

“Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.” Matthew 19:13-14 NIV

“Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.  And this is the victory that has overcome the world–our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:1-5 NKJV

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

“And Jesus went out, along with His disciples, to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way He questioned His disciples, saying to them, ‘Who do people say that I am?’ And they told Him, saying, ‘John the Baptist; and others say Elijah; but others, one of the prophets.’ And He continued by questioning them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered and said to Him, ‘Thou art the Christ.’ And He warned them to tell no one about Him.

“And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. And He was stating the matter plainly. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. But turning around and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter, and said, ‘Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.’” Mark 8:27-33 NASB

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“But who do you say that I am?” Jesus asked His disciples….

Peter’s answer to the Lord that day was that He was the Christ, which was exactly right.

But, thereafter, Peter spoke amiss, for he hadn’t yet fully discerned the Lord’s role in the world’s most important spiritual fight.

“Get behind Me, Satan…” was Jesus’ firm rebuke to what Peter said.

He didn’t comprehend the necessity of what Jesus would suffer which was ahead.

On one occasion, Peter had doubts in obeying Jesus, to cast out his fishing nets, having worked all night;

yet, in another instance, he boldly walked on the water to meet Him, but, then, gave in to fright….

Again, at the Last Supper, when the Lord came to Peter to wash his feet,

he didn’t initially understand the Father’s direction that Jesus was wanting to meet.

Then, when he denied the Lord three times after Jesus had been seized and led away,

he became an example of one who repents and goes on to serve God, receiving mercy for a “new day.”

After Jesus’ resurrection, Peter eagerly jumped from his boat into the water to meet the Lord who had appeared on the shore.

There, Jesus asked him three times if he loved Him, knowing he would love and serve Him now all the more.

Peter indeed went on to “feed My sheep” as Jesus, his Lord, had made request.

We, too, though imperfect followers of Christ, can carry forth the gospel’s work, so that others will be blessed.

P. A. Oltrogge

“He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?’ Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, ‘Do you love Me?’ 

“And he said to Him, ‘Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.’

“Jesus said to him, ‘Feed My sheep.’”

John 21:17 NKJV

(…from John 13:1-17; John 13:36-38; Matthew 26:31-35; Matthew 26:69-75; Luke 22:54-62)

…and as minister Joseph Prince often reminds the members of his congregation of believers in Christ, “You are deeply loved and highly favored and are the righteousness of God in Christ…”

“But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:21-23

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.  Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Recently I heard a minister challenge those listening…to judge God to be faithful, or they would have a problem believing His Word. God’s Word is settled in heaven, (Psalm 119:89) and He has forever bound Himself to His Word. (Hebrews 6:16-20)

“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope, to Timothy, a true son of the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Timothy 1:1-3

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I watched an amazing testimony of one who was miraculously healed. From wounds sustained in a destructive event, God’s resurrection power was (emphatically) revealed. 

The mother of the child involved said that she couldn’t fully explain why…her prayers were answered, while, at times, it would seem that some prayers are being passed by.

But she said she felt we must fervently pray and continue to praise even when it’s hard to cope, because God is faithful to keep His promises. This we trust, and Jesus is our hope!

P. A. Oltrogge

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“I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 NASB

“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31:24

“Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, just as we hope in You.”  Psalm 33:2

“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

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

“But I will hope continually, And will praise You yet more and more.” Psalm 71:14

“Forever, O Lord,
Your word is settled in heaven.
Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
You established the earth, and it abides.” Psalm 119:89-90

“The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy.” Psalm 147:11

“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

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 RSV

“Then Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.’” Acts 10:34

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:1-5

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  Romans 15:13

“God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:9

“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” 2 Corinthians 1:20

“To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”  Colossians 1:27

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

“But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3

“If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.” 2 Timothy 2:13

“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 6:16-20 NLT

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

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

“Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.” Hebrews 11:11 KJV

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you….” 1 Peter 1:3-4 KJV

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

Led by God’s Word and the Holy Spirit, Christians are a formidable “team.”
Some “players” are led, at times, by God speaking to them through a dream.

