…author unknown, but the meaningful thoughts are appreciated…. P. A. Oltrogge
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
“How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house; And You give them to drink of the river of Your delights. For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.” Psalm 36:7-9
“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4
“They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs; You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy.” Psalm 65:8
“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”Luke 6:38
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:1-5 “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
“But now faith, hope, love abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:1-5
Jesus, You are the True Vine, to which I’m blessed to have a strong connection. It’s through Your truths and the Holy Spirit You sent, that I find wisdom and direction.
Before learning to trust Your guidance, I attempted some plans of my own. But they only showed me my need to draw close–to You at Your heavenly throne.
There, You’d waited patiently for me, to learn more about You and abide…in the peace of Your presence in order to bear fruit, by which Your Father is glorified.
It’s written in Your Word, that I’m seated with You, together in the heavenly places; I’m an heir of God and a joint heir with Christ, so I receive of divine daily graces.
“Much fruit” are actually the words that this portion of scripture has detailed; You will perfect a good work in me, so I won’t be a branch that has failed.
Without You, I can do nothing; but, by drawing from the Vine, I become able…to tell of the One who changed water into wine–the best at the wedding table.
Many other miracles come to mind as I think back on all that I’ve read: Parables shared and words that were prophetic are among the things that You said.
In and through You, I’m the kind of branch that remains and continues to thrive, sharing through kind deeds and words about Jesus, our God, who is very much alive!
P. A. Oltrogge
“If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you. By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” John 15:6-11
“You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in Me.” John 15:3-4 (New Living Translation)
“Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature, the old things passed away; behold new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, in order that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:4-7
“The spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.” Romans 8:16-17
“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 KJV
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13 KJV
“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6
Jesus, along with His chosen disciples, came to His hometown location…
He taught in its synagogue on the Sabbath, where He was met with offense from the people, rather than admiration.
Despite the wisdom He displayed, those who were there could only think of Him as the carpenter–Mary’s son…
who’d been raised there in Nazareth, with His brothers and sisters. Those who thought higher of Him were almost none.
Jesus noted how His own household and relatives gave Him no honor, but doubted His God-given role.
He could do no mighty work there except to lay His hands on a few who were sick and healed them–always His goal.
Moving on to other villages to continue His work for God, His Father, He marveled at their unbelief.
Yet, He did move on, for He knew there would be others ahead who would be welcoming of His relief.
Expanding God’s ministry, He commissioned His twelve disciples, and sent them out two by two…
telling them that taking authority over unclean spirits was an assignment which they, also, could do.
They were to take only a walking stick, but no bread, traveling bag, or money for their journey ahead.
They could wear sandals but not take along a change of clothes. They set out, heeding all He had said.
Jesus had also shared that when they entered a house they were to stay there until they were ready to depart.
And if any place would not receive them or listen to them, they should shake the dust from their feet and make a new start.
That would be a warning to that household, as they continued to journey on to share with others of the need to repent. So the disciples cast out many demons and healed the sick, to whom they’d been sent.
P. A. Oltrogge
(the above was derived from Mark 6)
After Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection:
“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
“Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.” Psalm 119:18 NKJV
Lord, reveal to us something more, in reading accounts from the Old… and from the New Testaments, let wondrous things be told.
Thank You for speaking to us individually by Your Holy Spirit within.. for there are many Biblical examples which say that we can win.
The man with the withered hand, the woman with the issue of blood… The man lowered from a roof, who was healed, Noah’s protection from the flood.
Lepers and those who were blind, those who were unable to hear… many received their healing, Jesus, when they believed You and drew near.
David obliterated a mocking giant by faith that the battle was Yours. And there are Biblical accounts of Your angels opening prison doors.
You cast out demons that had people bound, You stilled the angry sea. You taught and gave us authority over all the power of the enemy.
Enlighten our minds and hearts as we meditate upon Your Word… Guide us by its light–thereby, we’ll walk in faith and always rest assured.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 KJV
“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
“Do not envy the oppressor, and choose none of his ways; for the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord, but His secret counsel is with the upright.” Proverbs 3:31-32
“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
“Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” …words of David in 1 Samuel 17:47
“Thus says the Lord who made it, the Lord who formed it to establish it (the Lord is His name): ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’ Jeremiah 33:2-3
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedinglyabundantly 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 3:20-21
““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 Lord by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding He established the heavens; By His knowledge the depths were broken up, and clouds drop down the dew.” Proverbs 3:19-20
“Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths, reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, ‘This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.’ And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas.” Acts 17:1-4
This Jesus… Who suffered and died and rose again from the dead– This Jesus is the Christ, the Chief Cornerstone and Head of His Church.
