…this photo of flowers that are faintly reflected in the glass table top in the morning sun was recently shared with me by a family member…
Just sending these peonies from the month of May…along to you, dear blog friend, to brighten your day…
There are many difficult things about which we must pray; but we can pause to appreciate the beauty that we find along life’s way.
P. A. Oltrogge
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
“Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”
Philippians 4:7-9 KJV
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”
Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV
“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart…” by Jesus in Luke 18:1
“Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.”Oswald Chambers
“In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them; In His love and in His pity He redeemed them; and He bore them and carried them all the days of old.” Isaiah 63:9
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It’s impossible for our God to ever lie…His promises aren’t just for “the sweet by and by.”
Say, “It is unto me according to God’s Word.” The more that we hear His Word, the more we can live our lives fully assured…
If you’ve experienced a “blight,” which tempts you to lean towards fright, “Only believe” that it cannot stay, when you’ve used your faith to pray.
So even if it’s “there,” don’t take up the care. God’s healing words are bright–it’s going to be all right.
“Perfectly healed” is what His Word has revealed… Resist the devil and he must yield.
P. A. Oltrogge
“If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath, so that the law of Moses should not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath?” John 7:23 NKJV (“every whit whole” in KJV)
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
“God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” Numbers 23:19
“…in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began…” Titus 1:2
“Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.” Hebrews 6:17-18
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits, Who pardons all your iniquities; Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with loving kindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.” Psalm 103:1-5 NASB/95
“While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, ‘Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?’ As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, ‘Do not be afraid; only believe.’” (from the account of the healing of the daughter of Jairus, in Mark 5:21-43.)
“The Lord then answered him and said, ‘Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it? So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound—think of it—for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?’ And when He said these things, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him.” Luke 13:15-17
“And Mary said, ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.’ And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:38 KJV
“Grace to you and peace [inner calm and spiritual well-being] from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We ought always and indeed are morally obligated [as those in debt] to give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is fitting, because your faith is growing ever greater, and the [unselfish] love of each one of you toward one another is continually increasing.” 2 Thessalonians 1:2-3 AMP
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If you didn’t read yesterday’s post, you may want to participate in it: http://www.givehim15.com
…We may not always have seen great things, but we know from Whom it is that our hope springs…
Father, may our expectancy continue to be in You, Your Word, and Your goodness and mercy to us… May we be reminded of the times we have seen Your absolute intervention in our lives…thank You!
Today, if you feel alone with some worrisome cares,
come sit with other believers out on the porch chairs.
Join me in praying for those who follow these posts…
He’ll perfect what concerns us, as we trust the Lord of Hosts!
For our country, for our futures, we continue to believe…
for all of the good things that He said we could receive.
Of those suffering for their faith, today, we’re reminded;
we pray for them and their enemies, who are spiritually blinded.
We’re strong in the Lord and in the power of His might…
His Word lights our path as we fight faith’s good fight!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks.” Philippians 4:6 GW
“Turn all your anxiety over to God because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 GW
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, oh Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.” Psalm 138:8
“Finally, my brethren, bestronginthe Lord and in the power of His might.” Ephesians 6:10
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
“Fight the goodfightoffaith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12
“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.” James 5:13-18
Scriptures: NKJV or as noted
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Further prayer support ministries:
Visit http://www.govictory.com 24/7 (Morning Prayer M-F, 9:30 a.m. ET (8:30 a.m. CT), for viewing the program). To call, the number is 877-281-6297, where you can pray with and for others for their needs or submit a prayer request of your own. That number can also be reached throughout most of the day.
…Richard Roberts has often said, “Much prayer, much power; little prayer, little power; and no prayer, no power.”
Be encouraged by going to http://www.richardroberts.org where you can click on healing prayers of various topics or call their prayer line, 918-495-7777.
Andrew Wommack Ministries, (www.awmi.net) has caring prayer ministers 24/7 at 719-635-1111.
Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free Rolling as a mighty ocean In its fullness over me Underneath me, all around me Is the current of Your love Leading onward, leading homeward To Your glorious rest above
Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus Spread His praise from shore to shore How He came to pay our ransom Through the saving cross He bore How He watches o’er His loved ones Those He died to make His own How for them He’s interceding Pleading now before the throne
Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus Far surpassing all the rest It’s an ocean full of blessing In the midst of every test Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus Mighty Savior, precious Friend You will bring us home to glory Where Your love will never end
Oh the deep, deep love All I need and trust… Is the deep, deep love of Jesus
by Samuel Trevor Francis
“For this reason, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height —to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fulness of God.
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:14-21 NKJV
“And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’” 1 Peter 4:8
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 RSV
“…by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant.
“Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
“For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.” Hebrews 7:22-28 NKJV
“Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.” Psalm 103:1-6 NKJV
…and from “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy” by Frederick Faber:
There’s a wideness in God’s mercy, like the wideness of the sea. There’s a kindness in God’s justice, which is more than liberty.
There is welcome for the sinner, and more graces for the good. There is mercy with the Savior, there is healing in His blood….
