Tag Archives: Bible

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

God’s Heart of Compassion

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“Peace be with you.” John 20:21

The Lord’s great heart of compassion is at work always–at times, behind the scenes. 

He answers prayer for salvation, guidance, protection, healing, and provision well beyond our means.

Let’s not limit Him by doubting that He can do more than we could ever ask or think. 

Jesus came to establish the new covenant. Now, through Him, we have that blessed link.

“The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works,” the Bible’s stated. 

God’s desire is to love, through His Son, to even greater measure, every person He’s created.

“If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, you shall be free indeed,” Jesus said, all because of that compassionate heart. 

When you take Jesus as Savior, you can forget the past, knowing God’s given to you a fresh start.

Even if there are times when you don’t recognize that He’s working in your life right then, 

He encourages you to always keep the faith. He’ll bring things to pass, though you may not know when.

Jesus told us of God as His heavenly Father. Those in Christ are children of God. Therefore…

as part of His beloved family, we can expect all of the good things that He has in store.

P. A. Oltrogge

And likewise, we want to extend loving compassion to others, through caring prayer and action…

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 NKJV

“…to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 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 3:19-21 NKJV

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

“In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’” 1 Corinthians 11:25

“…to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.” Hebrews 12:24 NKJV

“If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36 KJV

“But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” Psalm 86:15 KJV

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

“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference.” Jude 21-22 KJV

Psalm 78:38; 111:4; 145:8; Matthew 9:36; 14:14; 15:32; Mark 1:41; 5:19; 6:34; 8:2; Luke 10:33; 15:20; John 3:16; 1 John 3:17

Book recommendation: Expect God by Rachel Shafer at: http://www.rachelshafer.com

Visit: http://www.givehim15.com

Consider the Birds and the Lilies

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“In His Constant Care” by Greg Olsen. Used with Permission: http://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

“We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19

“I know all the birds of the mountains….” Psalm 50:11

A Father’s Love

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The Prodigal Son, a parable Jesus told….

Once there was a man who had two sons fully grown, and the younger asked for his inheritance to go off on his own. So the father divided his wealth and the younger son went away, while the older one was loyal to his father and knew that he would stay.

In a distant land, the younger squandered all of his part of the estate. He lived in a wild and unwise manner, and poverty became his fate. A famine occurred in that country, and he couldn’t get ahead; he was hired to take care of swine and longed to eat what they were fed.

At that time, he came to his senses and remembered his father’s care–even his father’s servants had always had meals that were generous fare. So he thought out what he would say about the restoration he desired. “I’m no longer worthy to be my father’s son–I’ll just ask to be one who’s hired.”

He then traveled back to his home, and the father saw him when still far away–then ran to embrace and kiss him, before even hearing what he had to say. The son repented of all he’d done, telling all that had been on his mind; and there he found compassion and a heart that was only kind.

The father called to his servants to clothe the young man with all of the best–the best robe, ring, and sandals—even with a banquet, he’d be blessed. A celebration was called for everyone, for this was a time to rejoice! But out in the fields, the older son stopped, having heard his father’s voice.

At the sound of the merriment, he inquired of the servants of what had just transpired. They told him that his brother was home, and that a celebration was what his father desired. He became angry then and wasn’t willing to even go inside, but his father came out to entreat him–he wanted him to be alongside.

The older son said, “…For so many years I’ve been serving you, and I’ve never neglected a command….” He complained that he felt what his brother deserved was his father’s reprimand. “My child, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours,” the father said. But they needed to rejoice for this son now lived. “This brother of yours was dead–

He was lost and has been found,” he said–much like a Shepherd rejoices to find…a lost sheep that had strayed far from the fold but had always remained on His mind.

P. A. Oltrogge

From Luke 15:11-32

“I am the good shepherd and I know My own, and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father, and I lay down My life for the sheep.” words of Jesus in John 10:14-15

Visit: http://www.givehim15.com

Enter Into God’s Kingdom

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Yes, Christians, in every walk of life, are working to persuade…that “the way” to eternal life for every person has been made.

Because of Jesus’ life, ministry, death and resurrection–through Him, our Father God sees any believer in perfection.

And you don’t have to take one Christian’s word alone, for there’ve been many testimonies that conclusively have shown…

that Jesus is alive! His Father is still giving time to decide, to accept His invitation, which is going out worldwide…

to be a part of His kingdom through Jesus, His spotless Lamb–an invitation very graciously extended by the great “I AM.”

Please respond as soon as you can; one thing unknown is the exact date–of when things will come to a close, so it’s very wise not to wait.

There are really just two kingdoms, one of darkness and one of light. Come into the kingdom of God’s dear Son, the only choice that’s right.

