“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19 NKJV
God’s ministers so often have wisdom that can point out essentials to our Christian walk. Recently, Mark Hankins noted something Jesus shared that wasn’t merely “talk.”
Jesus said that He was giving us AUTHORITY over “ALL the power of the enemy.” That’s a high degree! Jesus wasn’t just saying that this authority was “available” if you might be interested–NO, He was giving us a VITAL KEY.
When we experience a trial, we must take authority over the problem at hand. The devil and his demonic beings must flee, for God has put us in command.
If things don’t seem to budge, remember–the devil doesn’t want to be arrested. But we must stand confident in the authority Jesus won for us, and with which we’ve been invested.
P. A. Oltrogge
Jesus secured the devil’s defeat, which we must enforce, by taking authority over him…
“Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 NKJV
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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.” Ephesians 6:10-12 NKJV
“Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:18-20 NKJV
“You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.” Colossians 2:13-15 NLT
Of “The Believer’s Authority,” Mark Hankins writes:
“It is time for us as believers to take our place In Christ and exercise the authority that God has delegated to us. We must take steps to possess all that God has promised. We have been made for mastery. You’ve been deputized.”
“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37
“But thanksbe toGod, whogivesus the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
“The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” Proverbs 28:1
“And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, (Gideon) and said to him, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!” (courage!) Judges 6:12
“And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.” Mark 16:17-19 KJV
“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
“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
“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 5:3-5
“This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9
“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
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For you are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31:24
“Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:9-11 (and entire Psalm)
“I have been crucified with Christ; and 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 up for me.” Galatians 2:20 NASB
“In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” Colossians 2:11-15
“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16
“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” Hebrews 12:2
“He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8
“Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.” 1 John 5:3-4 NLT
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” 1 John 5:14-15
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27
Our armor:
“Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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.
“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints….” Ephesians 6:10-18
“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17
“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32 KJV
When it looks to you, at times, like there’s simply no way out, let thanking God, the Father, be your sure and chosen route.
When it seems that pressing problems have no known solution, let thanking the Lord turn any worries into a grace revolution.
Paul and Silas were imprisoned but raised their praises high–then found they were delivered, with praise their only cry.
When the way seems very foggy and you’re tempted to despair, just know, though you can’t yet see it, the victory is there.
A great principle of the Bible is to walk by faith and not by sight–so thank God for His presence when it’s dark and you need His light.
Like a pilot relies on instruments through weather good or bad–let thankfulness be the “instrument” with which your life is clad.
P. A. Oltrogge
Acts 16:23-40: “But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them; and suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains were unfastened.” (25-26)
“But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:14-17 NKJV
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
You can click on “Word Supply” and then “Media Search” where you can type in “Thanksgiving Victory” for a series of messages on this topic at: http://www.moorelife.org
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’” John 14:6
…if you’ve not already done so….
After you’ve acknowledged that you, like all, have sinned, then repent and simply receive the free gift of salvation by grace through faith in Christ, to become one of God’s own children….
“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith….” from Romans 3:21-26
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
Dear Heavenly Father,
I come to you in the name of Jesus…
who said, “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out” (John 6:37), so I know You won’t cast me out, but You take me in and I thank You for it.
It’s written in Romans: “But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart’ (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For ‘whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’” Romans 10:8-13
I am calling on Your Name, so I know you have saved me now.
I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I believe that He was raised from the dead for my justification, and I confess Him now as my Savior and Lord.
Because Your Word says, “With the heart, one believes unto righteousness,” and I do believe with my heart, I have now become the righteousness of God in Christ…and I am saved! “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)
Thank You, Lord!
“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
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone 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 will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?’” Matthew 16:24-25
“Therefore, also God highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him, the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
“Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:1-2
When all seems lost, at times, there’s still a strong beacon of Light. Hold on to the Lord Jesus Christ, with a faith grip that’s very tight.
The devil seeks to completely destroy your confident trust in the Master. We can never doubt God’s compassion and love–even in times of disaster.
Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world, but to save us and redeem us from the curse, while satan works to steal, kill, and destroy–only to make lives worse.
The steadfast love of God never ceases; His mercies are new every day. He gladly hears those seeking the Savior–and, absolutely, hears His children when they pray.
God’s love is seen through His servants, who go about giving aid…to those who have need of His help, so their glimmer of hope won’t fade.
Faith, hope, and love are vital, but love is the most highly rated. Through prayers, with and for others, and the use of our helping hands, God’s love is communicated.
And on the cross of Calvary, His love profoundly beamed…through His Son’s willingness to give His life, so that our lives could be redeemed.
Lord, we do sense your love and presence in the midst of things that are dire, by way of the Holy Spirit, who reminds that our God is “the Rock” that is higher.
“… For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:5 NLT
P. A. Oltrogge
“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13
“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
“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. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” Jesus, in John 10:10-11
“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. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” Jesus, in John 3:16-17
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” Romans 1:16
“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” Galatians 3:13-14
“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
“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:12
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21 (and entire chapter)
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” 1 John 5:14-15
“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.” Jesus, in Mark 11:24-25
“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever—the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you.” Jesus, in John 14:16-17 AMP
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.” Psalm 42:5
“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.’” John 8:12
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, 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.” Jesus, in Matthew 5:14-16
“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.’
“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” Jesus, in Matthew 25:34-40
________________________
Ministries through which to help share God’s love have previously been mentioned on the Porch of the Lord, and you likely have others of which you’re aware. We continue to pray regarding the many situations in this world that need our prayers. See today’s post on General George S. Patton, a fighter for the good, who believed in prayer, at: www.givehim15.com
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 NKJV
As followers of Jesus and friends of this blog, I know that you believe and give; so this little poem is just one person’s story, of God leading her to a new place to live.
