“I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 (NASB, Ryrie Study Bible)
A portion of scripture to hold onto when things seem impossible or very dark….
is Psalm 27:13-14…it’s like suddenly hearing the song of a meadowlark.
God desires to answer your prayers far more than you would realize–
Believe in seeing the goodness of the Lord, rather than fearing that He denies.
And notice that it speaks of His goodness in “the land of the living;” it’s not pointing to after we die.
God has answers, and His love is great…He’s heard your heart’s every cry.
So be strong and courageous and wait on the Lord, as the Word has stated.
He has the perfect timing and plans–a truth which needs never to be debated.
P. A. Oltrogge
And if you’re going through something which is particularly stormy, it will be good to remember, too, “This I know, that God is for me.”
“Then my enemies will be turned back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me.” Psalm 56:9
“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
“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
“And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Mark 16:17-18
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The following challenging message is by Kenneth Copeland–good to recall when, as believers, we lay hands on the sick…
[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection.
– Philippians 3:10, The Amplified Bible
The more you fellowship with God around His Word, the more you’ll know the “power outflowing from His resurrection.” You’ll develop joy. You’ll develop faith. You’ll start developing God’s own characteristics…just by fellowshiping with Him. You’ll begin to understand who you really are in Jesus.
I remember one day I was reading the story of the woman with the issue of blood who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and was healed.
I’d read the story many times and pictured myself as almost everyone in the story, just experiencing how it would feel to be someone in the crowd or even the one who was healed.
Suddenly God spoke to my spirit and said, Read that again and this time picture yourself as the one wearing the garment.
I was stunned. “Lord,” I said, “how can I do that? I can’t take Your place!”
That’s just what’s wrong with the Body of Christ, He told me. That’s the reason the world doesn’t know anything about Jesus. You identify with everyone except Me. But I sent you to be My witnesses, to imitate Me, to stand in My place…not everyone else’s!
So, I read that story again. This time I pictured myself in the role of the one with the Anointing of the Holy Ghost. Instead of crawling up to touch the hem of His garment, I was the one wearing the garment, freely giving what God had given me. After all, the Bible does say, “Clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Do you know who scares the devil most of all? Believers who’ve found out they can do that. Believers who, instead of begging for a little touch from Jesus, are letting His very life flow out to others.
Come on, give the devil a scare. Fellowship with your Father around the Word and start discovering who you really are today.
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Scripture reading: Luke 8:40-48
Reprinted with permission from Kenneth Copeland Ministries
“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live….” Deuteronomy 30:19
“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
“I have been crucified with Christ” is my Biblical decree….“and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.”
I need have no fear of death, for I’ve already “died.” Thanks be to God for eternal life through His Son crucified!
Not only that, but abundant life is mine today as well, for Jesus rose from the dead in victory over all the power of hell.
And by the Holy Spirit, He guides me day and night. In our God is the fountain of life; in His light, we see light.
P. A. Oltrogge
“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)
“I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” (AMP)
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10
“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
“Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.” Hebrews 2:14-18
“For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light, we see light.” Psalm 36:9
“…but we preach Christ crucified, [a message which is] to Jews a stumbling block [that provokes their opposition], and to Gentiles foolishness [just utter nonsense], but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks (Gentiles), Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:23-24 AMP
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” John 5:24
“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
“And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” 1 John 5:11-13
“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
“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:4-10
“Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:17-19
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2
“And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” Revelation 1:17-18 (KJV)
Psalm 116:15 Isaiah 25:8 Matthew 10:28 Luke 10:19 John 3:16 John 5:24-30 John 14:1-3 Romans 6:1-14 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 Philippians 3:20-21 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 1 John 3:14 1 John 5
“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint….” Luke 18:1
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9 KJV
You don’t have to faint inside
when, in Jesus, you abide.
He’s King of Kings and Lord of Lords;
by faith in Him, we’ll reap rewards.
Use your voice; be bold to say…
satan’s schemes can’t have their way.
As “living stones,” we’re not alone–
Christ is our “Rock” and Cornerstone.
Pray and speak in faith–resist every fear.
Faith is the victory…God’s Word is clear!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 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.”
“Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient,
“The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone,”
and
“A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.”
“They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.
“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: 4-10 NKJV
“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 NKJV
“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 NKJV
“No weapon that is formed against you will succeed; And every tongue that rises against you in judgment you will condemn. This (peace, righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition) is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And this is their vindication from Me” says the Lord. Isaiah 54:17 AMP
On this Mother’s Day, Mary’s life comes to mind as an example of trusting in God, as she learned of being chosen by Him to give birth to His Son, Jesus, Lord of all….