Was there ever kinder Shepherd Half so gentle, half so sweet, As the Savior who would have us Come and gather at His feet?
Jesus says… “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NIV
“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners, spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high: Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” Hebrews 1:1-4 KJV
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How impressive and powerful are these words that we read about God’s Son, who has been “appointed heir of all things,” and “by whom” God’s creation of the worlds was done!
How awesome to think that Jesus is the brightness or reflection of God, the Father’s, glory–and that He is His express image, as was demonstrated in many a true Biblical story.
He upholds all things by the word of His power, yet He humbled Himself to purge us of sin. Then He “sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.” Thus, it’s through faith in Jesus that we win.
Being made so much better than the angels, the greatness of His Name is inherited from the Father, a Name more excellent than theirs. And it’s every believer’s inherited right to use the Name of Jesus, to receive answers to their prayers.
P. A. Oltrogge
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NKJV
Written after reading a devotional on this topic by Kenneth E. Hagin, founder of Rhema Bible Training Center, Tulsa, OK
Recommended: “The Name of Jesus” book by Kenneth E. Hagin under Bookstore at: http://www.rhema.org
…we worship You, Lord, today and always…
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Be blessed to watch “The Presence of God” with Steph and James Pitkin at: http://www.lschurch.tv
(Go to “Watch Online” and then “Watch More Here”– scroll down to 34. If unable to watch the entire service, scroll in to the message.)
“Jesus said to him, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’” Matthew 19:21
Have you met up with Jesus? He’s your kind of Man… Came down here from heaven, carrying out God’s mighty plan.
He’s still here today, capturing hearts, lives, and souls, giving all whom He touches much worthier goals. He doesn’t actually show up in visible form, but you’re aware of His presence when prayer becomes norm.
And some have had visions or have seen Him in dreams, and what they remember is the love that He beams. That’s also reflected in the words of His book; the renowned Holy Bible is the right place to look.
You might think you know what could give you life’s best; but those who follow His lead are on a sure quest. He wants to increase your every potential, but living for Him and others is essential.
Dedicating all that you have to Him is not loss– The best in mind for you is why He died on the cross.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time….” 1 Timothy 2:1-6
“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
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:6
“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 am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep….My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:11, 27
“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
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
“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
“For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.” Matthew 18:11
“…but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:26-28
“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
Scriptures from the New King James Version of the Bible
We so appreciate God’s creativity–for example, various flowers in gardens. But there are greater works of God, about which many do seek pardons… for having tossed them away–the special and priceless gift from the Lord… of a newly formed baby–a masterpiece, who is meant to be loved and adored.
It’s a deception to not realize the destiny and potential of a child in the womb; and that, in trusting Him, the Lord will provide for this newly-formed “bloom.” God does forgive for this taking of humanity when people repent and ask it… and often provides another chance, so as not to have, again, an empty baby basket.
P. A. Oltrogge
What a little person…
“Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, ‘Let the children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God,’” Mark 10:13-14
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you…” From Jeremiah 1:5
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward.” Psalm 127:3
“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.” Psalm 139:13-16
“A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.” spoken by Jesus in John 16:21
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
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…after His suffering, Jesus presented Himself to the apostles alive. Thus, with any doubtful thoughts in their hearts, they’d no longer have to strive.
Gathering them together, the Messiah commanded that they shouldn’t leave…but stay in the city of Jerusalem, for, in not many days, they were about to receive…
what they had heard of from Him–the Holy Spirit’s power! Upon receiving, they would be the Lord’s witnesses from Jerusalem and beyond, from that very hour.
After Jesus had shared this, He was lifted up from them and was received into a cloud in the sky. As they watched, two men in white clothing stood beside them and asked the apostles why they were gazing so intently on high.
The two men went on to say that this Jesus, who was taken up from them in such a way, would come again in just the same manner, a reference to a future day.
The apostles, upon returning to Jerusalem, went to the upper room where they were staying. With one mind, they, and some women, including Jesus’ mother and His brothers, were all continually praying.
At that time, Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren, about one-hundred, twenty in all. He shared about the fate of Judas. After that was said, it was determined that Matthias would, instead, answer the Lord’s call.
And when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. Suddenly, there came from heaven a noise like a violent, rushing wind, which filled the house in every space!
Next, what looked like tongues of fire came to rest upon each one. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues of various languages before that first outpouring was done.
Now there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men, from every nation all around. “The multitude” of them came together, bewildered, at this unusual sound.
They noted that all who were speaking in their language were Galileans by birth. Then Parthians and Medes and residents of many other areas joined in questioning it all, as well as visitors from Rome and other parts of the earth.
They were impressed, hearing them speak of the mighty deeds of God, “in a language that is mine.” But some others mocked them, saying, “They’re just drunk with sweet wine.”
This made Peter, taking his stand with the eleven, raise his voice in a bold declaration–that they were not drunk so early in the day, but this was a phenomenon of God’s own preparation.
