Blessed is the Nation Whose God is the Lord

…the following are a few thoughts, in a prayer and conversation with God regarding the importance of voting for those candidates who align more closely with Biblical valuesHis values…

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We come boldly to God’s throne of grace as we’re praying for the 2024 Elections.

We’re ever dependent upon Your guidance, Lord.  We need Your selections.

Since the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, wise candidates will look to You.

They honor You and Your Word, which is Your directive on all that’s good and true.

The wisest candidates have a greater reverence for the helpless child in the womb

and are a voice for the voiceless, whom You’ve designed to be born–to live and bloom.

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Though immigrants can be welcomed, there’s a legal way for them to proceed…

Our border shouldn’t be a place of lawlessness with cartels ruling by their greed.

Some who’ve entered illegally have killed Americans–precious ones whose lives were lost,

whose names should not be forgotten.  They represent what mass immigration has cost.

And then there are the children lost to human trafficking, and those who’ve also perished

from drugs pouring in through an open border, because law and order is not being cherished.

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And we can’t forget the Afghanistan withdrawal, where people were left behind and alone,

not to mention billions of dollars of our advanced military equipment for the Taliban to then own.

Thirteen brave young U.S. soldiers lost their lives due to poor leadership regarding that event.

Certainly their families back home were sorry that their loved ones were the ones to have been sent.

Many other policies have been promoted, which have been questionable, even unbiblical, so we pray…

that You’ll influence the hearts of enough Americans to hear what You have to say.

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And why should Americans have their tax dollars be barely available for victims of storms…

because they’ve been given freely to noncitizens, in the name of some kind of new “reforms”?

America has always been a place of opportunity where effort and hard work are rewarded…

It shouldn’t have such high inflation and taxes that necessities of life can hardly be afforded.

One of the Presidential candidates today governed previously, as President, in a wise way…

To create fear about him governing again, his opposers have had untrue and malicious things to say.

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So, God, we know You love America, which has sent out many missionaries in Your name…

We’re trusting You to rescue this land of freedom and opportunity…before it would never be the same.

P. A. Oltrogge

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10

“He has sent redemption to His people;
He has commanded His covenant forever:
Holy and awesome is His name.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever.” Psalm 119:9-10

“Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things.  And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us…”  Acts 17:35-27

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward.” Psalm 127:3

“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.” Psalm 139:13-16

While we may differ regarding the qualifications of candidates, we know that the winners, Presidential on down, will need our prayers and divine guidance from the Lord…

Fear Not, Little Flock

Fear not, little flockfor it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32 KJV

Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.’”  John 8:58 NKJV

“Fear not, little flock…”
for I AM your fortress, and I AM your rock.

My Word has endured throughout the ages,
and I have been revealed in the holy Bible’s pages.

In perilous times that are evident in these days,
you’ll sense My peace and presence as you offer Me praise.

My name and blood over your life are a powerful shield.
My blood was shed for you for the benefits it would yield.

The world is passing away and the lust thereof;
yet nothing will be able to separate you from My love.

I will never leave you, nor will I ever forsake you…
Remember that, when troubles try, at times, to overtake you.

Call upon Me in the day of trouble, amid its distress,
for I AM the Lord of all…and have all the power to bless.

So, trust your Lord Jesus and fear not, little flock…
In Me, there’s safe harbor where your disciple-“ship” can dock.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Walk with Me,” by Greg Olsen. Used with Permission: www.GregOlsen.com

“Be to me a rock of refuge and a sheltering stronghold to which I may continually come; You have given the commandment to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress.” Psalm 71:3 AMP

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” 2 Timothy 3:1 KJV

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” Psalm 50:15 NKJV

“Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 RSV

“In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, For You will answer me. Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord; Nor are there any works like Your works.” Psalm 86:7-8 NKJV

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

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 KJV

“They have taken crafty counsel against Your people, and consulted together against Your sheltered ones….Let them be confounded and dismayed forever; Yes, let them be put to shame and perish, that they may know that You, whose name alone is the Lord; are the Most High over all the earth.” Psalm 83:3, 17-18 NKJV

“Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; In You I take shelter.” Psalm 143:9 NKJV

“The Lord also will roar from Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; The heavens and earth will shake; But the Lord will be a shelter for His people, and the strength of the children of Israel.” Joel 3:16 NKJV

“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!’” Psalm 91:1-2 and all of Psalm 91

“And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:17 NKJV

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: ‘For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.’ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:35-39 NKJV

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

In Exodus 12, an unblemished lamb was slain and its blood was applied to the lintel and doorposts of the homes of the Hebrews for their protection and deliverance. Through His crucifixion, where His blood was shed on our behalf, Jesus became God’s pure sacrificial Lamb. Before His death, He said, “It is finished.” 

