Tag Archives: Bible

An Example Poured Out

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From His grand and glorious home in heaven—a place of comfortable rest,

Jesus came down to this earth on a mission, so that mankind could be blessed.

During the last supper with His disciples, likewise, He got up from a comfortable place, to give Himself to serving.

Just as He would be stripped and crucified soon, so He set aside His garments, girding Himself with a towel, to cleanse the undeserving.

Pouring water into a basin, He began to wash and wipe the disciples’ feet.

But Peter failed to understand this requirement that Jesus was wanting to meet.

“Never shall you wash my feet!” were his immediate words—an outflow from Peter’s heart.

But Jesus said to Peter that unless He washed them, then, with Him, he would have no part.

At that, Peter told the Lord to wash not only his feet, but also his hands and his head.

So sincere was Peter’s desire to please Him, that he quickly permitted Him to do so instead.

Jesus continued, speaking of being made clean, but said that not all of them were clean.

In his relationship with the Lord, Judas would betray Him, letting Satan come between.

When Jesus shared that one of the disciples would betray Him, the others wondered which one this meant.

Then Jesus gave the dipped bread to Judas, revealing that betrayal was his intent.

Quickly, Judas turned away from the Lord and went out into the dark of night—

as many still choose darkness today, sadly, resisting Jesus’ love and Light.

Just as Peter would have had no part with Christ, likewise, it’s the same today…

If anyone doesn’t receive the cleansing from Jesus’ poured-out blood, which takes our sins away,

they will have no part with Christ, our Lord and Savior, who, by His example, taught…

that we, also, should serve one another with love and humility, having received the redemption that He bought.

Jesus loved His disciples to the end; He died for us all, having laid aside His glory.

And, as at that Passover meal, when His task was finished, He sat down…but now He’s seated at His Father’s right hand, in completion of this true redemption story!

P. A. Oltrogge

…the above, from John 13…

“And so when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments, and reclined at table again, He said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord; and you are right for so I am. If I, then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master; neither one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.’” John 13:12-17 

“And sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, ‘If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all.’” Mark 9:35 

“And while they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat, this is My body.’ And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.’ And after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.” Matthew 26:27-28 

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

“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 

“This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses. Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear. For it was not David who ascended into heaven, but he himself says, ‘The Lord said to My Lord, sit at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies a footstool for Thy feet.’ Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.” (words of Peter from Acts 2:32-36)

“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.” (Paul, speaking to King Agrippa in Acts 26:22-23) NKJV

“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” 1 John 1:7-10 NKJV

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us….” Ephesians 1:7-8

“‘Come now, let us settle the matter,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.’” Isaiah 1:18 NIV

Jesus’ blood, the cleansing flood…

O victory in Jesus,
My Savior, forever.
He sought me and bought me
With His redeeming blood;
He loved me ere I knew Him
And all my love is due Him,
He plunged me to victory,
Beneath the cleansing flood.

(from the hymn, Victory in Jesus, by Eugene Bartlett, Sr.)

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57

Hosanna to Jesus, Our King

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“Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord.” Psalm 134:2

from John, chapter 12:

…six days before the Passover:

Jesus came to Bethany, where He’d recently raised Lazarus from the dead; so Martha prepared Him a supper where He, Lazarus, and others were fed. Lovingly, Mary took costly perfume of pure nard and anointed Jesus’ feet. She then wiped them with her hair, a gesture Jesus lauded as sweet.

Judas rebuked it as being wasteful; but Jesus knew that which was lying ahead–it was an anointing upon His body before His crucifixion and resurrection from the dead. A large crowd of the Jewish people came out to the town of Bethany that day, to see Jesus, and Lazarus, too–as news of his resurrection had traveled a long way.

The chief priests didn’t like this at all, and putting Lazarus to death was their thought. They were losing many because of this miracle, which Jesus’ power had wrought. The next day, those who had come for the feast learned Jerusalem was then on Jesus’ route. They took branches from the palm trees to wave–“Hosanna!” was the chorus they began to shout.

Further, they loudly cried out, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord; even the King of Israel!” They thought an earthly King was what history would record. Humble and riding on a requested donkey that had never been ridden before, Jesus entered Jerusalem, amidst their praise, knowing what was really in store.

For just outside of Jerusalem, on a hill called Golgatha, a cross would hold…the precious body of our Lord Jesus Christ, and another Kingdom’s story would unfold. There, He would sacrificially die for all mankind, bearing all of sin’s disgrace. But in three days, He would rise and return to His Father in Heaven, in order to prepare us a place.

You see, Jesus Christ IS the King of Kings, as sung in the glorifying Hallelujah Chorus. Those who are His, praise Him still with joy–both now and in the Eternal Kingdom yet before us.

