We praise You, Lord Jesus, and push away any gloom, for You are the Victorious One who was raised from the tomb.

You give hope that’s not wishful thinking but is joyful expectation. We’re more than conquerors always because of Your dedication.

You’re seated at the Father’s right hand—the place that was due…to the One who was so obedient to Him—He calls You Faithful and True.

We’re “above” any circumstances, not “under,” because Your power–and the name of the Lord Jesus is our shelter and strong tower.

P. A. Oltrogge

“But God, who is 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, so 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 

“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)

“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? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.  Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” Romans 8:31-34

“But in all these things, we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37

“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.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 

“…so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant. And the former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers, because they were prevented by death from continuing. But He, on the other hand, because He abides forever, holds His priesthood permanently. Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:22-25

“…we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a minister in the sanctuary and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man.” Hebrews 8:1

“But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises.” Hebrews 8:6

“(The Coming of Christ) And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war.” Revelation 19:11 

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10 

“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 (NKJV)

Scriptures NASB, NASB/Ryrie, or as noted

…according to the Word in Romans and Hebrews, above, you don’t face any trial alone…Jesus is interceding for you at the Father’s throne…

But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27

“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.’” John 3:3

Noteworthy articles today at Mario Murillo Ministries, (He has introduced a new hat (MAKE AMERICA BORN AGAIN), A New Thing Ministries, and, as always: http://www.givehim15.com

Jesus distinguished the state of people’s hearts in receiving God’s Word, as seed sown….in the following way. A sower goes out to plant his seed….

The seed falls sometimes onto the roadside, or onto where mostly rocks are found. At times, it falls among thorns; but, at other times, it falls on the good ground.

So those hearts considered as “the roadside,” hear the Word but the devil snatches it away. Therefore, as it’s sown, we must pray that people really “hear” what God has to say.

Some do hear it with joy, (“rocky soil”) but their grasp of the gospel isn’t of great duration….for in time of temptation or trial, their belief has no depth for either situation. 

The seed that’s fallen among thorns exemplifies those who let other things…such as cares, riches, or pleasures of life choke the Word, and they lose the benefits it brings.

But when the Word falls onto good ground–these are hearts where it will endure…to bring about fruit that will last. Their hearts are earnest, virtuous, and favor what’s pure.

So help us, Lord, daily, to attend to Your Word, thereby giving it firmer root…and then find Your opportunities to serve, with Your love, bringing forth precious fruit.

P. A. Oltrogge

…shared in best detail by Jesus in Luke 8:4-15 NASB (also in Matthew 13 and Mark 4)

Now when a large crowd was coming together, and those from the various cities were journeying to Him, He spoke by way of a parable: “The sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell beside the road, and it was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the sky ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky soil, and when it came up, it withered away because it had no moisture. Other seed fell among the thorns; and the thorns grew up with it and choked it out. And yet other seed fell into the good soil, and grew up, and produced a crop a hundred times as much.” As He said these things, He would call out, “The one who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Now His disciples began asking Him what this parable meant. And He said, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest they are told in parables, so that while seeing they may not see, and while hearing they may not understand.”

“Now this is the parable: the seed is the word of God. And those beside the road are the ones who have heard, then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they will not believe and be saved. Those on the rocky soil are the ones who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and yet these do not have a firm root; they believe for a while, and in a time of temptation they fall away. And the seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked by worries, riches, and pleasures of this life, and they bring no fruit to maturity. But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word with a good and virtuous heart, and hold it firmly, and produce fruit with perseverance.

And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. Acts 16:13-14

My son, give attention to my words;
Incline your ear to my sayings.
Do not let them depart from your eyes;
Keep them in the midst of your heart;
For they are life to those who find them,
And health to all their flesh.
Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it spring the issues of life. Proverbs 4:20-23

If you visit Mario Murillo Ministries, you can learn about his latest tent meetings in New York–an outpouring of blessings.. God bless you today…

“Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust,
And does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works
Which You have done;
And Your thoughts toward us
Cannot be recounted to You in order;
If I would declare and speak of them,
They are more than can be numbered.” Psalm 40:4-5

“But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works.”  Psalm 73:28

“In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, For You will answer me. Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord; Nor are there any works like Your works.” Psalm 86:7-8

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” Psalm 107:8-9

“I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.” Psalm 118:17

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When we declare the works of the Lord over any situation,
we’re applying the greatest power…of the Lord of all creation!

In earth, the sky, and seas, His wonderful works are displayed…
and His Word is at work within our lives the moment we have prayed.

P. A. Oltrogge

Hold on to what God says; keep saying it, and this will keep you on course. . . WHILE IT RELEASES HIS POWER! (Quote from a message by Dutch Sheets)

“The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.” Psalm 34:15

“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

“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

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ…” Philippians 1:3-6

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13 KJV

“For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13 AMP

“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.” words of Jesus, in Luke 10:19

“Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

“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

“The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes.” Psalm 118:22-23 (Jesus is our Cornerstone!)