The Father

“No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.” John 1:18

“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

“And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” John 10:28-30

“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?’’” John 14:9

“…that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.” John 17:21

“Jesus said to her, ‘Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’ Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her.” John 20:17-18

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 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.’ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” Romans 8:14-16

“And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’ Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” Galatians 4:6-7

“For through Him (Jesus Christ) we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.” Ephesians 2:18

“For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named…” Ephesians 3:14

“Yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.” 1 Corinthians 8:6

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

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:3-5

“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us because it did not know Him.” 1 John 3:1

“In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.” 1 John 4:9

“And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world.” 1 John 4:14

“He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” 1 John 5:12

“Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.” 2 John 1:3 

Scriptures: New King James Version

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

“A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy habitation.” Psalm 68:5

“As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
As a father pities his children,
So the Lord pities those who fear Him.
For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust.” Psalm 103:12-13

“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

God’s Perfect Love in an Imperfect World

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:18-19 NKJV

Let God’s perfect love cast out any and all fear. Jesus said to have faith in God and to be of good cheer!

Anxiety in the heart weighs it down. Thank the Lord for answered prayer, instead, and that He is turning things around…

Reversals may not seem possible, the world being an imperfect place. But, remember, where sin abounded, there did, much more, God’s amazing grace!

P. A. Oltrogge

“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, But a good word makes it glad.” Proverbs 12:25 NASB

“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” Psalm 27:13-14

“Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together. I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.  He freed me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:3-4 NLT

“But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’” Matthew 14:27

“So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God.'” Mark 11:22

“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.” John 10:14-15

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27

“… I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 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.” John 16:32-33

“Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:20-21

“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 and 43:5

“God is my strength and power: and He makes my way perfect.”
2 Samuel 22:33

“As for God, His way is perfect;
The word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
For who is God, except the Lord?
And who is a rock, except our God?
It is God who arms me with strength
And makes my way perfect.”
Psalm 18:30-32

Yours is the Good Shepherd…

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

HE Strengthens Me

I’ve got some mountains to climb

and I need to feel prime…

So I thought of that script,

which says that I’m equipped:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

He strengthens me; HE strengthens me…

With each step forward, He strengthens me;

with each step up, He strengthens me.

If I suffer a setback, He strengthens me.

If I feel weak, I’ll resist being distraught…

No, “He strengthens me” must be my thought,

for that is what the scriptures have taught.

This confidence I have, for I’m blood-bought.

So, “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might,”

just as David found strength in God for a Goliath fight!

P. A. Oltrogge

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 NKJV

“The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.” Habakkuk 3:19 NLT

“He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might, He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:29-31 NKJV

“Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears; Let the weak say, ‘I am strong.’” Joel 3:10 NKJV

“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” Psalm 29:11 NIV

“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.” Matthew 4:23 KJV

“Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.” Acts 20:28 NASB

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 John 1:2 NKJV

“(The Armor of God) Finally, Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” Ephesians 6:10 NASB

“Then David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. This day the Lord will deliver you up into my hands….’” 1 Samuel 17:45-46 NASB

“For by You I can run against a troop; By my God I can leap over a wall.”
2 Samuel 22:30 NKJV

“For You will light my lamp;
The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.
For by You I can run against a troop,
By my God I can leap over a wall.
As for God, His way is perfect;
The word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all who trust in Him.

“For who is God, except the Lord?
And who is a rock, except our God?
It is God who arms me with strength,
And makes my way perfect.
He makes my feet like the feet of deer,
And sets me on my high places.” Psalm 18:28-33 NKJV

Photos/Pixabay

Postscript:
Whatever you have to do,
the Lord will see you through!

For “101 Things God Said About Healing,” Old Testament and New, put “101” into the Search bar of this blog for healing scriptures..

God bless and strengthen you….