P. A. Oltrogge

“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2 

Excerpt from Handel’s “Messiah,” “The Hallelujah Chorus”
“For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
The kingdom of this world
Is become the Kingdom of our Lord,
And of His Christ, and of His Christ;
And He shall reign forever and ever,
Forever and ever, forever and ever;
King of kings, and Lord of lords!”

“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’” Revelation 7:9-10 

The Name of the Lord Jesus

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“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10 NASB

Whenever there’s a “darkest hour,”

the name of Jesus is our strong tower.

When things are rough and are looking bleak,

it’s then that faith must confidently speak.

All things are possible with our God…

He makes flowers to rise through the stubborn sod.

God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear–

the message from Him is to be of good cheer!

We often want to be able to see the victory first,

but faith sees a good outcome when things seem at their worst.

Look past any image that speaks of defeat.

See (and say) it as God sees it–your victory’s complete!

P. A. Oltrogge

“But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26 

“So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.’” …from Mark 11:20-26

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” …spoken by Jesus in John 16:33

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Acts 2:36

“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 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

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.  For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:26-29

“Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 (NASB)

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith….” …from Hebrews 12:1-3

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

“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

Scriptures NKJV or as noted

Be blessed at: www.govictory.com

“Abba, Father”

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Have you experienced some wounds that are deep? Trust your Abba, Father–His promises He’ll keep…

He redeems you from distress or any kind of destruction. Look to Him and listen for His wisdom and instruction.

He’s stated that He’s numbered even the hairs upon your head. He’ll give to you renewed hope as you seek to be Spirit led.

With love and with compassion, He heals the brokenhearted; His faithfulness to care for His children has never departed.

Cast all your cares upon Him–then, you’ll have nothing to fear. As you draw close to Him, He’s promised to also draw near.

God’s plans for you are of well-being, and not of things bad. He’s your loving Abba, Father–the very best Dad!

P. A. Oltrogge

“Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’” Galatians 4:6 NIV

“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’” Romans 8:15 NKJV

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:18 NLT

“Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Proverbs 30:5 NIV

“But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: Ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7 KJV

“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 NKJV

“But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all your works.” Psalm 73:28 NKJV

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you….” James 4:8 NKJV

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God; that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-8 NKJV

“For I know the thoughts that I have toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 NKJV

“Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’” Matthew 19:14 NIV

“And He said, ‘Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me, nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.’” words of Jesus to His Father in Mark 14:36 NKJV (His obedience to and trust of His Father’s plan brought us eternal life.)

“Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing.” Psalm 107:19-22 NKJV

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

“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 faithfulness.” 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

“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. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16 NKJV

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” words of Jesus in Luke 4:17-19 KJV

…for an insightful message on the Father’s correction, Proverbs 3:12, visit “Read Today’s Devotional” at: http://www.josephprince.org

photo/Pixabay

Blessing and Victory by the Hand of the Lord

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I believe you, God, for every good and perfect gift;
for doubting that would cause me to be adrift
on the devil’s sea of unbelief,
with its dangerous waters and treacherous reef.
Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light.
I believe Your Word and reject any fright.
You’ve promised to shepherd me each new day–
With Your rod and Your staff, You’ll lead the way.
You’re the Light of the World, I can’t go wrong–
I can do all things in Him Who makes me strong.
Strong I am, and it’s easy to receive–
for You have said, just pray and believe.
Your help is sure, and you’ve said I can command
victory over the enemy by Your mighty hand!

P. A. Oltrogge

“Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:47

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” James 1:17

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

“The Lord is my shepherd…He leads me…He guides me…Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me…Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life….” (from Psalm 23)

“And He said to them, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 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. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:18-20

“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

“I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

“Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they shall be granted you.” Mark 11:24

See also the following regarding God’s mighty hand:

Exodus 3:20
Exodus 13: 3, 9, 14, 16
Exodus chapter 14

Trusting in the Bigness of the Lord

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“…And His Name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, MIGHTY GOD, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6…

It’s important to contemplate the “BIGNESS” of our God. That’s a rarely used word, as some have considered its usage to be odd.

But BIGNESS is very appropriate for Almighty God’s description. And, for the renewing of our minds, it’s an excellent prescription…

to keep us from thinking small, when the works of our God are VAST. Trees, mountains, planets and the stars by His words were cast.

The Israelites were enabled to cross over the Red Sea upon dry land, when the waters were parted by Moses’ reliance on God’s victorious hand.

God’s GREATER power delivered three men from Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace fire. They didn’t even smell of smoke despite going through something that dire.

