Jesus distinguished the state of people’s hearts in receiving God’s Word, as seed sown….in the following way. A sower goes out to plant his seed….
The seed falls sometimes onto the roadside, or onto where mostly rocks are found. At times, it falls among thorns; but, at other times, it falls on the good ground.
So those hearts considered as “the roadside,” hear the Word but the devil snatches it away. Therefore, as it’s sown, we must pray that people really “hear” what God has to say.
Some do hear it with joy, (“rocky soil”) but their grasp of the gospel isn’t of great duration….for in time of temptation or trial, their belief has no depth for either situation.
The seed that’s fallen among thorns exemplifies those who let other things…such as cares, riches, or pleasures of life choke the Word, and they lose the benefits it brings.
But when the Word falls onto good ground–these are hearts where it will endure…to bring about fruit that will last. Their hearts are earnest, virtuous, and favor what’s pure.
So help us, Lord, daily, to attend to Your Word, thereby giving it firmer root…and then find Your opportunities to serve, with Your love, bringing forth precious fruit.
P. A. Oltrogge
…shared in best detail by Jesus in Luke 8:4-15 NASB (also in Matthew 13 and Mark 4)
Now when a large crowd was coming together, and those from the various cities were journeying to Him, He spoke by way of a parable: “The sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell beside the road, and it was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the sky ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky soil, and when it came up, it withered away because it had no moisture. Other seed fell among the thorns; and the thorns grew up with it and choked it out. And yet other seed fell into the good soil, and grew up, and produced a crop a hundred times as much.” As He said these things, He would call out, “The one who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
Now His disciples began asking Him what this parable meant. And He said, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest they are told in parables, so that while seeing they may not see, and while hearing they may not understand.”
“Now this is the parable: the seed is the word of God. And those beside the road are the ones who have heard, then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they will not believe and be saved. Those on the rocky soil are the ones who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and yet these do not have a firm root; they believe for a while, and in a time of temptation they fall away. And the seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked by worries, riches, and pleasures of this life, and they bring no fruit to maturity. But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word with a good and virtuous heart, and hold it firmly, and produce fruit with perseverance.
And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. Acts 16:13-14
My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. Proverbs 4:20-23
“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 NKJV
So grateful, as we watch the fireworks being displayed, that this is a land founded by people who prayed…
So many of Amerca’s founders recognized that this world’s true King— is Jesus, the Christ—Lord above everything.
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty; and it’s through God’s beloved Son that men are truly free.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’” John 8:31-32 NKJV
“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” words of Jesus in John 8:36 NKJV
“…no man can say that Jesus is the Lord but by the Holy Ghost.” 1 Corinthians 12:3 KJV
“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 broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, and to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” spoken by Jesus in Luke 4:18-19 KJV
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” spoken by Jesus in John 3:16-17 KJV
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Be blessed to use in prayer and hear the song, “America’s Anthem,” by Rachel Shafer under “Store” at: www.timsheets.org
(Click on Digital Download for “America’s Anthem”)
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
I’m so glad to have been born in the wonderful United States– a country from which came so very many “greats.”
Inventors, teachers, ministers, and those of every profession found in this blessed country great freedom of expression.
Great national leaders were strategic in guiding the nation and military “greats” led in many a wartime situation.
And diligent mothers and fathers, who were never well-known, supported the lives of young Americans until they were grown.
Great farmers have cultivated bountiful crops in America’s fertile soil, while many people have been blessed by their important toil.
And with scenic lands of “fruited plains” to mountains very high… the United States is blessed with beauty from rivers to the sky.
But what has made it greatest has been its foundation in the Lord… and our fervent prayer is that its faith in Him will be fully restored.
May all of America find in the Bible its truth that sets men free… Jesus Christ is our needed Savior and Lord…and true source of liberty!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 NKJV
“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.” words of Jesus in John 10:10 NKJV
“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’” John 8:31-32 NKJV
“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36 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 broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, and to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” spoken by Jesus in Luke 4:18-19 KJV
“This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us.” 1 John 3:23 NKJV
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133:1 NASB
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” …From the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776
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Sequoia National Park, California
O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain! America! America! God shed His grace on thee… And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17
Just as any electronic device needs a steady stream of charge, so, likewise, we need charging with the Word, for matters small or large.
Keep charging your life with the Word of God until you’re powered up and full. Then “fully-persuaded” faith will bring down strongholds, by a fully-charged, dominating pull.
Thank the Lord that His powerful Word is flowing through your entire being. Remember that the Bible reveals that believing, itself, is a way of “seeing.”