A Simple Way for All Christians to be “Always Faithful,” Semper Fidelis 

Oh say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial — Uncommon Valor was a Common Virtue

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“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” John 15:13

…The following list brings to mind all of the sacrifices of those who’ve served… Casualties listed may not be completely accurate, as statistics differ…

Operation Desert Shield/Operation Desert Storm; War in Iraq, OIF, Operation Iraqi Freedom; War in Afghanistan, OEF, Operation Enduring Freedom (Throughout these, over 7,000 were killed, plus those who sustained injuries)

Vietnam War (1962- 1973) – 58,220 US soldiers died, plus injuries

Korean War (1950 – 1953) – 36,000

World War II (1941 – 1945) – 405,399

World War I (1917 – 1918) – 116,516

American Civil War (1861 – 1865) – 620,000

American Revolutionary War (American War of Independence) (1775 – 1783) – 25,000 or more

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In contemplating the conflicts in which thousands of Americans fought, sustained injuries, or died…it’s sad to say that far too many citizens don’t use the examples of those courageous Americans as a guide.

For instance, it’s been reported that millions (many Christians among them) don’t even register to vote, or vote, in our elections.  Obviously, what others sacrificed hasn’t impacted them to serve their country through this simple act, making wise selections.

God desires for us to have righteous leaders, saying that righteousness exalts a nation.  Such a small service of prayerfully voting can make a difference in our country’s, and the world’s, complex situations.

May God’s people be impressed about the urgency–that they’re in a spiritual war; and be reminded that this freedom they have is what others fought for and so many died for.

Today we honor those who laid down their lives, even though they may not have always felt very brave at all.  Now, lay down the thought that your vote doesn’t matter and answer the voting-for-righteousness call.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Proverbs 14:34

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance.” Psalm 33:12

“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, to be testified in due time, for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-7

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

“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” from James 5:16

“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18:1 NIV

Wise leaders will pray and know this:

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.” Psalm 111:10 and Proverbs 9:10 on “knowledge of the Holy One”

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7

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For a Comparison of the 2024 Republican and Democratic Platforms, visit: http://www.frc.org

For last night’s discussion from Flashpoint, visit: http://www.govictory.com/flashpoint

And visit today’s: http://www.givehim15.com

The Enemy’s Storm Won’t Stop God’s Promise

Shared from Elijahlist
by Andrew Towe, Chattanooga, TN

A Shift in the Supernatural Realm

I heard the Lord say, “There is a notable shift in the supernatural realm happening right now. The enemy is striving to sway many from standing in faith to enter a state of fear. He has escalated his tactics and increased the warfare against My people. His goal is to try to overwhelm them to thwart My promises from coming forth, but My word will not return to Me void. Speak to the storm and war with your prophecies. Don’t lose hope now. You are on the verge of reaching your NEXT LEVEL, and satan cannot stop it! Only you can stop it by giving up.

There are always occult practices, heightened demonic activity, and witchcraft that take place in this month of October, all associated with Halloween. This year, however, the intensity has escalated, coinciding with the Jewish High Holy Days and the critical lead-up to this pivotal election. As a result, the enemy is unleashing a surge of turmoil, deception, and fear.

A Demonic Storm

A demonic storm occurred in the Bible, much like the ones we face today. It happened as Jesus said to His disciples, “Let us pass over to the other side” (see Mark 4:35). While on the boat, as they crossed over, out of nowhere, a squall suddenly formed and raged against the ship.

And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship so that it was now full. And He was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake Him, and say unto Him, Master, carest Thou not that we perish?” (Mark 4:37–38)

As Jesus slept soundly, the disciples fought valiantly against the ferocious storm. Despite their experience as fishermen, the storm was so fierce that it filled them with a deep sense of dread. Out of complete desperation, they woke Jesus and asked Him, “Carest Thou not that we perish?” You may be asking the same question today, “Jesus, do You not care that I am sinking? I can’t do this any longer. I am repeatedly being attacked, and I can’t make it.” 

Remember, prior to ever getting on the boat, Jesus had given them a word: “Let us pass over to the other side.” In other words, You will make it to the other side. I sense the Lord confirming that to you right now, “Just as the disciples made it through this storm, you too will make it through the raging circumstances you are facing. You are going to the other side!”

“And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And He said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:39–40)

The fact that Jesus rebuked the wind reveals to us that this was a storm sent from the enemy. It was intended to cause these men of God to give up their faith and embrace the spirit of fear. It was sent to hinder their destiny and try to stop what God was doing next in their lives. It is the same thing the enemy is trying to do with you, but it won’t work. You have a word from God: War with your prophecies!

You Are Coming Out on the Other Side

Jesus asked them, “How is it that you have no faith?” In essence, Jesus was asking, “What happened to your faith in My promise?” I would ask you, “Are you battling to keep your faith in what God has promised over your life? Hold on! You are about to experience God catapulting you into the next level of breakthrough. You are coming out on the other side of this storm!