And the GREATNESS of God’s merciful love was plainly displayed…when all of mankind’s sins on His own beloved Son were laid.

“He who has seen Me has seen the Father,” are words that Jesus said. That BIGNESS was displayed when He raised Lazarus from the dead.

And many other difficulties brought before Jesus turned out to perfection—but the GREATEST triumph of all was at the moment of Jesus’ own resurrection.

So let’s remember the BIGNESS of our MIGHTY GOD in heaven—in every situation—even BIG forgiving—seventy times seven!

And remember to give as BIG as you can to others who have needs. “He who waters will himself be watered.” There’s blessing in such deeds.

The WIDENESS of His mercy, the BIGNESS of His heart…Don’t think small when thoughts that are BIG are what God wants to impart.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh.  Is there anything too hard for Me?”  Jeremiah 32:27 

“Oh how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men.” Psalm 31:19 

“The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance.” Psalm 33:10-12 

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

“Sing out the honor of His name.  Make His praise glorious.  Say to God, ‘How awesome are Your works!  Through the greatness of Your power, Your enemies shall submit themselves to You.  All the earth shall worship You and sing praises to You; They shall sing praises to Your name.’  Selah”  Psalm 66:2-4 

“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.”  Psalm 103:2-4 

“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.”  John 3:16 

“…and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” 2 Corinthians 5:15 

“You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 NASB

“The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered.”  Proverbs 11:25 NASB

I believe in miracles, because I’ve had some God-given ones prior. I believe in miracles, are words that encourage and lift us higher.

And I believe in Jesus, the miracle worker, who was called a Nazarene. With our expectation in Him, and what He’s already done, miracles are sure to come on the scene.

…whatever the pain or problem, tell Him you’re trusting in His bigness over it…

What a scripture…

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A Psalm of David.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

Recently, this verse came to mind and I focused especially on the Lord being the strength of the believer’s life…

Would it not be a valid thought, therefore, that one could say that He is the strength of my heart, lungs, blood, kidneys, knees, bones, immune system, (or whatever area in which you feel you have some problem or concern?) For example (and I like to say the Lord Jesus, though we, at the same time, honor our triune God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)…

The Lord Jesus is the strength of my bones…

The Lord Jesus is the strength of my muscles…

The Lord Jesus is the strength of my heart…

The Lord Jesus is the strength of my knees…

The Lord Jesus is the strength of my vision (eyes) and hearing (ears)…

or any area that seems needy…but, truthfully, is not, because the Lord is the strength of my life!

One could even say that He is the strength of our faith or prayers since He is the author and finisher of our faith…

…the possibilities are many… how about the strength of my courage?

_______________

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

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

“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

“Who will bring any charge against God’s elect (His chosen ones)? It is God who justifies us [declaring us blameless and putting us in a right relationship with Himself]. Who is the one who condemns us? Christ Jesus is the One who died [to pay our penalty], and more than that, who was raised [from the dead], and who is at the right hand of God interceding [with the Father] for us.” Romans 8:33-34 (AMP)

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

“The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation.” Psalm 118:14

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

“I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” (AMP)

“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.”  John 10:10

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

Be sure to watch the worship video and read today’s message at: http://www.givehim15.com

Bright Blooms

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

Hardy are the flowers which come up from the snow…
Hearty their spring greetings, saying winter’s soon to go.

Though their bulbs were asleep within the frozen ground,
God awakened them to rise, and spread His peace and joy around!

P. A. Oltrogge

of Jesus:

“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

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

“Jesus said to her, ‘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…” John 11:25-26

“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11

“Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’”  Mark 9:23

…just as the flowers break through, so, also, God’s promises do… We’re believers, not doubters…

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

photos/Unsplash

Scriptures: NKJV

One Lamb, the “I AM”

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“And God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM;’ and He said, ‘Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:14 

“Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I AM.’”
John 8:58

“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 

“He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face, He was despised and we did not esteem Him. Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed. All of us like sheep have gone astray. Each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him. He was oppressed and he was afflicted. Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth.” Isaiah 53:3-7

One Lamb, the “I AM”

Complete redemption is every person’s need, and there is just One Lamb, who was silent before His accusers–though He was, and is, the great “I AM.”

All of us, like sheep, have gone astray, but never did this One Lamb. He kept God’s Laws perfectly, while our own “righteousness” is a sham.

One Lamb bore our sins and sicknesses; we can look to Him still today. For as in when He walked the earth, He doesn’t want it any other way.

One Lamb, one sacrifice, alone, was sufficient on the cross at Calvary’s hill. There’s no other than this Lamb of God–there’s no need to be seeking still.

The Almighty God Himself ordained great grace through His One Lamb. Thank you, Jesus, for having humbled Yourself for us, despite being the great “I AM.”

