“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due seasonwe shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do goodto all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:9-10
Don’t lose heart, even if you’ve experienced hard disappointments, for according to this scripture, we can count on seeing divine appointments.
Serving the One who, in love, died for you, can only be right to do; and it will help you forget any hurts, to serve and love others, too.
There are people looking for hope that there still is a God who cares; and those of the household of faith may need His help through your prayers.
“Those who trust Him wholly, find Him wholly true,” it’s said. He’s seen every tear, so thank Him, for the good along the way and up ahead.
P. A. Oltrogge
“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13
“You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book? When I cry out to You, Then my enemies will turn back; This I know, because God is for me.” Psalm 56:8-9
“Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.” Psalm 25:5 NLT
“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:11-12
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
“We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 NLT
“Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing. We proudly tell God’s other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering. And God will use this persecution to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering.” 2 Thessalonians 1:3-5 NLT
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” James 1:2-3 NASB
“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart….” Luke 18:1
“You will keep in perfectpeace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3 NLT
“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.” Ephesians 1:3
A statement that’s sometimes made, which needs to be corrected…is “We are all God’s children.” Not true–but by those words, it seems to be suggested.
That we’re all created by God is a fact that’s certainly true. But to become a child of God requires something every person must personally do.
“But as many as received Him (Jesus), to them gave He the right or power…to become the children of God”–an offer that, when accepted, becomes your most blessed hour.
Jesus said to Nicodemus, a teacher of Israel, that a man must be born again. He had visited the Lord in the night, having seen the miracles He’d wrought among men.
And Jesus told a group of Pharisees plainly that they were of the devil, their father. If they were already God’s children, then why did He die for them or even bother?
No, He was sent to die for the sins of anyone living here on the earth. The firstborn among many brethren, Christ became Man through the virgin birth.
Obedient to His Father’s plan, Jesus paid the ransom for our restoration…to relationship with the Holy One–for those who believe, from out of every nation.
“I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God,” Jesus said. They’re still words that speak of “Family” to those who’ll believe that He rose from the dead.
No, we can’t all be called God’s children until we’ve put faith in His Son. That’s the defining moment when a new life, as God’s child, has begun.
P. A. Oltrogge
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name….” John 1:12
“There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, ‘Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’” John 3:1-3
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16…and see all of John 3
“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.’” John 20:17
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV
“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:29
“Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources for he is a liar and the father of it. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.’” John 8:42-47
“Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 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, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” Romans 8:12-17
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Christian minister Kenneth E. Hagin quote: Yes, God is the Creator of all mankind, but a man must be born again to become His child. He is God to the world, but Father only to the new creation man…
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
Jesus told His disciples to go ahead of Him to the other side of the sea.
He had sent the crowds away and, for a time of prayer, He needed to be free.
When Jesus came walking upon the water in the fourth watch of the night,
the disciples, in their boat, thought they were seeing a ghost and cried out in fright.
They had already been disturbed that night, having been battered by waves—
the wind was contrary. Here, we’ll see another instance where “Jesus saves!”
Jesus told them to take courage—that it was Him and that there was nothing to fear.
Some translations of this account say that He told them to be of good cheer!
Having witnessed the Lord’s miracles, Peter wanted to be a disciple of faith, as Jesus had taught,
and join the Lord on the water. Stepping out of the boat, he actually walked on the sea, but then became distraught.
Initially, his confidence had been high, so when the Lord told him to come, he boldly went ahead.
The Bible indicates, though, that he took his eyes off of Jesus by noticing the wind, instead.
It says that he “saw” the wind, meaning that it was whipping up the water to a greater degree.
Looking away from Jesus, the Fearless One, even for just that moment, caused Peter’s courage to flee.
Jesus reached out quickly and rescued Peter, but questioned him as to why he had succumbed to doubt.
As they entered the boat, the wind stopped; and the disciples, in awe, worshiped the Lord as they continued on their route.
We, too, today, must ever look to Jesus, remembering His great love for us and the mighty miracles that He can perform.
We have testimonies today—as well as those told in the Bible—of His ability to bring us out, in victory, through any kind of storm.
P. A. Oltrogge
(from Matthew 14:22-32)
Jesus, Savior, pilot me, Over life’s tempestuous sea: Unknown waves before me roll, Hiding rocks and treach’rous shoal; Chart and compass come from Thee– Jesus, Savior, pilot me!