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.” Jesus’ words, John 3:16-17

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” Jesus’ words, John 5:24

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

“Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: ‘Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.’” John 17:1-3

“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” 1 John 5:11-12 NIV

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“Therefore, since we know the fear of the Lord [and understand the importance of obedience and worship], we persuade people [to be reconciled to Him]. But we are plainly known to God [He knows everything about us]; and I hope that we are plainly known also in your consciences [your God-given discernment].” 2 Corinthians 5:11 AMP

(“Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too.” 2 Corinthians 5:11 NLT)

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” Jesus, Matthew 24:36-37

“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

“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

Visit: http://www.govictory.com

Serenity through Scripture

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Jesus said…

After this manner therefore pray ye: 

Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done
in earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen

And if ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Matthew 6:9-15 KJV

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most high will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” 

For it is He who delivers you (me) from the snare of the trapper, and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you (me) with His pinions, and under His wings you (I) may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.

(You may want to continue to personalize this Psalm)

You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day; Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.

A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not approach you. You will only look on with your eyes, and see the recompense of the wicked.

For you have made the Lord, my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place. No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent.

For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone.

You will tread upon the lion and cobra, the young lion and the serpent you will trample down, Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. 

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

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

Psalm 91

“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

(Thanksgiving to the Lord for His Great Works of Deliverance) Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 107:1

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

“But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27

“But He said, ‘The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.’” Luke 18:27

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

“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

If I loved you…

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“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 14:34-36 

If I loved you, I would speak of the One who made earth, the stars, sun and moon…If I loved you, I’d say, though we don’t know when, Jesus could return for us soon.

If I loved you, I would tell you to realize that there’s more than this life only…If I loved you, I would tell you, you have “family”–we need never be lonely.

If I loved you, I would encourage you to find a church online or locally…If I loved you, I would tell you it’s a blessing to give your heart to Jesus totally.

If I loved you, I would tell of the great importance of loving and forgiving others, for Jesus said that those who hear and do God’s word are His mother and brothers.

If I loved you, I’d encourage you to give into God’s kingdom and reap rewards…present and eternal ones, for the principle of “sowing and reaping” is the Lord’s.

If I loved you, I’d say that Christ is the only way to God that anyone can find…If I loved you, I’d say that you must leave all inadequate religious traditions behind.

If I loved you, I would say that you can pray and experience Jesus, too…If I loved you, I’d say to turn to Him as Savior–the most important thing you can do.

If I loved you, I wouldn’t let another day go by without making sure that I know…that you’re coming along with all who are in the “family of God,” for I DO love you so!

…as, with deepest love, does God….

“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

“We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ, (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His 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 of works, lest anyone 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

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

“And it was told Him by some, who said, ‘Your mother and brothers are standing outside, desiring to see You.’  But He answered and said to them, ‘My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.’” Luke 8:20-21

“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in His love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.” John 15:9-17 NLT

“Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:37-38

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48

“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

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all….” 1 Timothy 2:1-5

“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 5:3-5

“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.’” Mark 16:15-16 NIV

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work…..He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Come Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.” Revelation 22:12, 20-21

Also: John 14:1-6; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Poem/P. A. Oltrogge

Expect a Miracle…

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“Expect a miracle” is the very important and faith-filled phrase…that God gave Oral Roberts, who relied on it, giving Him praise.

“Expect a miracle” was reflected in Jesus’ life, by the things He did or said. His was a life of great faith in His Father–thereby, He even raised people from the dead.

As disciples of the Lord, we can’t let our faith be clouded by doubt…but thinking “Expect a Miracle,” and saying so, can help bring a miracle about.

Knowing how great our God is, on Him, our thoughts should stay. We can believe we receive miraculous answers at any time that we do pray.

As for looking at things that were contrary, where it seemed God didn’t come through…God understands what happened at those times; it’s not for us to do.

Just keep your focus on God’s promises as you walk out on life’s waters. “Expect a miracle” will serve you well–we’re God’s faith-filled sons and daughters!

P. A. Oltrogge

“Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter, remembering, said to Him, ‘Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.’

“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.

“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Mark 11:20-26

Instead of worry, we take no thought…

“And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?  If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?”  Luke 12:25-26

To hear teaching by Richard Roberts, Oral’s son, visit: http://www.richardroberts.org

To read of another upcoming Healing Summit, visit today’s important message, “The Month of Miracles” at: http://www.givehim15.com

Every Morning, Every Moment

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“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

Various translations of the Bible may state a scripture in a slightly different way. Regarding the verse above, here’s what I sometimes like to think or say…

His mercies are new every moment, for He will never forsake me. To me, that’s good to recall always–that His goodness and mercy overtake me…

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You–is another encouraging verse–especially when we’ve done all that we can possibly do.

Cast your burden upon the Lord, whether it’s large or small. We belong to the faithful Good Shepherd, on Whom we’re (at all times) privileged to call.

P. A. Oltrogge

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1

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

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

“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 5:6-7

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

“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

“…For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”  Matthew 1:23 KJV

“Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Psalm 55:22 NASB

“What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.” Matthew 10:29-30 NLT

“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” John 10:14

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” Psalm 23 KJV

“Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.
Know that the Lord, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

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

“I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.” Psalm 116:1-2

What a wonderful blessing it is to pray, for our own concerns and for those of others, along life’s way….

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

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