Peter referenced the prophet, Joel:
“‘And it shall be in the last days,’ God says, ‘that I will pour forth of My Spirit upon all mankind; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even upon My bondslaves, both men and women, I will in those days pour forth of My Spirit and they shall prophesy. And I will grant wonders in the sky above, and signs on the earth beneath, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and glorious day of the Lord shall come. And it shall be that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’” Acts 2:17-21 and Joel 2:28-32
Then Peter addressed them, saying, “Men of Israel, listen to these words,” and he related the account of Jesus, the Nazarene–reminding them of the many miracles, wonders, and signs that many of them had actually seen.
Yet, by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, He was put to death by them through the hands of godless men. However God, Himself, raised Jesus Christ, the Messiah, up again.
Peter made reference to Jesus as the promised descendant of David, who had looked ahead…to the resurrection of Christ and His exaltation to God’s right hand after that raising from the dead.
Of that resurrection, Peter said, he and the apostles were witnesses to all that had taken place; and the promise of the Holy Spirit, of which Jesus had spoken, was further evidence of God’s grace.
And all of Israel should know for certain that God made Him both Lord and Christ–this Jesus, whom they’d crucified. Greatly moved, they asked Peter and the rest what they should do…their hearts were open wide.
Peter then told them to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. They would also receive the Holy Spirit…all part of how a new life in Christ begins.
So those who received his message and were baptized that day were about three thousand souls. Further teaching from the apostles, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer now were their devoted goals.
Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe…and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles that the people saw.
The believers had all things in common, sharing with one another where there was a need. In the temple and from house to house, gladness and sincerity of heart was shared in both word and deed.
The Lord was adding daily souls being brought into His fold, as He is doing still, if truth be told. The book of Acts continues to this day, so that “multitudes” may find the love of Jesus, as today’s Christ followers share and pray.
P. A. Oltrogge
(Best, of course, is to read this account in its fulness in the Holy Bible…this is just a poetic sketch of Acts 1 and 2)
Also referenced by Peter, Psalm 16:8-11 and Psalm 110:1
…praying God’s blessings upon you today…
“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
What do you think drove me from heaven above down to this earth? It was the depth of my love. Betrayed by a kiss, a symbol of such– yet what drove me on was that I loved you so much. When they led me away and gave me a shove, what kept me going was the depth of my love. They gave me a trial, but it was not just– bitter to go through, but my heart said, “I must.” A crown of thorns pushed down with a glove, it bruised my head to show the depth of my love. The whipping I took for sin in your place, I found strength to take because I saw your face. I’ve loved you, I’ve called you–you are my dove, for whom I laid down my life with the depth of my love. The weight of the cross became hard to bear– I staggered but made it to Calvary there. On those merciless beams, my hands and feet were nailed down. Next, I was put on display to be mocked throughout town. Then came the time of greatest agony and despair, when I felt forsaken but still kept my care for all of mankind and, yes, just for you. For your welfare and soul, I had made it through. So what kept me going when push came to shove? From your “down to earth” God, it was the depth of my love. Though your sins be as scarlet, they’ll be white as snow. They’re forgiven and forgotten and now you can grow in the knowledge and wisdom that comes from above, and my Word will remind you of the depth of my love.
P. A. Oltrogge
“’Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the Lord, ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.'” Isaiah 1:18
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” John 10:14-18
“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.” John 15:9-10
“For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:12-13
“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
“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:14-19 NASB/95
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
“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 4:9-11
Scriptures: NKJV or as noted
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Jesus knew the purpose of His going to the cross, yet being a Man, I think He did feel some despair, after all of His suffering, when He cried out the words in the following:
Now when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
Some of those who stood by, when they heard that, said, “Look, He is calling for Elijah!”Then someone ran and filled a sponge full of sour wine, put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink, saying, “Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to take Him down.”
And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last.
Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!” Mark 15:33-39
…Because of all that Jesus did, God and His love will never leave or forsake those who believe in His Son…
“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
“And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
“And He saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
“And they straightway left their nets and followed him.
“And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee, their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
“And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.” Matthew 4:17-22 KJV
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We’re serving in the Lord’s harvest fields while it’s still the day, for in sharing the good news of His Gospel, we all have a part to play.
By the direction and power of the Holy Spirit, God’s worldwide missions abound; and through Christian teamwork, we’re notably gaining ground.
The night is coming up when no further work will be able to be done. God desires that we find our place of service to Jesus Christ, His Son.
You call ordinary people today, Lord, as you called ordinary fishermen back then. We’re blessed as we go about sharing your love while being “fishers of men.”
P. A. Oltrogge
“Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then will come the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! And He who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored, others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.'” John 4:34-40
Jesus said… “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:4-5
“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
“Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:38
“And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh…” Acts 2:17
“A faithful man will abound with blessings….”. Proverbs 28:20
“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
“I will make them and the places all around my hill a blessing; and I will cause showers to come down in their season; there shall be showers of blessing.” Ezekiel 34:26
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6
The Porch of the Lord 