Tag Archives: Bible

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

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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

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“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

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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

________________________

“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

_________________________

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

_________________________

“…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

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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

Jesus Stops an Outer Storm and an Inner One

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At evening, Jesus and His disciples were headed to the Gadarenes, across the sea. A storm arose and began to fill the boat with the wind-whipped waters of the Galilee.

Jesus was asleep in the stern in the midst of it all when His disciples cried out with fear. “Teacher, don’t you care that we are perishing?”—their lack of faith being made clear.

Jesus stood up and rebuked the wind and spoke to the sea, saying, “Peace, be still!” Then the disciples were amazed to see the wind and the waves conform to His will. 

After the Lord questioned them why it was that they had no faith, they wondered aloud together. “Who could this be?” to have such authority over the power of wind, sea, and weather.

At their arrival at the Gadarenes, they would see the Lord do a work of another kind. There, Jesus was met immediately by a man who had an unclean spirit and whom no man could bind.

He stayed among the tombs and mountains and would cut himself with stones, crying out both day and night. Even shackles and chains couldn’t hold him, but he’d break them, due to an evil, inner might.

Seeing Jesus from afar, this man ran to Him and worshiped Him, and then he said… “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?” He indicated fear of what was ahead.

Jesus told the unclean spirit to come out of the man and asked its name, which was Legion. “For we are many,” it said, and begged Jesus earnestly not to send them out of that region. 

Then all the demons begged Jesus to permit them to enter a herd of about two thousand swine, which were feeding in the mountains there. At once, Jesus gave permission. The demons entered the pigs, which then ran violently down a steep place to drown in the sea, giving those who saw it a troubling scare.

The men who had fed the swine fled and told others in the city and country what had transpired. So, many came to see for themselves and were shocked to find, clothed and in his right mind, the madman whose life had been so degraded and mired. 

Afraid, they pleaded with Jesus to depart from there, even though such a great deliverance had been shown. The man who’d been delivered very much wanted to leave with and follow Him, but Jesus said that, instead, his story should become more known.

He told him to go home and tell his friends of God’s compassion on him and what great things the Lord had done… So he departed and began to share in Decapolis, and the people marveled as he spoke about his life-changing encounter with Jesus, God’s Son.

P. A. Oltrogge

…from Mark 4-5

Dutch Sheets shares more on this in today’s: http://www.givehim15.com

God is not the Destroyer–He is the Redeemer

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Please refer to the message and prayer by Dutch Sheets on the recent hurricane and flooding. He offers more ways to help at: http://www.givehim15.com

Yesterday Franklin Graham’s son, of Samaritans Purse, was on television saying they will be needing many more volunteers.

There have been wonderful stories of praise/thankfulness regarding having gone through the storm with little or no damage, for which we thank God. For others, we remember to:

“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

“But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, that there should be no division in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.  And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.  Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.”  1 Corinthians 12:20-27

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling.” Selah Psalm 46:1-3

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15

You were there for me…

Sometimes in a crisis, either in our minds or that’s real,
we need the patient listening of someone who can feel…

the pain that we’re going through, the stress that is there.
By listening to our “story,” they show us the care…

that we are so in need of at times of trouble or pain.
Help offered and a listening ear make Jesus’ love plain.

Best of all is when they offer to pray with us on the spot,
cooling things down in situations that are simply too “hot.”

P. A. Oltrogge

The Light of His Cross

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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.” John 19:17-18 

When I was just a young child, I was given a small, reflective cross during Lent.

To me, it was a very special gift, lighting up in the dark wherever I went.

Little did I realize then, how that would represent a Christian’s role today…

In the darkness of this world, we’re to share the light of the Lord’s cross along our way.

After time, my lighted cross would dim, needing to be renewed again by light.

Likewise, we need to stay close to the Light of the World, that our sharing of the message of His cross will continue to shine, ever so bright…

P. A. Oltrogge

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me, you can do nothing.” John 15:5

“The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.”  Psalm 119:130 KJV

“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

“And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert [on a pole], so must [so it is necessary that] the Son of Man be lifted up [on the cross], in order that everyone who believes in Him [who cleaves to Him, trusts Him, and relies on Him] may not perish, but have eternal life and [actually] live forever!

“For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him.” John 3:14-17 AMPC

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18

“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

“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

“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” Revelation 22:16

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

Thoughts from Christmas during this Election Season

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Excerpt from I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

And in despair I bowed my head:
“There is no peace on earth,” I said;
“For hate is strong
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men!”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men.”