“Sanctify them through thy truth:thy word is truth.”John 17:17
Truth be told… God’s Word is “gold.”
To it, strongly, we must hold…to see the answers to our prayers unfold.
When doubt tries to make us conform to its mold, the promises in God’s Word are what we should behold.
In it, His account of creation is told; and throughout the Holy Bible, His Son, Jesus, is extolled.
We’re to share His love with others–their hearts to enfold. He wants all to find His love, so our love must be bold.
May we, too, as believers, declare and rest assured…that there’s nothing more trustworthy than God’s Holy Word….
for truth be told… God’s Word is “gold”…
yet it’s greater than and more to be desired than gold!
P. A. Oltrogge
“As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.” Psalm 18:30
“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.” Psalm 19:9-11 NKJV
“For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth.” Psalm 33:4
“My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:7-8 NLT
“He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” Psalm 107:20
“Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’” Mark 9:23 NKJV
“For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.” Mark 11:23-25 NKJV
“They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes, I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.” John 17:16-19 NKJV
“For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me, Silvanus, and Timothy—was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” 2 Corinthians 1:19-20 NKJV
“Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 3:5 NKJV
“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:15
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:12-15
“So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.” Hebrews 6:18-19 NLT
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised)” Hebrews 10:23
“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” Hebrews 10:45-36
“And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.” 1 John 3:23-24
“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 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.
“He who believes in Him is not condemned; 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 3:14-21 NKJV
…the world needs the truth–the Holy Bible holds the principles of right living and the way of salvation through Jesus Christ, our Lord…
The story of a “different” duckling was one that, as children, most of us had read…This duckling was ridiculed because of his appearance–so much so, that he finally fled.
He then went through various experiences, away from the home he originally knew; but all of those experiences were bitter and caused him to keep feeling “blue.”
As the story progressed, he came upon a flock of magnificent swans, while downcast, who welcomed him as a most beautiful swan; and there he found happiness at last.
We learn, in reading the Bible, that God doesn’t look at how you outwardly appear. You may feel you haven’t much value, yet you’re a distinctive “swan” in His mirror.
And if blessed with what man defines as great beauty, God still looks within to start…His search for a person who is devoted to Him, humble, but courageous of heart.
Remember, too, that when God sees you, He sees the righteousness of His own Son; and He has promised to perfect the good work in you that, through Christ, He has begun.
P. A. Oltrogge
“For Thou didst form my inward parts; Thou didst weave me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Thy works, and my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:13-14 KJV
“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him, for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” 1 Samuel 16:7
“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
“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 5:21
“But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:21-26 NIV
“For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.” 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 NKJV
The following is a testimony from the ministry of Joseph Prince:
I have been partaking of the Holy Communion every morning for a year and a half, and my health has started to improve in many areas.
One day, I started experiencing extreme pain in the heels of my feet. After much agony and many attempts to find relief, I prayed and visualized my condition nailed to the cross in my daily partaking of the Communion. Not long after, my heels were completely healed! Hallelujah!
Jesus also progressively strengthened my immune system. Even though I am sixty-eight years old, I am not worried about aging. I look to Him every day and marvel at His gift whenever I partake of the Communion every morning. Praise Him!
God bless you, Pastor Prince, for staying close to God and allowing Him to express Himself through you.
…by a viewer of that programming from Texas, United States
If ever there was a subject that should be put into poetic form, it’s that of the magnificent rainbow, which can suddenly appear after a storm.
As the sun starts shining, it’s especially vivid, after the rain has poured; and its message comes from God, as it’s the signature of the Lord.
He said that He was setting His bow in the clouds, to always remind afresh, of His covenant made with Noah and his sons, and every living creature of all flesh…
that never again would He send a flood to cover the entire expanse of the earth. To all successive generations, the rainbow’s reminded of this covenant of great worth.
We remember today that Noah was a real person, who steadfastly undertook…the building of a great ark by God’s direction, no matter how, to others, that would look.
It took many decades to accomplish the task, and there never had been a flood. Today, God is offering the safety of an ark that was “built” by Jesus’ sacrificial blood.
God is not willing for any to perish. He’s giving much time to accept His invitation, to enter into the ark of the Lord–His provision for any person of any nation.
When I see the rainbow there in the sky, I’m reminded of God’s covenant made to mankind–including the one He made for us through Jesus, the greatest covenant He wants all of us to find.