Taking time to meditate on the scriptures makes for a strong connection. In doing so, we can be recipients of important revelation, wisdom, and direction.
Thanks be to God for the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ…who is the author and finisher of our faith–and whose sacrifice at Calvary for us has more than sufficed!
P. A. Oltrogge
…We charge our lives also through prayers/praises to the Source of all power…
“God has spoken once, Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God.” Psalm 62:11
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“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3
“Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His word. Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, you ministers of His, who do His pleasure.” Psalm 103:20-21
“My son, give attention to My words; incline your ear to My sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes. Keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4:20-22
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21 (…which is why speaking the Word, agreeing with God’s Word, is so important)
“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to Me void; but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:10-11
“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” Jeremiah 32:27
“But He answered and said, ‘It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4
“Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.” Mark 1:35
“Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.'” Mark 9:23
“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.'” Mark 11:22-24
“Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” Luke 6:12
“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.” Luke 10:19
“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart…” Luke 18:1
“You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for MyFatherisgreaterthan I. words of Jesus in John 14:28
“Then He said to Thomas, ‘Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.’ And Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'” John 20:27-29
“…for in Him we live and move and have our being…” Acts 17:28
“He (Abraham) staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.” Romans 4:20-22 KJV
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
“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 though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ…” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
“I have been crucified with Christ; 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 for me.” Galatians 2:20
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20
“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints…” Ephesians 6:14-18
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those 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 “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
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.” Hebrews 11:1-3
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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 12:1-2
“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” Hebrews 13:15
“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
We’ve all heard this familiar term…sometimes things are “against all odds.” Against natural law or against all odds–these define miracles, and miracles are God’s.
If there’s One who can do the impossible, it’s Jesus, the Lord of all. Peter, the fisherman, received of His power, when he netted and brought in a huge fish haul.
Later, Peter was called upon to go and raise Tabitha, (or Dorcas), who had died. Other miracles, too, he did–through the name of Jesus, the King who’d been crucified, (but glorified).
Lazarus, Jairus’ daughter, and the only son of a widow out of the city of Nain…were also raised up by the Messiah, while many others were cured of sickness and pain.
When thousands came for healing and to hear Jesus teach, He even provided them with a meal. He blessed five loaves and two fish to feed them all, looking to God, His Father, in a miracle appeal.
Jesus walked on turbulent waves of the sea and caused a storm there to cease. He Himself was raised from the dead, and now He reigns as our Prince of Peace.
He turned mere water into wine at a wedding, causing the best wine to be served last. He knew of tax money inside the mouth of a fish, caught by a hook that He’d told Peter to cast.
He made the deaf to hear, and those who were blind were freely given their sight. Miracles today still occur through His name–Jesus Christ is the world’s great Light.
And, talk about a miracle…how about when He came to earth as a baby in a manger? He was born to die as the Lamb of God–all who receive Him are rescued from danger.
Teaching that He was the way, the truth, and the life was the most miraculous truth He taught. May many still receive the pardon and gift of life…that His death and resurrection have bought.
We were lost–unable to work our way back to God–but, then, against all odds, the Father in heaven provided a way through His Son–such a brilliant miracle plan could only be God’s.
P. A. Oltrogge
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” John 1:12 KJV
Peter spoke the following to the people after the healing of a lame beggar at the temple gate: “The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus, the one whom you handed over and disowned in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him. But you disowned the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, but put to death the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, a fact to which we are witnesses.” Acts 3:13-15 NASB
…Depicted in a puzzle–the Biblical account of Noah….
“Make yourself an ark of gopherwood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch.” Genesis 6:14
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God has raised up many ministries to encourage that, as a believer, you can build yourself an ark– through faith in His Word and its promises to you, in a world that has increasingly gotten dark.
Psalm 91 is a well-tested, protective psalm, that we can claim as a shelter and a shield. Many don’t consider that God’s Word could be so sure and have let it become a Sword they only hesitantly wield.
“No evil will befall you…He gives His angels charge over you,” and “With long life He will satisfy you,” are yours to claim– Confession of God’s Word, and the Name and the blood of Jesus, are the weapons, in a storm, that will conquer and tame.
But don’t wait for storms to develop in your life– Make His promises your regular confession every day. Abide in His Word, His presence, and dwell secure, for these are the “Ark,” (“in Christ”), whereby danger is kept away.