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

“‘Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!'” Luke 2:10-14

“But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” spoken by Jesus in Luke 6:32-36 and see all of the chapter…

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 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. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:7-11

“If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.” 1 John 4:20-21

If you missed Monday and Tuesday’s programs, visit: http://www.govictory.com/flashpoint

See today’s announcement on the upcoming global day of prayer for America at: http://www.givehim15.com

We take our stand against that which is evil, while yet praying for all….

God’s Unexpected Providence

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by Dr. Paul J. Palma

Few of us can say we were planning on the COVID-19 outbreak and the resulting lockdowns of 2020. Let’s be honest—the coronavirus pandemic was unexpected. I know I speak for most when I say we weren’t planning on the heightened health protocols and stay-at-home orders that ensued.

One of the consequences many encountered in the months of the pandemic was closed churches. Instead of the regular Sunday morning family outing to our local parish, we grew accustomed to the intimate setting of our family room huddled over Scripture in prayer and song. Over the course of 2020, we worked through the seasons of Superbook (found at http://www.cbn.org ) and the accompanying Bible passages. This closeknit environment proved to be pivotal in our kids’ faith journeys. The hours spent in Scripture after each episode allowed my wife and me to respond deliberately to each of their questions and concerns. Over the course of what turned out to be several months of stay-at-home Sunday fellowship, each prayed to invite Jesus into their heart as their personal Savior. The unexpected events of 2020 turned into a watershed experience as God guided us deeper into our faith.

God’s providence often manifests in unforeseen ways. Consider the example of the Apostle Paul and his companions who planned to spread God’s Word in Asia. Yet, God had other plans. Chapter 16 of the book of Acts depicts God intervening in their ministry arrangements, indeed, it says, the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time. (Acts 16:6) They wanted earnestly to share the Gospel in one place, but God disclosed His greater purpose. Although He closed one door, He quickly opened another, guiding them into an immense harvest in Macedonia. In the region’s leading city, Philippi, they met Lydia, who believed in Jesus as her Savior together with her whole family. After she and her household were baptized (v. 15), Lydia started a small house fellowship which became the first biblical account of the Christian church in the Western world.

In Proverbs, Solomon, Israel’s wisest king, wrote:

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. (Proverbs 19:21)

Despite our loftiest plans, God has something even bigger in store. Life’s unexpected twists and turns are often the moments of deepest personal growth. A detour along your route may lead to a surprising opportunity down a road you never intended to venture. One closed door has the potential to unlock another unforeseen and more rewarding one. Indeed, along that unpredicted road or behind that unanticipated door you will find God’s purposes prevailing in your midst.

Lord, guide me according to Your purposes that I may encounter fresh avenues of faith and new horizons of harvest. Grant me the assurance, that although one road or door is closing before me, another, far better one is opening somewhere else.

Encouraged to be Shared/CBN Devotional

Dr. Paul J. Palma is a Regent University professor and the author of three books, including Embracing Our Roots: Rediscovering the Value of Faith, Family, and Tradition. He’s also a worship leader, husband, and father of three who enjoys spending time with his family on walks, trips to the beach, and reading.

Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Don’t Tell It Like It Is

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Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Proverbs 18:21

by Kenneth Copeland

Words are serious business. And, as believers, we need to get serious about learning how to use them. We need to begin to put them to work for us like God Himself does. The Bible tells us that He uses words to “call those things which be not as though they were” (Romans 4:17).

Most of us don’t have the faintest idea how to do that. We’ve spent our lives “telling it like it is.” We’ve constantly used our mouths to report on the sorry state of affairs around us. Thus, the very thought of calling “things which be not as though they were” seems a little crazy.

“You mean I’m supposed to say, ‘I’m healed’ when I’m feeling sick? I’m supposed to say, ‘I’m prosperous’ when I’m penniless? That sounds like lying to me.”

No, no. There’s a vast difference between lying and speaking by faith. A lie is meant to deceive someone. It’s designed to make someone believe something that’s not true. But to speak by faith is simply to speak words that agree with the Word of God instead of the circumstances around you. It’s speaking from your spirit instead of from your mind.

As the Apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 4:13, “We have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, I have believed, and therefore have I spoken. We too believe, and therefore we speak” (The Amplified Bible).

Now that’s important. Read that verse again. “I have believed, and therefore have I spoken.”

There are some folks who speak the words, but they don’t have the faith to back it up, and as a result, they fall flat on their spiritual faces. They didn’t actually “call things that be not as though they were.” They called things that be not the way they wished they were.

Those are two very different things. The words may be the same. But just wishing and hoping won’t get the job done. You’ve got to believe.

Begin today bringing both your tongue and your heart in line with the Word. Stop “telling it like it is” and start speaking and believing the promises of God. Put the power of words to work for you.

Reprinted with permission from Kenneth Copeland Ministries