P. A. Oltrogge
“But I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall enter the ark….” Genesis 6:18
“Then God said, ‘I am giving you a sign of my covenant with you and with all living creatures, for all generations to come. I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth. When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, and I will remember my covenant with you and with all living creatures. Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life. When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth.’ Then God said to Noah, ‘Yes, this rainbow is the sign of the covenant I am confirming with all the creatures on earth.’” Genesis 9:14-17
“For this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you for the remission of sins.” Matthew 26:28
“But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises.” Hebrews 8:6
“And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 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 1:16-18
“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
“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
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“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
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Perhaps you’ve heard these words from the Christian song, “I’ve Got the Life of God in Me”…
I’ve got the life of God in me…
I’ve got the life of God in me…
I’ve got His life, His nature, and His ability…
I’ve got the life of God in me!
(The song continues, supplementing the word, “life” with the additional words of “joy,” “faith,” “love,” “peace,” and “strength.” It can be found on You Tube, as sung by the Rhema Singers and Band.)
God goes with His children wherever they go. He gave us Jesus, for He loved us so.
Being confident of His presence, we live our lives. Through His Word, prayer, and indwelling Spirit, the believer thrives!
P. A. Oltrogge
“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever–the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” John 14:16-17
“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, 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, 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, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
“As the Father loved Me, I also have 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 remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:1-12
“…for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’” Acts 17:28
“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” Romans 8:11
“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1
Matthew 1:23; Acts 4:10; Acts 17:28; Romans 6:4; Hebrews 13:5
“Walk with Me,” by Greg Olsen. Used with Permission: www.gregolsen.com
…a meditation of the believer….
I want to “walk with Jesus,” as His disciples did along Galilee’s shore. I want to meditate on His Word, that I may learn of and grow in Him more.
I want to share His peace and love and to dispel confusion and doubts. People need to find the way to God. Jesus is the way–there are no other routes.
I want to do what He specified before He ascended to His Father’s right hand–to step out in faith, doing the things He said–the works that God has planned.
I want to join others in being His hands and feet–He always cared for the people’s needs. As believers, we follow His example. In Matthew 25, He listed such deeds.
Without Christ, I can do nothing–I must be diligent to abide in the Vine, listening for His voice and direction, that I may “let my light so shine.”
An old hymn says, “If you cannot speak like angels, if you cannot preach like Paul, you can tell of the love of Jesus–you can say that He died for all.”
And recalling His assurances, when troubled times take place…I’ll trust in the plans of the Father’s heart–in the counsel of He who saved me by His grace.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
“Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.’
“So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.” Mark 16:14-20
“Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.” Matthew 25:34-36
“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, 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, 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, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
“As the Father loved Me, I also have 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 remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:1-11
“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:4-10
“And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.” 1 John 3:23
“The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance.” Psalm 33:10-12
“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 16:33
“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
“…then He (Jesus) said, ‘Behold, I have come to do thy will.’ He takes away the first in order to establish the second. By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God….” Hebrews 10:9-12 NASB
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In the dark of night in Gethsemane’s garden, Jesus fell on His face to pray,
seeking possible release for Himself from a most difficult and painful way–
that His Father in heaven had revealed to Him on why He’d come as a Man.
He was to be the perfect sacrifice for our sins, according to God’s plan.
To any one of us, death on a cross would be something we would shun;
yet Jesus was able to say He would do it, so that God’s will could be done.
Being in agony, His sweat became like great drops of blood that fell.
He knew that the way of the cross would provide escape for us from hell.
And a great part of the atonement is bodily healing, just as Jesus had shown.
Abundant life is ours through Him, who sits at the right hand of the Father’s throne.
Jesus was our great example…of listening for and following God’s perfect will.
In setting aside our will to follow God’s, it’s His good purposes that we’ll fulfill.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, ‘Sit here while I go and pray over there.’ And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, ‘My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.’ He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, ‘O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.’” Matthew 26:36-39
Before that time in Gethsemane, we read of what Jesus said:
“When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, ‘Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?’” Mark 8:34-36
“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.” Proverbs 3:5-6
“…seek His will in all you do….” is written of the above scripture in the New Living Translation
Jesus always prayed…and said that we should pray and not lose heart….
“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.” Luke 18:1
The Porch of the Lord 