P. A. Oltrogge

“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

“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and 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

“…And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment…” Isaiah 64:6

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

“…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 

“Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases.” Psalm 103:3

“Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.’” John 6:35

“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

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

“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” John 10:11

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies.” John 11:25

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

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vine-dresser.” John 15:1

“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.’” John 14:8-10

“By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.  And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world.  Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” 1 John 4:13-15

Translations, various

Photos Pixabay/Unsplash

Moved by the Whisper, Not by the Wind

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Sharing today…by Sara Whitten, as posted on Elijah List

Reef the Sail

“This is a time of bringing down and building up.” The Lord stirred me with those words, and I had been digging into that statement when I was caught by an image.

Instantly I saw the image of a sail, full and whipping in a stormy wind. The vessel it was tied to was helplessly being powered along with the storm. Then the sail was folded and taken down, and though the storm still raged, the power of the storm to move the vessel was greatly diminished.

(Strong’s Greek Lexicon teaches, “In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of bringing something down could be associated with both physical actions, such as lowering a sail or casting down an enemy, and metaphorical actions, such as overcoming an argument or defeating a rival” [G2702, katapheró, Strong’s Greek Lexicon.]) 

I began to read about sailing in storms in the natural, because God often shows us parables all around us in His created world.

In sailing, when it appears a storm is beginning, the first thing to do is “reef” your sails. This is a term used to describe the process of folding or rolling up a sail so that its surface area is greatly reduced, the sail is preserved, and the influence of the wind power of the storm on the boat is minimized. This protects against unexpected gusts or changes in wind that would capsize the boat.

The enemy’s attacks often feel like storms. They are loud, disorienting, and full of threats to steal, kill, and destroy. We’re so busy trying to look at the storm that we sometimes forget to look at the vessel—us! Are we still at full sail? Are we being blown around by everything the enemy is bringing against us? (Photo above via Creative Commons)

To “reef” is to regulate the size or length of something. When we “reef our sails” spiritually, we’re regulating the size and length of influence the enemy has on our response. The storm may still be going on around us, but we are less moved by it. We can take what the enemy hoped would overturn (capsize) us and overcome.

Be Moved by the Whisper, Not the Wind

As our focus becomes less on the storm, we make an important shift: we are moved by the whisper, not the wind. I am reminded of Elijah, who we find hiding in a cave in 1 Kings chapter 19. Outside the cave, there was all sorts of threatening clamor going on.

“The Lord said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.’ Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave…” (1 Kings 19:11–13) 

Elijah, who knew the Lord’s voice, knew not to be moved by the powerful wind. He waited. What moved him was the “gentle whisper.” This word for whisper, qol, can mean “sound” or “voice” (G6963, Strong’s Lexicon), and is the same word found in Genesis 3:8: “Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as He was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden” (italics mine).

These sounds of the Lord in the garden came after a different metaphorical storm of the enemy in which he baited humanity into the fall. In this instance, they were moved by the storm instead of the sound (or whisper) of the Lord.

Peter faced a similar scene. He and the disciples were amidst a storm that was no doubt loud and chaotic. Matthew 14:24 says the wind was causing waves that buffeted against them. But amidst the wind, there was a sound. As Jesus walked by, He said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” (v. 27). Peter, when stepping out of the boat, had the choice to be moved by the wind of the storm or to be moved by the beckoning “come” of Jesus. 

It’s Safer in the Deep

It’s never easy to go out into a storm. The truth that is powerfully illustrated in this story is that in the middle of the storm, it is safer to go out deeper with the Lord than to run for the shallows. In my research on sailing, I ran across an interesting tip from North Sails: “While running for cover would seem the preferred choice, the danger lies in being caught in the storm, close to shore, with no room to maneuver or run off” (North Sails, “How to Sail Safely Through a Storm”).

The enemy would love us to abort our mission, to throw in the towel, to go running for land because the waters have gotten too stormy. The truth is, we have more (not less!) chance of being shipwrecked on the shores of mediocre faith. We are safest in the deep. When we stop being blown in response to the blustering chaos of the enemy, we can move in response to the much gentler whisper of the Lord.

Don’t let the storms of this season cause you to seek shallow waters. Stay the course. Wait for the whisper.

Encounter Questions:

Lord, what “blustering” lies of the enemy am I letting fill my sails and move me?

Holy Spirit, what truth do You want to speak to these lies?

Lord, could You show me how I am being tempted into shallow waters?

Jesus, what does it look like to go deep with You?

What whisper are You speaking to me through the storm?

Sara Whitten
Arrows of Zion
Website: www.arrowsofzion.com