Walking with Jesus

“Walk with Me,” by Greg Olsen. Used with Permission: http://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

Welcoming Faith

“The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore.” Psalm 121:8

I give no place to the torment of fear–

Only faith in Jesus is welcome here!

I close the door on letting fear come inside.

It’s under the shadow of the Almighty that I abide…

P. A. Oltrogge

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.” Psalm 91:1-2 (…and all of Psalm 91)

“The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.
The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore.” Psalm 121:7-8

“For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:32-33

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

“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

“Then Jesus cried out and said, ‘He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me.'” John 12:44

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:6-8

“…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 12:2

“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. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.” 1 John 2:1-2

“Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:17-19

“Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:1-5

“And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.” 1 John 5:20

“Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.” Deuteronomy 28:6 (See all of Deuteronomy 28 for blessings through obedience versus disobedience to God)

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.” Psalm 110:10

“In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge.” Proverbs 14:26

“By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.” Proverbs 22:4

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

Father, thank You for ministries, such as Samaritan’s Purse and others, which go forth to help people who haven’t experienced the security expressed in this post–who are having to rebuild after devastation. Help believers worldwide to grow in confidence in You and your Word, which promises goodness and mercy to them all the days of their lives… in Jesus’ name, Amen

Cross Over to the Other Side

Jumonville Cross, Photo by Josh Matthews

A cross on a hillside beckons for our attention, and can bring to mind something that Jesus Christ mentioned, when He and His disciples launched out for a sail. “Let’s cross over to the other side,” were His words that didn’t fail.

Have you been on the side with those who have apprehensions, or reject that Christ is Lord or doubt God’s intentions? Look thoughtfully to the cross, for a strong message it bears–God wants you to cross over to knowing that He cares.

Any other “religion” hasn’t the cross’s personal touch. God sent His Son to die for you because He loved you that much. There, Jesus made the sacrifice for your well-being and sins–so you could cross to the place where new life in Him begins.

Despite a storm, His words didn’t fail in that Biblical account recorded. They won’t fail in your destiny either, but you’ll be greatly rewarded, as you come under the shadow of the Almighty and cross to the other side. You’ll be so thankful you heeded the message of the wonderful cross as your guide.

P. A. Oltrogge

“On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, ‘Let us cross over to the other side.’ Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, ‘Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?’

“Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, ‘Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?’ And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, ‘Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!’”

Mark 4:35-41 

“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

“The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

John 3:35-36

“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears My Word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.”

John 5:24 (NIV)

“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.”

John 10:10

“…that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” 

Romans 6:4 

“…giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. 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 1:12-14

“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 (and see all of Colossians 1)

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

You may be blessed by an internet search for: Thomas Kinkade Unveils The Cross at the Billy Graham Library Youtube

A Prayer Against Deception

Father in heaven,

Give me perception about the devil’s deception—
Holy Spirit alerts on the schemes of the deceiver.
If something I’m considering isn’t right for me,
then please redirect my pathway as a believer.

Keep my life conformed to the standards of your Word;
anything opposing your stated values is wrong.
Help me to spend enough time with you in prayer
to hear your counsel in a way that is strong.

I know there’ve been times I’ve missed “hearing” you
on personal decisions that didn’t turn out well.
So, earnestly, I pray for those who are missing hearing you
on the truth that Jesus saves sinners from the judgment of hell.

And may people realize their need for a Good Shepherd
on life’s journey to specific blessings you’ve prepared.
For you love so greatly that, through Jesus, you provide grace—
the greatest message to the world that can ever be shared!

in Jesus’ name,
Amen

P. A. Oltrogge

“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.” John 1:16-17

“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

“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:36

“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.” John 10:10

“The way of life winds upward for the wise, that he may turn away from hell below.” Proverbs 15:24

Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom

“Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

“And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”

Ephesians 1:15-23
(Scriptures NKJV)

To benefit greatly in your Christian walk, you may want to sign up for Faith Food Daily Devotions and/or Health Food Daily Devotions at: http://www.rhema.org

Beauty is in the Eye of God, the Beholder

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

Photo credit Unknown but appreciated

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

In My Name

In a recent message, minister Keith Butler reminded us of the prime importance of using the name of Jesus. The following are some scripture references:

…spoken by Jesus:

“Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 10:32-33

“Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.” Matthew 18:5

“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20

“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.” Matthew 19:29

“Now John answered Him, saying, ‘Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.’ But Jesus said, ‘Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. For he who is not against us is on our side.'” Mark 9:38-40

“For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” Mark 9:41

“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.” Mark 16:16-18

“And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him, and said to them, ‘Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great.” Luke 9:47-48

“And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:13-14

_________________________

“Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon’s, greatly amazed. So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: ‘Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. And His name, and faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.’” Acts 3:11-16 NKJV

“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, ‘Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.'” Acts 4:8-12

“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

“The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:1-3

For resources by Keith Butler, visit: http://www.keithbutler.org

…and/or click on “Programs,’ then scroll down to “Live Your Faith” at: http://www.govictory.com

ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS’ NAME

All hail the power of Jesus’ name!  Let angels prostrate fall; Bring forth the royal diadem, And crown Him Lord of all; Bring forth the royal diadem, And crown Him Lord of all.