“And they came over unto the other side of the sea…” (Mark 5:1)

God’s Word was fulfilled just as He promised. He is doing the same for you. This will be your testimony. Prophesy to yourself, “I am crossing over to the other side, and it will be just as God promised.” 

When they arrived on the other side, a man possessed by a legion of spirits met them on the shore. Jesus commanded the spirits to come out of the man. The demons begged Jesus not to send them away but to permit them to enter a herd of swine. When they entered the swine, the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea and drowned.

The demonic spirits that possessed the man surged into the herd of pigs, which then violently charged headlong into the waters. These were the very waters of the Sea of Galilee, the same place where Jesus and His disciples faced the storm that tried to kill them and their mission. The demons’ desperate plunge into the waters of the sea suggests their connection to the raging storm that had erupted that day. They were attempting to stop the unfolding of God’s imminent plan.

You have an anointing that will set the captives free. You have faced demonic resistance, because what you carry is birthing a move of God. The spirits that possessed that man were troubling the waters to stop God from moving, just as demonic forces have attempted to stop you, because Hell is well aware of Who is in you and the calling on your life. You are crossing over. This is your time!

The enemy cannot stop what God has proclaimed over your life! God is confirming His word to you. The Lord says, “There will be glory after the storm. I will receive glory from your miracle. Get ready for FULL RECOVERY! You will recover finances, relationships, health, wasted years, favor, and missed opportunities.

Andrew Towe/Ramp Church Chattanooga

Andrew Towe is an emerging prophetic voice to this generation! Andrew preaches the Word of God with fire, inviting God’s manifested presence to fall, with signs and wonders occurring in his services. He has also authored a new book titled, “The Triple Threat Anointing.” Andrew and his wife Brooke are the lead pastors of Ramp Church Chattanooga, and they reside in Chattanooga, TN along with their two children. Andrew travels extensively, preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Wherever he ministers, lives are changed, faith is strengthened, and expectation is ignited.

http://www.andrewtowe.com

http://www.elijahlist.com

In God’s Vineyard

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:1-5

Jesus, You are the True Vine, to which I’m blessed to have a strong connection. It’s through Your truths and the Holy Spirit You sent, that I find wisdom and direction.

Before learning to trust Your guidance, I attempted some plans of my own. But they only showed me my need to draw close–to You at Your heavenly throne.

There, You’d waited patiently for me, to learn more about You and abide…in the peace of Your presence in order to bear fruit, by which Your Father is glorified.

It’s written in Your Word, that I’m seated with You, together in the heavenly places; I’m an heir of God and a joint heir with Christ, so I receive of divine daily graces.

“Much fruit” are actually the words that this portion of scripture has detailed; You will perfect a good work in me, so I won’t be a branch that has failed.

Without You, I can do nothing; but, by drawing from the Vine, I become able…to tell of the One who changed water into wine–the best at the wedding table.

Many other miracles come to mind as I think back on all that I’ve read: Parables shared and words that were prophetic are among the things that You said.

In and through You, I’m the kind of branch that remains and continues to thrive, sharing through kind deeds and words about Jesus, our God, who is very much alive!

P. A. Oltrogge

“If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you. By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” John 15:6-11

“You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in Me.” John 15:3-4
(New Living Translation)

“Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature, the old things passed away; behold new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“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

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, in order that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:4-7

“The spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.” Romans 8:16-17

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

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13 KJV

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

On Yom Kippur–The Day of Atonement

Yom Kippur is observed today by the Jewish people. In Leviticus 16, the High Priest would sacrifice a goat as a sin offering…then symbolically lay his hands on another–a scapegoat (for the sins) to be released into the wilderness.  Together, this represented the forgiveness of sins and the removal of them; yet it was just a shadow of things to come through Yeshua, (Jesus), the True Passover Lamb, through Whom there is forgiveness and removal of sins–for any who will come to Him…

As Written on the Cross…

“Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, ‘Are You the King of the Jews?’

“Jesus answered him, ‘Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?’

“Pilate answered, ‘Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?’

“Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.’

“Pilate therefore said to Him, ‘Are You a king then?’

“Jesus answered, ‘You say rightly that I am a king.  For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.’

“Pilate said to Him, ‘What is truth?’ And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, ‘I find no fault in Him at all.’” John 18:33-38

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“Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, and about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, “Behold your King!”

“But they cried out, “Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him!”

“Pilate said to them, ‘Shall I crucify your King?’