Through this Jesus… our lives can take on a whole new scope… The Father has provided us new birth into a living hope.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ…” 1 Peter 1:3 NIV
“Therefore, it is also contained in the Scripture, ‘Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.’” 1 Peter 2:6 NKJV (…from 1 Peter 2:4-10)
Psalm 118:22; Isaiah 28:16; Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10; Luke 20:17; Ephesians 2:19
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The Church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord. She is His new creation, by water and the word. From Heaven He came and sought her to be His holy bride. With His own blood He bought her, and for her life He died.
Hymn author: S. J. Stone
(Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25-26)
The above image of Jesus used by permission of artist, Bob Berran
Shared, as encouraged by CBN…written by Dr. Paul J. Palma
“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:32-35 NIV).
The scrumptious fruit-bearing fig tree undergoes a remarkable rate of seasonal change. Like other deciduous trees, the fig tree loses its leaves each year. During the late fall and early winter, its plush green leaves fade to yellow and drift to the ground. Come early spring, the leaves reemerge, and the tree shimmers green again. As summer rolls in, so does the tear-shaped brownish-purple fruit of the tree. The delicious fig, in the Northern Hemisphere, is in season from late summer to early fall. This versatile fruit can be eaten or prepared in various ways—enjoyed fresh or dried or processed into jam, rolls, biscuits, and other desserts. As fall ends, the enchanting seasonal cycle of the fig tree repeats itself.
In Matthew 24, Jesus describes the annual coming out of the fig tree’s fruit as a sign. Just as the tree’s tender fruit serves as a sign that summer is here, so will many signs presage Jesus’ Second Coming. While the precise day and hour of Christ’s Return remain unknown (Matthew 24:36), He encourages the disciples to be alert and stand guard. Before Jesus’ glorious return, there will be an escalation of war, famine, earthquakes, persecution, false messiahs, and false prophets (Matthew 24:7, 9–11, 24). God’s people today still await the culmination of history. We ready ourselves for adversity of many kinds and guard ourselves and those we love against those seeking to lead us astray.
Alongside Jesus’ warning, however, are words of profound consolation. Although the events of history—even heaven and earth—come and go, Jesus’ teachings and promises will “never pass away” (Matthew 24:35). The permanency of Jesus’ words harkens to His eternal and unchanging character. The One whom we await is Himself the God of history. Everyone in heaven and earth, and under the earth, will one day bow at His name (Philippians 2:10). Jesus’ everlasting Word propels our mission on earth forward. Indeed, He describes another sign of the end as the global, all-encompassing reach of the Gospel:
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)
Jesus’ use of the fig tree analogy is even more impressive when one considers the tree’s seasonal nature and the incredible amount of change it undergoes. The signs of the times, like the fig tree, serve a purpose. Yet, as with everything else, they come and go, bud and fade, linger and “pass away.” However, those who have placed their faith in Christ can confront adversity and change with the confidence that His guiding words remain a beacon to see us through.
Lord, we treasure Your abiding words, for every one of them will endure. No matter what lies ahead, we thank You for, and place our trust in, the words of Scripture that promise Your victory and ever guide us onward as we await that day.
Dr. Paul J. Palma is a Regent University professor and the author of three books, including Embracing Our Roots: Rediscovering the Value of Faith, Family, and Tradition. He’s also a worship leader, husband, and father of three who enjoys spending time with his family on walks, trips to the beach, and reading.
“Again therefore Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.’” John 8:12
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Father God…evil events in this world point to our need to continually pray
for those who walk in the darkness–who haven’t found Your Son and the Way.
Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life–truly, this world’s light.
Christians are also “lights,” He said, here to direct other souls to what’s right.
Sin has darkened the minds of many people, to not recognize their need…
“Man doesn’t live by bread alone,” but on Your Word, we all must feed.
Jesus gives life abundant and eternal life–when a believer dies, yet he’ll live.
He taught us of Your love, Father–and that we’re to love others and to forgive.
Your Son went about healing, demonstrating Your compassion and grace.
He said to “Have faith in God,” that You’d be with us in whatever we’d face.
So, we believe in Your goodness, Father God, in the midst of evil’s blight.
We keep our trust in Your Word, holding onto it, with a grip of faith that’s tight.
Help us, Father, to be aware of those who are living without Christian hope–
and to tell them of Your love, with an offer of friendship, to help them cope.
For those who have a reverence for God, may Your Holy Spirit open their eyes….
to see Christ throughout the Bible, wherein is the truth that makes us wise.
in His Name, we pray….
Amen
“Then He said to them, ‘O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?’ And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” Luke 24:25-27 (This Jesus did, while on His walk with Cleopas and another disciple on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus after His resurrection from the dead…)
ThefearoftheLordisthe beginningofwisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.” Psalm 111:10
“But He answered and said, ‘It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4 (Jesus’ words during the temptation in the wilderness)
“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:15 KJV
“But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:14-17 NLT
“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.” John 10:10-11
“So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God.’” Mark 11:22 (faith that can even move mountains…)
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” John 11:25
“Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.’ Philip said to Him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.’” John 14:5-11
“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.” words of Jesus in Matthew 5:14-16
“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
“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
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 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 8:38-39 KJV (and all of verses 31-39)
Scriptures: NKJV or as noted
Depiction of Jesus, with Cleopas and another disciple on the road to Emmaus…
“Therefore he sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city. And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, ‘Alas, my master! What shall we do?’
