“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” John 10:27-30
Jesus, You’re my Savior and Good Shepherd…I’m staying close by Your side… You’re my Protector, my Provider, my Healer, and my absolute Guide.
Jesus, You’re my faithful Good Shepherd…I’m trusting, as Your lamb… I’m looking to You for everything, for You are the Great “I AM.”
Jesus, let me rest, please, over and upon Your strong shoulder… Your Word says our youth can be renewed, even as we’re growing older.
There are times when I feel weak…then I cling to You the most… I can always sense Your love and nearness by the power of the Holy Ghost.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103:1-5 NKJV
“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 NKJV
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” Psalm 23 KJV
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:26-27 KJV
“Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 RSV
...“Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.” Matthew 28:1-4
After the Sabbath at the beginning of day, Mary and others were on their way to anoint the body of the Lord they held dear. But they were taken aback at the tomb as they came near, for they were greeted by an angelic being and could hardly believe what they were seeing. From the tomb the great stone had been rolled away, and on it was the angel, as bright as day. The angel pointed to where Jesus’ body had been lying, saying, “He has risen, just as He said”–truly death defying! The women went quickly to tell His disciples, as well, of the Risen Lord, who holds the keys to heaven and hell. With fear and great joy, they went on their way but met up with Jesus that first Easter day! They fell down at His feet, giving Him praise, rejoicing because He’d risen in three days. He greeted them with love and said He would be appearing again to His disciples in Galilee. Today, in His promises, we have a share, for He said He would meet us again in the air. So though some are doubtful or wonder just when Jesus will really be coming again– Remember that He said He would rise from the dead, and He’s coming again—just as He said!
P. A. Oltrogge
…from the account in Matthew 28
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am there you may be also.” John 14:3
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, and remain until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17
“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world–our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:4-5
“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
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Come Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.” Revelation 22:20, 21
“Leaving that region, they traveled through Galilee. Jesus didn’t want anyone to know he was there, for he wanted to spend more time with his disciples and teach them. He said to them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies. He will be killed, but three days later he will rise from the dead.’ They didn’t understand what he was saying, however, and they were afraid to ask him what he meant.” Mark 9:30-32 NLT
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“On the way, Jesus told them, ‘All of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say,
‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’
“But after I am raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.” Mark 14:27-28 NLT
A poetic account derived from Mark 16:1-20:
…When the Sabbath was past…
Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James, and Salome brought spices to the tomb.
That the large stone before its entrance would be rolled away, they couldn’t have presumed.
Nor could they have thought that an angelic being would, amazingly, greet them there…
with a message to give to Jesus’ disciples “and Peter,” which the angel began to share.
He said they weren’t to be alarmed that Jesus’ body wasn’t there, for He’d risen from the dead!
He was going before them into Galilee–and they would see Him there, as He had said.
Further, we read on, that the disciples were mourning; and, in despair, they had wept…
Mary Magdalene, to whom Jesus first appeared, came and told them of His promise that He had divinely kept!
But when they heard that He was alive and had appeared to her, they were in disbelief…
Two others shared, but only Jesus’ actual appearance as they sat at the table could halt their grief.
Jesus rebuked them for their hardness of heart–that they’d been so doubtful and yet…
He went on to commission them to share of Him…to be fishers of men with His great gospel net.
In Mark 16:17-18, Jesus tells of miraculous signs that would follow “those who believe.”
And those who trusted Christ as Savior would be saved–no condemnation would they receive.
After His sharing of this, Jesus ascended into heaven and sat down at God’s right hand…
Then, the disciples went forth preaching everywhere–His Word being confirmed with signs following, as God had planned.
And that great commission from Jesus continues to this day…
for He is risen!…a fact that all of the Lord’s believers know and joyfully say!
He is risen, indeed!
P. A. Oltrogge
In John 21, Jesus asked Peter three times if He loved Him. (Peter had denied the Lord three times on the night of His betrayal.) Peter affirmed that he did love Jesus, so Jesus told him that he was now to feed and tend to His lambs and sheep…
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“…For, indeed, Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” 1 Corinthians 5:7
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’” John 1:29
“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.
“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” John 3:16-21
“He (Jesus) was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.” Romans 4:25 NLT
“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. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” Galatians 2:20-21
“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.” Ephesians 2:8
“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.” 1 John 5:11-12
“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
“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 2:8-11
“But thanksbe toGod, whogivesus the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29
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One Good Friday evening, I went to a showing of the movie of 2004–“The Passion of the Christ,” which depicts the suffering that Jesus bore.
I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to watch the movie again, for it is brutal; but it clearly shows that relying on good works to save our souls is futile.
For our holy God so loved the world, that He gave to all of us reprieve, by sending His Son to take our punishment–now all we need to do is believe.
And when we realize all that Jesus did–the love of His Father in Him reflected–“Oh, come let us adore Him,” for He is to be loved, honored, and respected.