Mary changed the course of this entire earth, by accepting God’s plan for the virgin birth. Her agreement with the angel’s words affirmed God’s will, and the words that she spoke are often quoted still. She declared herself to be God’s handmaid or servant; in her, the Lord had found a heart that was fervent. She had faith the Lord loved her and all of mankind; she trusted in God’s heart and not her own mind. She was just a young woman of a tender age, but she stepped out in faith onto the world’s center stage. Though startled at first by the angelic visitation, her faith in God was strong enough to take up her station. Likewise, it’s wise today to ask the Lord to help us find the plans and purposes for our lives that He has in mind. By doing so, we ensure that we’re on His sure quest, for our loving Designer knows which plans are the best. Jesus called His disciples to leave earthly pursuits to follow Him and put down strong spiritual roots. What He has for our lives can be discerned by His Word; and through the power of the Holy Spirit, He also can be heard. The more that we listen to Him, the more we obey, the brighter the dawn grows to the full day.
P. A. Oltrogge
“But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day.” Proverbs 4:18 NASB
“And in the sixth month, the angel, Gabriel, was sent from God unto a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, ‘Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.’ And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, ‘Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.’ Then said Mary unto the angel, ‘How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?’ And the angel answered and said unto her, ‘The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible.’ And Mary said, ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.’ And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:26-38 KJV
(Later, at a visit to Elisabeth, her cousin)
“And Mary said:
‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever.’” Luke 1:46-55 NKJV
“…The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does. The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.” Psalm 145:13-14 (New International Version)
by J. Vetter Guest Contributor
Perhaps that’s where I first went wrong–believing walking with the Lord was just that–only a walk. Lately, it seems like the speed has increased, and I have to run to keep up! There have been a few times I’ve “hit the wall” too. So I searched out what it means to run a marathon.
First, you need to train–not just any way you want to, but by listening to experts and following a schedule. Then, you need to eat the correct foods, drink appropriately, and learn to pace yourself.
But the most important thing is realizing you will “hit the wall” sometime during your race; and that doesn’t mean it’s over. It means if you keep on going, you will make it! Others go through this and still finish the race.
Legend has it that marathons got their beginning when a Greek messenger was sent from the town of Marathon to Athens, announcing that the Persians had been defeated in the Battle of Marathon. He ran the entire distance without stopping, and then burst into the assembly exclaiming, “We have won!” before collapsing and dying.
We, too, have a message–that we have won–and to proclaim it fully, we have to die to only focusing on ourselves or the problem or, better put, the magnitude of our race.
One of the walls we hit in our Christian race is discouragement. There are times when we feel nothing is changing and our prayers are not being answered. Perhaps an affliction increases its grip with a fury that cries “unfair.”
We may think our race is just our own, but the Christian race is also a team effort. We’ve got to take a drink from that brother or sister on the sidelines. We’ve got to cheer and encourage others in their race and be able to accept words of encouragement from others along the road. One of the interesting aspects of participating in a marathon is that few people enter expecting to win. Their goal is to finish.
Another wall is believing the lie that we really can’t make it. I listened carefully to the interview with Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger as he described what he felt when he realized his plane was about to crash land in the Hudson River (January, 2009). His initial reaction was that he couldn’t believe this was happening to him. However, on the heels of that thought, he also proclaimed, “I was sure I could do it.” He was a man confident of his training and his experience. Because he was at the helm, 155 people survived that day. Incidentally, he also gave credit to the crew, passengers, and the first responders by sharing his belief that the miraculous outcome was a team effort.
Another stumbling stone is fear. Perhaps the fear of making a mistake. I believe a person who is afraid of making another mistake won’t make any significant steps further in his race. That’s why we are told in scripture to forget the past. “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 (New King James Version)
Sometimes during our struggles, we forget the message of Hebrews 12:2-4, “Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how He did it. Because he never lost sight of where He was headed–that exhilarating finish in and with God–He could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now He’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourself flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility He plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” (Message Bible)
In this account, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues; and it was on a Sabbath day.
A woman was there who, for eighteen years, had had an infirmity caused by a spirit—she was bound by satan that way.
She was bent double and was totally unable to straighten up at all.
But she made her way over to Jesus, upon His invitation and call.
“Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity,” He said, laying His hands upon her—immediately she became erect.
She began to glorify God that Jesus’ ministry had had such a powerful effect!
But due to rigid adherence to the Torah, a synagogue official could only “see” the Law.
Jesus should not have healed on the Sabbath, he indicated. All he could see was this “flaw.”
In the face of such a miracle, he still, obviously, wasn’t persuaded.