Ye chosen seed of Israel’s race, Ye ransomed from the fall, Hail Him who saves you by His grace, And crown Him Lord of all; Hail Him who saves you by His grace, And crown Him Lord of all.

Let every kindred, every tribe, On this terrestrial ball, To Him all majesty ascribe, And crown Him Lord of all; To Him all majesty ascribe, And crown Him Lord of all.

O that with yonder sacred throng, We at His feet may fall!  We’ll join the everlasting song, And crown Him Lord of all; We’ll join the everlasting song, And crown Him Lord of all!

…composed by Edward Perronet

An Encouraging Word

The following was posted by Kim Potter of: http://www.anewthingministries.com

Today, I want to share a word with you from Wanda Alger, enjoy!

For those who have felt under constant attack and are questioning the status of your warfare, know that the seeming setbacks and system failures are actually indicators of your soon and coming victory!

The principalities and powers attacking this nation are trembling. They are in panic mode. Attacking both collectively and personally, they would have us think that all our systems are breaking down because of failure on our part. But it is only because God’s redemptive work is at hand! It is the mighty arm of the Lord that is at work and accomplishing His purposes. He is resetting every system according to His original design and standard.

Where the enemy has tried to circumvent God’s order and establish his own systems of death and destruction, the right hand of the Lord is raised against our foes. It is the mighty arm of God that is about to fall on His enemies and crush every plot and plan devised against us.

Terror and dread fall upon them; because of the greatness of Your arm, they are still as a stone, till your people, O Lord, pass by. Exodus 15:16 ESV

Yes, troubles assail and warfare has intensified. But it is because terror and dread has fallen upon the enemies of God! The ongoing threats and attacks against those who fear God are merely indicators of the FALL about to happen. 

The constant distractions to cause doubt and fear are only last minute attempts to stop Kingdom declarations from manifesting in full color.

As the enemy assails and presents troubles of many kind, remember that these are not problems to be fixed, but distractions to deny. 

For many, a spirit of infirmity has plagued the Body through a myriad of illnesses and ailments, hoping to weaken the resolve of the faithful. Like grenades being thrown, the enemy has hoped to overwhelm you with one attack after another. Do not fall for his trap. Where he would have you think your faith has been empty and without power, it is the exact opposite! Your faith has been working to move mountains and your perseverance is breaking through the tumult! You are winning! It is your declarations of healing and liberty that are working and causing the enemy to panic. He sees the breakthroughs on the horizon! 

Do not give in to the voices that challenge your standing with the Lord. Do not listen to the whispers that question your right or authority to take the stand that you do. In your weakness He is strong. For our victory does not lie in our human attempts to heal ourselves or our mental prowess in answering the charges. No. Our victory lies in the finished work of the cross and the access to kingdom authority awarded to us on the day of His resurrection! He has given us authority over the enemy, not because of our work, but because of HIS.

It is not by human will or strength that this war in being won. It is by faith in Him alone and the power of His right hand to accomplish that which He has spoken. He will not be denied! His word has already been settled and His people have remained steadfast. Seated at His right hand, we are crushing satan beneath our feet as the King is making our enemies a footstool (Psalm 110:1)!

Do not allow the symptoms of your situation to dictate your faith. Do not allow the pain and discomfort to determine your resolve. You are winning the battle by continuing to stand and not yield. Your faith in the unseen is cutting through the fog of war and is overtaking the enemy.

Make no mistake. The enemies of God are trembling for they know their time is short. Demons are squealing and principalities are falling because the people of God are taking ground and possessing their promise. And it will not be undone.

Wanda Alger

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

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:3-9

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:12-13

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” James 4:7-8

“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

“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

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

Our God, the great I AM:

“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

As often as you eat this bread and drink this cup…

…the powerful blessing in partaking of Holy Communion, remembering all Jesus has done for us… Thank you, Father, for what your Son has done…

As often as they wish, or have the need,
of this covenant meal, His sheep may freely feed.
Do this in remembrance of Him, in taking the bread–
The cup is the new covenant in His blood that was shed…

________________________

“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

Refer to the Joseph Prince website for testimonies on Holy Communion. Click on “Read Praise Reports” and then click on “Holy Communion” at: http://www.josephprince.org

His message for today’s devotional will also encourage, “Jesus is Greater”

Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane
Artwork/Pixabay

Where the Spirit of the Lord is…

“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”)

A Prayerful Patriotic Poem for the U.S.A.

“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!

Written by Katharine Lee Bates

Cape Elizabeth, Maine