“The chief priests answered, ‘We have no king but Caesar!’

“Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. Then they took Jesus and led Him away.” John 19:14-16

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“And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center. Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was:

JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS

“Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin.

“Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, ‘Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘He said, ‘I am the King of the Jews.’

“Pilate answered, ‘What I have written, I have written.’” John 19:17-22

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Pontius Pilate saw no reason for Jesus to be condemned to die,
but eventually he did give in to the chief priests’ and the crowd’s insistent outcry.

A profound focus in the account during which the Lord was stricken and smitten,
were the words on the sign that was put on the cross, of which Pilate said, 
“What I have written, I have written.”

JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS

God used a flawed ruler, who didn’t know the depth of what he was saying…
to write out the very truth, which those words would be fully displaying.

P. A. Oltrogge

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“…Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.” Matthew 1:1

“You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews.” Jesus’ words to the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:22

“While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” Matthew 17:5 

(Son of God, Son of Man)

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

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith.’” Romans 1:16-17

“For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” Romans 5:10-11 KJV

“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:3-5 KJV

“For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.” Ephesians 2:14-16 NLT

…and another version:

“For He Himself is our peace and our bond of unity. He who made both groups—[Jews and Gentiles]—into one body and broke down the barrier, the dividing wall [of spiritual antagonism between us], by abolishing in His [own crucified] flesh the hostility caused by the Law with its commandments contained in ordinances [which He satisfied]; so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thereby establishing peace. And [that He] might reconcile them both [Jew and Gentile, united] in one body to God through the cross, thereby putting to death the hostility.” Ephesians 2:14-16 AMP

“And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”  Revelation 19:16

“But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name.” John 1:12 AMPC

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

Jesus Christ…Lord of all and Lord of love…

See also Luke 2 on Jesus’ the Savior’s birth; John, chapter 3; Revelation 1:4-6

Life-Changing Account from Timothy’s Ministry

Come to me all of you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

In a recent report from the ministry, Marian Alvarado related encouraging details on helping some of the homeless people who attend Timothy’s Ministry gatherings. Then, she shared the following:

MIRACLE STORY IN WILLIAM’S LIFE

Wow! Such an amazing day last Friday! As always, we went around our table and each person shared their name and shared whatever was on their heart or a prayer request. A man who looked familiar said, “Do you remember me? My name is William, and the last time I was here at this table was 5 years ago!” I recognized him but didn’t remember his story.

He said, “The last time I was here, in 2019, I wanted to end it all when I woke up in the morning, but ‘something’ told me to come to Tim’s House instead.” He said, “I was an addict and lived in an SRO in a bad neighborhood surrounded by drugs and bad people; and during the Bible Study, something that was read from the Bible just hit me in my heart for the first time and I knew it was God.” He said, “At the end of the Bible Study, you asked if anyone needed prayer, and I came over to you and I told you that I felt like ending it all and that I was an addict, and you and a few others prayed over me.”

William said, “After you prayed, I said that if you could find a place for me to get help, I would go that day.” He reminded us that I called the Salvation Army in Chicago, but they were filled. He said that I then called the Salvation Army in Waukegan; and not only did a person answer the phone on a Friday afternoon but said, “There is a bed available for William if he can get here by 5 p.m.” William remembers that I got $10 out of my purse and gave it to Valerie and Bill and a few others and asked them to walk with him to the train and not give William the money directly. He chuckled as he remembered the ‘humbling’ moment of not being trusted with the $10, but said, that was a good thing, and said that saved his life. He got into the Salvation Army that day, got sober, and from there got a job, and now has a car, is working full time, and this is the first time we heard anything from him in 5 years (other than a call on the day he checked in)!

He said “It’s the power of God that I have stayed sober for 5 years and I have a new life! With a huge smile on his face he said, “I read the Word of God every day and God has kept me sober, and the best part is that I have a personal relationship with Jesus!” William said he had a plan that morning (before ‘something’ told him to come to Tim’s House) of how he would ‘end it all,’ but God had another plan for his life! Wow!

There was so much joy and applause and encouragement around our table on Friday just seeing and feeling the love and power of God including the two women and two men who prayed over him and escorted him to the metra train with the $10! His story gave so much hope to others in the room because he has not only been sober for 5 years, but he has been working in ‘shipping and receiving’ full time and has his own apartment and a car and completely stepped out of poverty and homelessness as well. Thank you to everyone for all of your prayers and support so that we can keep helping the people God brings to us! 

http://www.timothysministry.org