His only desire seemed to be that Jesus’ act of love should be degraded.
Jesus then called him a hypocrite, saying that he, and the other synagogue officials, would untie their own oxen or donkeys on the Sabbath to lead them to some waters.
How much more, then, was it right for Him to heal, even though on a Sabbath, this woman, who was one of Abraham’s daughters.
After Jesus had said these things, his opponents were put to shame…
while, for the glorious things He was doing for others, the people were giving Him great acclaim.
As believers, we, too, are heirs of Abraham; and on any night or day…
the Lord, who never slumbers or sleeps, will hear and answer us whenever we pray.
P. A. Oltrogge
“And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.” Galatians 3:29 NASB
“…He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” Psalm 121:3-4 NASB
“Come Follow Me” by Greg Olsen. Used with permission. www.GregOlsen.com
“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
I couldn’t help but think of God’s “glad” flowers to go with all the verses listed below on gladness. I’ve read that the name, gladiolus, comes from the Latin word, meaning sword, which can remind of the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God…Ephesians 6:17
Don’t dwell upon what’s bad, sad, or what you might have had; but rejoice in the Lord always, every moment, being glad. There’s fullness of joy in His presence, so give to Him your praise–of which He is so worthy–He will never leave you, but is with you always.
Jesus died on the cross for our redemption and rose victorious from the dead. That was done out of love for you, that His precious blood was shed. Expect the best–He’s given you eternal life, the moment you received Him. He daily loads you with benefits. It gives Him joy that you’ve believed Him.
Counting your blessings, thanking Him, brings an atmosphere of gladness; and you can leave your burdens with the Lord, forsaking any sadness. He knows your every circumstance, both the rough things and the mild. Keep walking by faith and looking to Him–you’re God’s beloved child.
Don’t let discouragement or disappointment cause your spirit to faint. A strong spirit sustains us in life, so be strong in the Lord, dear saint. Keep on expecting the best–God is able to do beyond what you can ask or think. Cast off any fear and “walk on the water.” Jesus, your Lord, won’t let you sink.
P. A. Oltrogge
“…For He (Jesus) Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5
“…And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’ And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’” Matthew 14:29-31
“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4
“…Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing! You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.” Psalm 30:11
“I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy, For You have considered my trouble; You have known my soul in adversities…” Psalm 31:7
“Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart.” Psalm 32:11
“My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad.” Psalm 34:2
“Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor My righteous cause; And let them say continually, ‘Let the Lord be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.’” Psalm 35:27
“Let all those who seek You, rejoice and be glad in You; Let such as love Your salvation say continually, ‘The Lord be magnified!’” Psalm 40:16
“There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.” Psalm 46:4
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22
“Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy! For you shall judge the people righteously, and govern the nations on earth.” Psalm 67:4
“The Lord reigns; Let the earth rejoice; Let the multitude of isles be glad!” Psalm 97:1
“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord.’” Psalm 122:1
“Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; And let them say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns.’” 1 Chronicles 16:31
“Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits–who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.” Psalm 103:1-6
“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 3:20-21
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“…Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.’” John 20:19-21
“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. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” 2 Corinthians 2:14-15
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:31-32 (from Romans 8:31-39)
“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 prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints….” Ephesians 6:10-18
“I am the rose of Sharon, the lily of the valleys.” Song of Solomon 2:1
“Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.” Luke 12:27
The variety of flowers God created are such a feast for our eyes…and, besides their beauty, most have a pleasing fragrance that will arise.
No wonder Jesus said that we should consider the lilies of the field. Their essence is a tribute to His Father’s care to which they yield.
Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross arose, as a pleasing fragrance, to the Father’s throne–an aroma so pleasing that Christ now, as the rose of Sharon, is known.
Yes, like a rose, that was crushed and associated with thorns upon His head, Jesus paid for our redemption through scourges and His sacred veins that bled.
All who are in Christ give sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him, as well–to remind those who are saved of heaven, and to warn those unaware of hell.
So consider how the lilies are clothed, and therefore put on the Lord Jesus Christ, for His sacrifice on your behalf is the one that the Bible says sufficed.
P. A. Oltrogge
“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.” Romans 13:14
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV
“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
“But thanks be to God, Who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things?” 2 Corinthians 2:14-16
“You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good, and healing all who were oppressed by the devil; for God was with Him. And we are witnesses of all the things He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. And they also put Him to death by hanging Him on a cross. God raised Him up on the third day, and granted that He should become visible, not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen beforehand by God, that is, to us, who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. And He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead. Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.” Acts 10:38-43
The Porch of the Lord 