Thankfully, God’s Holy Spirit is still mightily at work upon the earth, drawing people to repent and see their need…to enter into the “new birth.”
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation,” is a GIFT to all, that’s free…Jesus bought this blessed gift for us, as described in Isaiah, chapter 53.
“Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way, And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”
Isaiah 53:4-6
Poetic by P. A. Oltrogge
“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’” John 3:3
“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
“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.” Ephesians 2:8-9
“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
A cross on a hillside beckons for our attention, and can bring to mind something that Jesus Christ mentioned when He and His disciples launched out for a sail– “Let’s cross over to the other side,” were His words that didn’t fail.
Have you been on the side with those who have apprehensions, or reject that Christ is Lord or doubt God’s intentions? Look thoughtfully to the cross, for a strong message it bears– God wants you to cross over to knowing that He cares.
Any other “religion” hasn’t the cross’s personal touch– God sent His Son to die for you because He loved you that much. There, Jesus made the sacrifice for your well-being and sins– so you could cross to the place where new life in Him begins.
Despite a storm, His words didn’t fail in that Biblical account recorded. They won’t fail in your destiny either, but you’ll be greatly rewarded, as you come under the shadow of the Almighty and cross to the other side. You’ll be so thankful you heeded the message of the wonderful cross as your guide.
P. A. Oltrogge
“On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, ‘Let us cross over to the other side.’ Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, ‘Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?’
“Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, ‘Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?’ And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, ‘Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!’”
Mark 4:35-41 (NKJV)
“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears My Word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.”
John 5:24 (NIV)
“…that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
“He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth.” Isaiah 5:5-7
“Then he (Herod) questioned Him with many words, but He answered him nothing.” Luke 23:9
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He was brought before Pilate by God’s divine plan; Pilate said, “I find no guilt in this man.” Questioned before Herod, Christ gave no reply, for He knew in His heart He was destined to die.
Then brought back to Pilate once more to stand– Pilate still found no guilt justifying a crucifixion demand. But the crowd was insistent–their voices prevailed; and God’s Sacrificial Lamb was thereby unveiled.
Led away with two criminals while women mourned to a place called, “The Skull,” where He would be scorned– There, He was lifted, nailed to a cross’s wood, though His service to God had been perfect and good.
An inscription said, “This is the King of the Jews.” He came to lay down His life–it was His role to choose. He was taunted by soldiers and a criminal in despair, who said if He was the Christ, He could come down from there.
The other criminal feared God, saying their misdeeds were strong, “But this man has done nothing wrong.” A promise of Paradise and a cry from Christ’s voice– “It is finished!” Thus, we can take Him as Savior by our choice.
Darkness had fallen, the temple veil tore in two– “Certainly, this man was innocent,” the Centurion said, too. So went the trial of an innocent man; but He was God and our Messiah by His Father’s divine plan.
P. A. Oltrogge
from Luke, Chapter 23 and John 19:30
“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
“He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, ‘O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will but as You will.’” Matthew 26:39
“For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father.” John 10:17-18 NASB
“And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, saying, ‘Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?’ But He kept silent and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked Him, saying to Him, ‘Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?’ Jesus said, ‘I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.’” Mark 14:60-62
“And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.’” Luke 23:33-34
“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 have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christlivesinme; 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
We read of Jesus, who was with His disciples in the garden of Gethsemane: “And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, ‘Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.’ Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” Luke 22:41-44
Jesus,
In Gethsemane’s garden, You prayed to be strong in what would overtake You in not very long.
It was for me that You were then betrayed. It was on You that the task was laid.
As filthy rags, God saw my righteousness claimed– which is why You stepped in to be defamed.
It was for my sins that You went on trial. You made the payment for everything vile.
It was for me–this undeserved attack. It was for me You bore stripes on Your back.
It was for me that You wore the thorns, and it was for me You bore merciless scorns.
It was for me You walked Calvary’s trail. It was for me that You endured each nail.
It was for me that You hung in shame. It was for me–You were taking my blame.
It was for me You painfully died. It was for me that they pierced Your side.
You did it for me, but in three days You rose. You did it for me that my case would be closed.
P. A. Oltrogge
“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” Isaiah 64:6 KJV
“But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:21-26 NIV
“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” Romans 5:1 NLT
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1 NASB
From His grand and glorious home in heaven—a place of comfortable rest,
Jesus came down to this earth on a mission, so that mankind could be blessed.
During the last supper with His disciples, likewise, He got up from a comfortable place, to give Himself to serving.
Just as He would be stripped and crucified soon, so He set aside His garments, girding Himself with a towel, to cleanse the undeserving.
Pouring water into a basin, He began to wash and wipe the disciples’ feet.
But Peter failed to understand this requirement that Jesus was wanting to meet.