“For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth.” Psalm 139:13-15 NASB

“For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:14-21

“And he (Jesus) saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!” Matthew 8:26-27 KJV

“But I have a greater witness than John’s; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish—the very works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me.” words of Jesus in John 5:36

“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

…photos from a visit to the Flight 93 Memorial…

Men with wrong beliefs had plans to carry out a terrible mission–one that God, who is love and promotes love, would never, ever commission.

Among the other flights that fateful morning was Flight 93. The day was 9/11, the date of the 2001 attack on America, the Land of Liberty.

Now, the site of its crash is a peaceful place, where out of great respect, people come to remember the lives lost and take time there to reflect.

So many heroic deeds were done that day, and the following days, on behalf of others. People rushed to help, acting as true American sisters and brothers.

There was an outpouring of patriotism and a turning of hearts to God. Our minds recall that day again, in gazing at what is now just a field of sod.

The severe tragedies in New York City and in Washington D.C.–made all Americans grieve for the precious individuals lost, who they’d no longer be able to see.

U.S. flags were proudly displayed everywhere, and prayers were intensified. May such love for our fellow man and for America forever remain and abide.

“Oh, say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave, o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?”  In God we must always trust…for it is He who is able to save!

P. A. Oltrogge

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.” 1 John 4:7-9

From Acts 4: Peter said, regarding the name of Jesus Christ… “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 

“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 

“Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near.”  Isaiah 55:6 

“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 

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9

“A nation without wise leaders will fall. Many good advisers make a nation safe.” Proverbs 11:14 ERV

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Visit today’s message: http://www.givehim15.com

Genelle Guzman-McMiillan, the last survivor pulled from the World Trade Center rubble, reflects on her experience in BGEA’s “A Day That Changed Our Lives Forever” (Courtesy Billy Graham Evangelistic Association) at:

http://www.billygraham.org

…also called Kinnereth, Lake of Gennesaret, and Sea of or Lake Tiberias

I’ve not ever visited the Holy Land of Israel or viewed Galilee’s beautiful sea,
but I can visualize the prominence of its waters in Jesus’ life and ministry.

Peter, Andrew, James, and John made their living there–then suddenly were called
to follow the Messiah, after which they experienced some miraculous catches hauled.

Near to its shores, five thousand men, and women and children, were divinely fed
through a little boy’s blessed lunch of just two fish and only five loaves of bread.

After leaving Nazareth, Jesus settled in Capernaum, which lies beside its waters;
and Mary, of Magdala, a seaside town, became one of God’s beloved daughters.

We know that Jesus walked on its waves; and Peter did, too, to some degree.
Another time, the disciples called on Jesus to save them when it became a raging sea.

Jesus told His disciples to cross over it at times in following His Father’s direction.
And from a mountain above it, He shared The Beatitudes–a major spiritual reflection.

You may not have seen the Sea of Galilee, that Jesus and the disciples traveled along;
but you can experience the Spirit’s “living water,” which is God’s gift to make us strong.

P. A. Oltrogge

Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water.’” But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. John 7:37-39

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
John 16:7 KJV

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth. Acts 1:8 and all of Acts 2

When Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. And all the circumcised believers who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out upon the Gentiles also. Acts 10:44-45

So I say to you, ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him! Luke 11:9-13

Look for books and other resources on the Holy Spirit at:
http://www.kcm.org
http://www.awmi.net
http://www.rhema.org

Photo/Unsplash

“Jesus answered him, ‘The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no greater commandment than these.” Mark 12:29-32

We’re to love our neighbor as we love ourselves, the Lord has said…
but, sometimes, we’re critical of ourselves and unforgiving, instead. 

Being right with God isn’t by our own deeds but through what Jesus has done…
He who is doing a good work in us will complete what He’s already begun. 

To those who are in Christ Jesus, there’s no condemnation from the Father above. He’s merciful, forgiving, sympathetic with our weaknesses–and thinks we’re worthy of His love. 

P. A. Oltrogge

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:2-6

“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. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:1-4

“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

“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

(Scriptures NKJV)

…I mentioned a song on a recent post, “There Was Jesus,” by Zach Williams and Dolly Parton, simply because I like the song, which points to the presence of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer.