P. A. Oltrogge
“But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:33
“My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings and in quiet resting places.” Isaiah 32:18
“The horse is prepared against the day of battle; but safety is of the Lord.” Proverbs 21:31 KJV
“I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust!’” from Psalm 91 — verse 2 …See the entire Psalm in your Bible and you can enter it in the search bar of this blog…
“Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
“For Godso 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. He who believes in Him is not condemned;
…regarding the hard subject:
“but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” John 3:16-21
It’s a hard subject; but the truth is, it’s real. There is a thief who is out to kill, destroy, and steal– a being who is fallen because of his pride– a being who’s purposed to conceal and to hide the true God in Jesus, the Lord over all– that’s what Satan does because of his fall.
His ways are deceptive, and he wants you to think there isn’t heaven or hell beyond this life’s brink. He’s supportive of “gods” of other names– or “No God at all” is another one of his claims. Devotion to a religion or philosophy, he’s approved– especially those endorsing that Jesus’ Lordship be removed.
He draws those he can to reject Christ’s light, causing them darkness over any spiritual sight. But you’re called to leave wrong things you’ve been taught when you realize that, by Christ, your soul has been bought. It’s simply a gift—but you must take and receive it. Don’t listen to the naysayer, but simply believe it.
Of all time, the Bible is the best selling book– if you think it’s inaccurate, then take a deeper look. Please consider studies by Christians who aren’t slacking in showing us the evidence that gives it absolute backing. And to be the all-time best seller of books you can buy, it must have the backing of Someone very high.
Be sober, be vigilant, the Bible warning is strong– Jesus is The Way—any other way is wrong.
P. A. Oltrogge
“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 NASB
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary, the devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith….” 1 Peter 5:8-9
“I am the door; if anyone enters 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.” Words of Jesus in John 10: 9-10 NASB
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12
“Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.'” John 3:5-8
We absolutely know that there is a deceiver, the devil, in this world. By simply turning on the news, we hear of lives and properties harmed or destroyed by his influence over people. God, who is love, wants everyone who will, to receive the free gift of salvation, the forgiveness of sins, through His Son, Jesus Christ, and to experience His help, guidance, and peace. At http://www.levitt.com or http://www.levitt.tv is much information pertaining to the importance of Bible prophecy.
“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.” Words of Jesus in John 14:27
The End: A Complete Overview of Bible Prophecy and the End of Days, by Mark Hitchcock, available at bookstores and being offered at http://www.levitt.com or http://www.levitt.tv
The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel; Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell; They Thought for Themselves: Ten Amazing Jews by Sid Roth; and various books at http://www.rhema.org; http://www.kcm.org; http://www.awmi.net and other sites previously mentioned on this blog.
“Nothing shall by any means hurt me!” I have the victory now…
To the Word of God, to the Name of Jesus, to His blood, to my God-given authority, and to many previous testimonies, the devil must bow.
Jesus always leads me in triumph throughout any demonic test…
Therefore, it is unto me, according to His Word–I will receive God’s best!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all.” Psalm 34:19
“NOW faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
“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.” Luke 10:19
“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.” John 1:1-3
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
“Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” Colossians 2:15
“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
“Then Mary said, ‘Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:38
“Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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 12:1-2
I heard the Spirit of the Lord say, “Discern the time, like the sons of Issachar, for a significant shift began in the month of May. This shift shall continue throughout the summer months and extend into the fall. Behold, a NOW SEASON has come to you, and you must listen for My voice.
“In this season, I shall give you precise instructions on how to pivot and align yourself with the plans I have ordained for your life. Old labels and past disappointments shall be cast off and replaced with a fresh vision and renewed expectation. Do not allow your sight to be clouded by the hope that was lost, for I declare unto you: believe again!
“Get your hopes up again, and watch as I come through for you. Do not fear breakdown, for this is your time of breakthrough. Stay rooted in prayer, and then step forth in action. Let no one stifle your progress, for I am with you, and I am moving on your behalf. Silence the demonic chatter that seeks to stifle your faith and trust in My hand.
“I have heard your cry, and I am responding. Cast off everything that hinders you in this season. Believe again! Expect again! Release the weight of past disappointments and missed opportunities. Allow Me to heal the wounds of battle and restore your joy. For you, warrior, have entered your NOW SEASON. Arise, come forth, for I am calling you!”
While running on the treadmill, I was praying in the Spirit and heard the Lord say, “Andrew, repent.” I did not understand. “What do You mean, Lord? I don’t know of any active sin that is in my life.” He said, “You have settled for where you have been and stayed content with mere survival. Your expectation of who I am and what I will do has been depleted. You have limited Me by seeing through the clouded lens of past seasons.” When I say that I jumped off the treadmill, I am not exaggerating. Right there, in the public gym, I knelt on my knees and repented. Some of you reading this have had your hopes dashed and your expectations limited, but God says to you, “Recognize that you have crossed into a NOW SEASON!” God has ordained this.