“Never shall you wash my feet!” were his immediate words—an outflow from Peter’s heart.
But Jesus said to Peter that unless He washed them, then, with Him, he would have no part.
At that, Peter told the Lord to wash not only his feet, but also his hands and his head.
So sincere was Peter’s desire to please Him, that he quickly permitted Him to do so instead.
Jesus continued, speaking of being made clean, but said that not all of them were clean.
In his relationship with the Lord, Judas would betray Him, letting Satan come between.
When Jesus shared that one of the disciples would betray Him, the others wondered which one this meant.
Then Jesus gave the dipped bread to Judas, revealing that betrayal was his intent.
Quickly, Judas turned away from the Lord and went out into the dark of night—
as many still choose darkness today, sadly, resisting Jesus’ love and Light.
Just as Peter would have had no part with Christ, likewise, it’s the same today…
If anyone doesn’t receive the cleansing from Jesus’ poured-out blood, which takes our sins away,
they will have no part with Christ, our Lord and Savior, who, by His example, taught…
that we, also, should serve one another with love and humility, having received the redemption that He bought.
Jesus loved His disciples to the end; He died for us all, having laid aside His glory.
And, as at that Passover meal, when His task was finished, He sat down…but now He’s seated at His Father’s right hand, in completion of this true redemption story!
P. A. Oltrogge
…the above, from John 13…
“And so when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments, and reclined at table again, He said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord; and you are right for so I am. If I, then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master; neither one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.’” John 13:12-17
“And sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, ‘If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all.’” Mark 9:35
“And while they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat, this is My body.’ And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.’ And after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.” Matthew 26:27-28
“…For, indeed, Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” 1 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV
“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
“This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses. Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear. For it was not David who ascended into heaven, but he himself says, ‘The Lord said to My Lord, sit at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies a footstool for Thy feet.’ Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.” (words of Peter from Acts 2:32-36)
“Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come—that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.” (Paul, speaking to King Agrippa in Acts 26:22-23) NKJV
“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” 1 John 1:7-10 NKJV
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us….” Ephesians 1:7-8
“‘Come now, let us settle the matter,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.’” Isaiah 1:18 NIV
Jesus’ blood, the cleansing flood…
O victory in Jesus, My Savior, forever. He sought me and bought me With His redeeming blood; He loved me ere I knew Him And all my love is due Him, He plunged me to victory, Beneath the cleansing flood.
(from the hymn, Victory in Jesus, by Eugene Bartlett, Sr.)
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10 NASB
Whenever there’s a “darkest hour,”
the name of Jesus is our strong tower.
When things are rough and are looking bleak,
it’s then that faith must confidently speak.
All things are possible with our God…
He makes flowers to rise through the stubborn sod.
God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear–
the message from Him is to be of good cheer!
We often want to be able to see the victory first,
but faith sees a good outcome when things seem at their worst.
Look past any image that speaks of defeat.
See (and say) it as God sees it–your victory’s complete!
P. A. Oltrogge
“But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26
“So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God. 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.’” …from Mark 11:20-26
“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.” …spoken by Jesus in John 16:33
“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Acts 2:36
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:1-5
““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
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:26-29
“Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 (NASB)
“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
“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith….” …from Hebrews 12:1-3
“YouareofGod, 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
“Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. 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 5:1-5
Have you experienced some wounds that are deep? Trust your Abba, Father–His promises He’ll keep…
He redeems you from distress or any kind of destruction. Look to Him and listen for His wisdom and instruction.
He’s stated that He’s numbered even the hairs upon your head. He’ll give to you renewed hope as you seek to be Spirit led.
With love and with compassion, He heals the brokenhearted; His faithfulness to care for His children has never departed.
Cast all your cares upon Him–then, you’ll have nothing to fear. As you draw close to Him, He’s promised to also draw near.
God’s plans for you are of well-being, and not of things bad. He’s your loving Abba, Father–the very best Dad!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’” Galatians 4:6 NIV
“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’” Romans 8:15 NKJV
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:18 NLT
“Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Proverbs 30:5 NIV
“But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: Ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7 KJV
“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” 2 Corinthians 1:20 NKJV
“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 NKJV
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you….” James 4:8 NKJV
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God; that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-8 NKJV
“For I know the thoughts that I have toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 NKJV
“Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’” Matthew 19:14 NIV
“And He said, ‘Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me, nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.’” words of Jesus to His Father in Mark 14:36 NKJV (His obedience to and trust of His Father’s plan brought us eternal life.)
“Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing.” Psalm 107:19-22 NKJV
“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31:24 NKJV
“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23 RSV
“…For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:5 NLT
“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16 NKJV
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” words of Jesus in Luke 4:17-19 KJV
…for an insightful message on the Father’s correction, Proverbs 3:12, visit “Read Today’s Devotional” at: http://www.josephprince.org
The Porch of the Lord 