Just thought I’d share here the words of Jesus and other quotes that clearly explain salvation through the blood sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for those who believe in Him…

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“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.” spoken by Jesus in John 3:16-17

“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

“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”  spoken by Jesus in John 17:3

“But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 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, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:21-26

“But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 6:22-23 NLT

“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

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” John 1:12 KJV

In Christ Alone

In Christ alone, my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save

‘Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

Oh-oh-oh-oh

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave, He rose again

And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No, no, no, no

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
‘Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand

Oh-oh-oh-oh

by Keith Getty/music; Stuart Townend/lyrics

(Find at You Tube, various renditions)

I believe in miracles…
I believe they can happen overnight.

I believe in miracles…
I believe in faith over fright.

I believe in miracles…
even when my faith has taken a hit.

I believe in miracles…
because my God doesn’t want me to quit.

I believe in miracles…
in God’s forgiveness and covering of mistakes.

I believe in miracles…
and in God’s ability to heal heartbreaks.

I believe in miracles…
agreeing with what’s written in scripture.

I believe in doing so,
that’s the vehicle for “changing the picture.”

I believe in miracles…
even if their coming seems slow as molasses.

I believe in miracles…
for problems are what God’s power surpasses.

I believe in miracles…
Jesus works them, and He is the Master.

I believe in miracles…
Of things hoped for, faith is the confident forecaster.

I believe in miracles…
They’ve been documented in so many cases.

I believe in miracles…
because I believe in God’s divine daily graces.

P. A. Oltrogge

“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.” said by Jesus in John 10:10

“And Jesus answering saith unto them, ‘Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass, he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.’” Mark 11:22-24 KJV

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” said by Jesus in Matthew 7:7-8

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart….” from Luke 18

“What is the conclusion then? 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

“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

“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.” Psalm 103:2-4 

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

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:18-19 (read by and fulfilled by Jesus)

Scriptures NKJV or as noted

In Matthew 16, Jesus said the following to the Pharisees and Sadducees, who wanted Him to show them a sign from heaven. 

“When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ And in the morning, ‘There will be a storm today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Do you know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of the times? An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and a sign will not be given it, except the sign of Jonah.’ And He left them, and went away.”

May those who have not yet believed, reflect today on the claims of Jesus Christ and the importance of discerning the times that they are living in. 

For the believer, an obvious discernment is the importance of prayer. And visit: http://www.fparmy.com

P. A. Oltrogge

“Then He said to them, ‘The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’” Luke 10:2 

“These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer….”
Acts 1:14

“And as the crowds were increasing, He began to say, ‘This generation is a wicked generation; it seeks for a sign, and yet no sign shall be given to it but the sign of Jonah. For just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so shall the Son of Man be to this generation.

“The Queen of the South will rise up with the men of this generation at the judgment and condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.” Luke 11:29-32

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“The Pharisees and Sadducees came up, and putting Jesus to the test, they asked Him to show them a sign from heaven. But He replied to them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ And in the morning, ‘There will be a storm today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but are you unable to discern the signs of the times? An evil and adulterous generation wants a sign; and so a sign will not be given to it, except the sign of Jonah.” And He left them and went away.

“And the disciples came to the other side of the sea, but they had forgotten to bring any bread. And Jesus said to them, “Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” They began to discuss this among themselves, saying, “He said that because we did not bring any bread.” But Jesus, aware of this, said, “You men of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet understand nor remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets you picked up? Nor the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many large baskets you picked up? How is it that you do not understand that I did not speak to you about bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Matthew 16:1-12

Scriptures NASB

2 Timothy 3:1-5; Matthew 24:6-8; Luke 21:25-28; Acts 1:8-11; Matthew 9:38; Luke 10:2; Luke 11:29-32; Matthew 12:38-41; 2 Peter 3:9

“Walk with Me,” by Greg Olsen. Used with Permission: www.gregolsen.com

…a meditation of the believer….

I want to “walk with Jesus,” as His disciples did along Galilee’s shore. I want to meditate on His Word, that I may learn of and grow in Him more.

I want to share His peace and love and to dispel confusion and doubts. People need to find the way to God. Jesus is the way–there are no other routes.

I want to do what He specified before He ascended to His Father’s right hand–to step out in faith, doing the things He said–the works that God has planned. 

I want to join others in being His hands and feet–He always cared for the people’s needs. As believers, we follow His example. In Matthew 25, He listed such deeds.

Without Christ, I can do nothing–I must be diligent to abide in the Vine, listening for His voice and direction, that I may “let my light so shine.”

An old hymn says, “If you cannot speak like angels, if you cannot preach like Paul, you can tell of the love of Jesus–you can say that He died for all.”

And recalling His assurances, when troubled times take place…I’ll trust in the plans of the Father’s heart–in the counsel of He who saved me by His grace.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

“Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.’

“So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.” Mark 16:14-20

“Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.” Matthew 25:34-36

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:1-11 

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:4-10

“And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.” 1 John 3:23

“The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance.” Psalm 33:10-12

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most high will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’” Psalm 91:1-2 and all of Psalm 91