A woman named Danita, of the United States, was only a young girl of eleven, when her Dad sparked her interest in working for Christ and for the Kingdom of heaven.
They travelled to the nation of Haiti, joining in on a church mission trip there. Then, later, Jesus led her to Haiti again, for the needy to come under her care
Not sensing God’s plan right away, she asked Him for what purpose she’d come. He led her to take in orphans, so that to poverty, even death, they wouldn’t succumb.
Now her ministry has grown to be a trusted shelter for many people of that land. Thank God for this and other ministries, which have taken to heart His great “love command.”
P. A. Oltrogge
For a video of Danita Estrella Watts’s story, go to: www.danitaschildren.org
“Open your mouth for the speechless, In the cause of all who are appointed to die. Open your mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8-9 NKJV
_________________________
Just on Monday, Danita wrote of political protests there–roadblocks, kidnappings, and gun violence and requested prayer for Haiti. We can pray and take authority over the unrest, especially over her place of ministry. Below is an excerpt:
People in Haiti are desperate for peace and we are on our knees in prayer for God’s divine intervention.
This week, in our town there have been endless gunshots, pillage of businesses at the market and around town, and multiple buildings have been burned.
We humbly come to you asking for prayers for:
Protection, wisdom and safety for our children and staff.
Pray for the unrest to stop so that our school can resume, local businesses and banks can open and our community can return to normal.
Pray for a peaceful transition of leadership and for peace to cover Haiti.
It is our mission to care for vulnerable children and we are committed to serving them, no matter the circumstance.
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3
How do I love Thee? Let me count the ways… I love Thee for giving me breath to praise. I love Thee for all that you’ve done for me… In deepest love, you bore my sin penalty. And through what you have done on a cruel cross, I can pray in faith and you’ll still “come across” with answers to prayer as I continue to trust. Your power has a loving and faithful thrust. You provide shelter, food, and clothing to wear, and commission me to the challenge with others to share of the things of this life and that which is enduring– the Gospel of Christ, our eternal, strong mooring. I love Thee for causing your goodness to reflect through family, friends, and teachers I respect. I love Thee for your Word, which teaches right and wrong; and my soul is pointed to you through beautiful song. I love Thee for showing me your artistic impression as seen in what you’ve created with gifted expression. I love Thee for giving me the Holy Spirit, my Comforter–not an audible voice, yet I can hear it. I love that I can trust that by you I’m being led, so intimately I’m known, even the number of hairs on my head. I love Thee for your compassion–the goodness of your ways… I love Thee that you promise to be with me all of my days.
P. A. Oltrogge
“…He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5 NASB
“Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7
“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
“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.” Psalm 103:1-5
“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it. Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, ‘And to seeds,’ as of many, but as of one, ‘And to your Seed,’ who is Christ.” Galatians 3:13-16
“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:26-29
“If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” John 14:15-17 KJV
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
“Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
“When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 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
.…this poem was inspired by glancing at a photo of my Dad, when he was a young man. He is now with Jesus, his Lord and Savior. In reading the poem, you might be reminded of a loved one of your own…
A brave new young face, a captivating smile…
All of God’s creations are only here for a while.
If you have a loved one who’s no longer here,
you know the significance of the one you held dear.
Rejoice over loved ones–God’s treasures they are–
each one is as special as a bright shining star!
P. A. Oltrogge
“He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.” Psalm 147:4 NIV
“But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” John 10:2-4
“What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7 NLT
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you…” From Jeremiah 1:5
“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.” Psalm 139:13-15
“All things were made through Him, and without Him, nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” John 1:3-4
“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: 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 3:21-23 RSV
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 KJV
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?'” John 11:25-26
Thank you, Lord, for those you’ve given to us as unique and precious family or friends… thank you that we will see them again in your heaven…And thank you for those who are still with us, who make our lives so very blessed!
God’s blessings be upon you, dear friend of this blog. You are very special to me and to God…
Though it meant for Him His darkest hour, Jesus trusted in His Father’s redemptive plan and power.
Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, much new birth would flower…We’re blessed because of His suffering–He took, for us, of the sour.
God “sowed a seed” through the gift of Jesus, His beloved Son; and, for those who’ve called Him Savior and Lord, their new life has begun.
Jesus laid down His life for God’s harvest–that many souls would live. No one took Jesus’ life from Him, but it was His life, which He was willing to give.
He had power to take it again. He is risen, indeed…For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross–thereby from judgment, we’ve been freed!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlastinglife, and shall not come into judgment, but has passedfromdeathinto life.” John 5:24
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “Iamthelightoftheworld. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have thelightoflife.” John 8:12
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
“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.” Jesus’ words in John 3:16
“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.” Jesus’ words in Matthew 26:39
“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.” Jesus’ words in John 10:17-18
“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
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10
“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36
“For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light, we see light.” Psalm 36:9
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 1:2
“But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.” Hebrews 8:6 NLT
“The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all—” Acts 10:36
“Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11
“If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” John 14:15-17 KJV
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” Ephesians 5:1-2
“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” 1 John 3:16
“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
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?’” John 11:25-26
with thanks to God, that He’s making things right.
For God, there is nothing that is too hard.
Rely on that truth in any regard.
Pray and obey, as the Lord leads;
meditate on His Word, from which wisdom proceeds.
It may take some time to see right come about…
Just remember He’s faithful and reject any doubt.
There are times in our lives that seem dark and bad,
but keep trusting God, our Father. He’s the very best Dad!
P. A. Oltrogge
But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. Galatians 4:4-7 NLT
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven…” Matthew 6:9-10 KJV
The Porch of the Lord 