Some are led to start and pastor churches, and some are called to teach…
Some become evangelists or missionaries to the souls God wants them to reach.

Then, too, many serve the Lord in other of the various walks of life–
as businessmen and women or as lawyers or judges who settle strife.

Doctors and nurses, builders, those who work on roads or out on a farm…
firemen, police, and soldiers–all serve God, many keeping us from harm.

Every Christian is called to pray and, with humility, to serve others…
especially those of the household of faith–their “sisters and brothers.”

Many Christians have great courage, and they’re quick to meet critical needs.
Having studied the Word of God, their faith is developed for noble deeds.

As good Samaritans, the love of Jesus, is the believer’s guiding light.
It’s that love that keeps TEAM JESUS glowing in the midst of the darkest night.

Our “Coach” is Jesus Christ, whose words and example keep us strong.
If you’ve not signed on to TEAM JESUS–it’s the winning team to which YOU can belong!

P. A. Oltrogge

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.  Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Visit: http://www.givehim15.com

We read of Jesus: “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.” Mark 1:35 KJV

When the sun is up and shining, there’s still a greater light…
that’s with us through the daytime and deep into the night.
God’s Word lights every pathway when, on it, we’ve meditated;
its everlasting words are the Truth that will never be outdated.

Before the day would dawn, Jesus prayed and sought to hear
direction from His Father–very early, drawing near.
As believers, we need prayer, the Holy Spirit, and the Word–
We walk in greatest confidence once the voice of God is heard.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” Luke 6:12

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” 
Psalm 119:105 KJV

“Your testimonies are wonderful;
Therefore my soul keeps them.
The entrance of Your words gives light;
It gives understanding to the simple.” Psalm 119:129-130 

“I cry out with my whole heart; Hear me, O Lord!
I will keep Your statutes. I cry out to You;
Save me, and I will keep Your testimonies.
I rise before the dawning of the morning,
And cry for help; I hope in Your word.
My eyes are awake through the nightwatches,
That I may meditate on Your word.
Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness;
O Lord, revive me according to Your justice.
They draw near who follow after wickedness;
They are far from Your law.
You are near, O Lord, And all Your commandments are truth.
Concerning Your testimonies, I have known of old that You have founded them forever.” Psalm 119:145-152 

“For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.” Psalm 36:9

“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever— the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you.” words of Jesus in John 14:16-17 AMP

“I have told you these things while I am still with you. But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you. Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]” John 14:25-27 AMP

“The grass withers, the flower fades,
But the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8 

Scriptures NKJV or as noted.

See today’s: http://www.givehim15.com

“In His Constant Care” by Greg Olsen. Used with Permission. www.GregOlsen.com

Look at the birds of the air…
They don’t sow, reap, or gather
Their needed food into barns—
But are dependent upon God, rather.

Consider how the lilies are clothed—
They toil not, nor do they spin,
But to the heavenly Father’s care
They’re blessed to give in.

Yes, consider these,
And consider giving in,
To the message of Christ’s love
Above this world’s din.

Partake, through the Bible, from God’s table
Of spiritual food fit for a King’s heir,
And be clothed in the love of Jesus,
The finest thing you could wear.

Consider the children,
So gentle and so tender—
What kind of faith
To them will you render?

One that speaks dislike
And contempt of others—
Or one that speaks love
And draws all men to be brothers?

The heavenly Father gave Jesus
To tell of God’s care and to guide.
When we take Him as Savior, He gives love
For all others for whom He has died.

So just like the lilies
Or the birds of the air,
May people of all nations be blessed to give in
To Jesus—the way to the Father God’s care…

P. A. Oltrogge

“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies….” Luke 6:27

“And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. And a second is like it. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.’” Matthew 22:37-40

“For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink, nor for your body, as to what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body than clothing?

“Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And which of you by being anxious, can add a single cubit to his life’s span? And why are you anxious about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these.

“But if God so arrays the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more do so for you, O men of little faith? Do not be anxious then, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink’ or ‘With what shall we clothe ourselves?’ For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:25-34

“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