You Have Crossed into a Now Season
What is a NOW SEASON? It is somewhat different than a new season. Although it is new, the now is where faith becomes activated, and promises come to life. The NOW SEASON is when prophecies come into manifestation and suddenlies are released.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1, KJV)
The Bible tells of a blind man who recognized it was his NOW SEASON. His faith became activated, and he refused to be denied.
“And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.” (Mark 10:47–48, KJV)
Notice it says, “when he heard.” The word “when” signified the announcement of his NOW SEASON, and “he heard,” remember, faith comes by hearing (Rom. 10:17). Since we have entered this NOW SEASON, it is not the time to sit around and continue in the mundane. No! This arrival should activate us to pray even more earnestly.
What Are You Letting Speak through Your Mouth?
Blind Bartimaeus was begging for money “when he heard” that Jesus was coming. He intuitively knew this was his divine appointment and began to cry out in faith. Your faith has a voice and will speak. Doubt also has a voice. I would ask you, What are you letting speak through your mouth?
The people tried to quiet Bartimaeus; perhaps they looked down upon this beggar, but they did not know what he knew. It was his NOW SEASON. He refused to quit crying out, “Son of David, have mercy upon me.” By calling Jesus the Son of David, Bartimaeus was declaring Jesus as the Messiah, for it was prophesied that the Messiah would come from the line of David.
“And Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; He calleth thee. And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.” (Mark 10:49–50)
The very ones who tried to quiet Bartimaeus were forced to acknowledge that Jesus favored him, for He had called for Bartimaeus to come to Him. It was Bartimaeus’ NOW SEASON. Get ready for those who judged you to change their attitude about you! Take note that “they” called the blind man, speaking words of comfort to him.
“What Would You Have Me Do for You?”
“And he, casting away his garment, rose.” Don’t miss this! Bartimaeus took hold of his beggar mantle and cast it away from him. The beggar mantle represented his old season. You cannot walk into the NOW carrying the baggage of the past. Before you can rise to another level, you must first cast away the hindrances that would restrict your NOW.
“‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Jesus asked. ‘My Rabbi,’ the blind man said, ‘I want to see!'” (Mark 10:51, NLT).
Why would Jesus ask him a question with such a seemingly obvious answer? He was challenging Bartimaeus to stretch his faith to believe for more than just temporary provision. His story would have been much different if he had asked for what he had always asked for, which was money.
“And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus in the way.” (Mark 10:52, KJV).
Not only did Bartimaeus receive his sight, but he was made whole. The Lord is asking you, “What would you have Me do for you?” It’s time to embrace your NOW SEASON!
Come into the Lord’s presence with thanksgiving in your heart and enter His courts with praise. Trust in Him at all times to direct your paths, as you acknowledge Him in all of your ways.
Don’t allow praise and thanks to be your faith train’s “caboose,” because the “engine” of your faith is praise! Waiting to thank Him until you “see” (the answer to your prayer) will only bring about delays.
“At all times,” your Father in heaven desires to have fellowship with you. You were created to bring Him that pleasure. He’s the trustworthy Engineer and Conductor of your life. Friendship with Him is your greatest treasure.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving. And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” Psalm 100:4
“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
“For the Lord is great andgreatlyto bepraised; He is to be feared above all gods.” Psalm 96:4
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7
“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
“Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts.” Psalm 145:3-4
“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts! Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all you stars of light!” Psalm 148:1-3
This poem was written after hearing a message on the effects of praise at: http://www.awmi.net
See archived post for link to photographer…
And, as we consider the many prayer needs out there in our world, may we do what we can to help in various situations, but increase and accentuate our praise to God for His help and intervention…
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward.
Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:7-14
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Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit.
When I kept silent, my bones grew old Through my groaning all the day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah
Psalm 32:1-5
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Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin.
Psalm 51:1-2
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Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 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, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
The Lord executes righteousness And justice for all who are oppressed. He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; 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.
As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, And its place remembers it no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children, To such as keep His covenant, And to those who remember His commandments to do them.
The Lord has established His throne in heaven, And His kingdom rules over all.
Bless the Lord, you His angels, Who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word. Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, You ministers of His, who do His pleasure. Bless the Lord, all His works, In all places of His dominion.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
Psalm 103
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How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way.
Psalm 119:103-104
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My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh.
Proverbs 4:20-22
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Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked abandon his way, And the unrighteous person his thoughts; And let him return to the Lord, And He will have compassion on him, And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.
Isaiah 55:6-7
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If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 1 John 2:1
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Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace…
The Porch of the Lord 