“So he answered, ‘Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, and said, ‘Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” 2 Kings 6:14-16
When troubles surround, look to the beauty of a flower. Its magnificence reminds us of our creative God of power, who stands with us against those who would seek to defeat us. At the point of our need, God and angel armies meet us!
There are more who are with us than those who oppose– and our deliverer is the King. From the grave, He arose! There’s no other name under heaven higher on which to call. Jesus Christ is our Redeemer, Mighty God, and Lord of all!
P. A. Oltrogge
“The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my strength, in whom I will trust, my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” Psalm 18:2 KJV
“I sought the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears… The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.” Psalm 34:4, 7
“Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.” Psalm 103:20 KJV
“Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty, Who cover yourself with light as with a garment, Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain. He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters, Who makes the clouds His chariot, Who walks on the wings of the wind, Who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flame of fire.” Psalm 104:1-4
“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
“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them…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. Thus 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.” from Acts 4:8-12
“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
“And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” Revelation 19:16
Scriptures: NKJV or as noted
“So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” words of Jesus in Matthew 6:28-29
…we earnestly pray for those living in areas of war or persecution, Lord, trusting you to be their deliverer…
“The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever. The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” Psalm 29:10-11 NIV
Many Christian books have been written on the authority of the believer; but as one minister has said, always remember this, in being a receiver…
“The Authority of the SPEAKING Believer” is a more distinct book title for such. Death and life are in the power of the tongue. What we say, Proverbs says, matters much.
Jesus said to say unto this mountain, that it should be cast into the sea. Pray and also say, (from Mark 11:23-24)–we reign in life by our verbal decree.
Remember that David spoke words of faith in God as he faced Goliath, the giant. Not just a stone and a slingshot, but those words helped make things compliant.
Three Hebrew men spoke with faith, and were rescued from a terrible blaze. Joseph went from slave to ruler. “God meant it unto good,” was his faith-filled phrase.
Noah, who “walked with God,” built an ark for a flood, which God had said would be vast. His actions spoke of his certainty in believing God, even after much time had passed.
All the people in these examples were lauding God, as their specific stories tell. Your THANKS and WORSHIP to God become a shield of faith to quench the fiery darts of hell.
Think about whether you’ve been too quiet, only believing in your heart. Speak God’s Word and words of positive faith to cause any “mountains” of concern to depart.
P. A. Oltrogge
“…But the mouth of the upright will deliver them.” Proverbs 12:6
“With the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied; he will be satisfied with the product of his lips. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:20-21
“For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” Mark 11:23-24
“Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:47 (David’s words to Goliath.)
“You will also decree a thing, and it will be established for you; and light will shine on your ways.” Job 22:28
James 3:3-6 refers to a bit in the mouth of a horse or the small rudder on a ship determining their direction, in speaking of the tongue and our words.
“The mouth of a righteous man is a fountain of life.” Proverbs 10:11
“A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words….” Proverbs 12:14
“…Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.” Genesis 6:9
“By faith (with confidence in God and His word) Noah, being warned by God about events not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his family. By this (act of obedience) he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness which comes by faith.” Hebrews 11:7 AMP
“above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” Ephesians 6:16
“…I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.” 1 Corinthians 14:15
“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:7
“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it, with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2
Scriptures NKJV or as noted
Book recommendation (Mini-book for $3) at www.billyebrim.org under “Store,” …”The Authority of the Believer and How to Use It”
“Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:1-5
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
…in Matthew 15 and Mark 7, we read of a woman whose daughter was demon-possessed:
Great crowds of people came to see Jesus and to hear His every word…
and to possibly receive of the mighty miracles of which they all had heard.
In Matthew 15, we read of a Gentile woman of Tyre and Sidon who came.
Great was her hope to receive, for her daughter, even of crumbs, through Jesus’ name.
When Jesus said that He’d been sent only to the sheep of Israel who were lost,
she spoke with courage–refusing the thought that her daughter should remain storm-tossed.
“Oh, woman, great is your faith. Let it be to you as you desire,” Jesus said.
Likewise, in a trial, we can believe…to see God’s grace to help us through instead.
P. A. Oltrogge
Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.”
And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
Matthew 15:25-28
Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus….
Hebrews 3:1
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 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 4:14-16
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful….Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.
Hebrews 10:23, 35-36
We walk by faith, not by sight…keep looking to God for things to be made right.
When what you see does not agree with what He has promised, then “be like a tree…”
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8
The Porch of the Lord 