“But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26
“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
“But He said, ‘The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.’” Luke 18:27
“Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’” Mark 9:23
“And He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith (your confidence and trust in Me) has made you well! Go (enter) into peace (untroubled, undisturbed well-being).’” Luke 8:48 AMPC
Turn your confidence around; Let it now in God be found. There are thoughts that seek to deceive, But just let God those fears relieve. Turn your confidence around; Jesus’ Words are sure and sound. Cast down any thought that things can’t change– With God, anything can rearrange. Turn your confidence around, For every victory in Him is found.
P. A. Oltrogge
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world–our faith. And who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:4,5
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.” Isaiah 26:3 KJV
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Scandals and exposures are happening all over the place, even in the church.
There is most definitely a shaking going on. It has many feeling there is no hope, as if things are spiraling out of control. However, it is the perfect time to remember, we dwell in an unshakable kingdom.
See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:25–29).
The book of Hebrews tells us that God will shake everything that can be shaken. From this scripture, many perceive that it is God doing the shaking. If so, what hope do we have? I found the answer to this question in a story I was privileged to hear a couple years ago:
This man moved to the state of Florida. He had his garden professionally landscaped with gorgeous azalea bushes. What a beautiful sight they were.
Each had beautiful blooms that captured the attention of all that passed by.
They were stunning bushes — all except one. There was one bush that stubbornly refused to bloom. No matter what they tried, it would not bloom, it produced no flowers. Then, a massive hurricane came through his area.
Within two weeks, the stubborn azalea bush produced the most beautiful blooms he had ever seen. It was magnificent. He went to speak to the gardener, wondering what had happened. The gardener said he was about to dig that azalea bush up and shake it violently. The owner asked why he would do such a thing. The gardener explained that is what they sometimes do when a bush refuses to flower. He said sometimes the violent shaking causes it to awaken and bloom. The hurricane did that for them. It shook the azalea bush so hard, so violently that it woke up and began to bloom.
Could it be that the shaking the church is experiencing is meant to awaken the Body of Christ and cause us to bloom as originally intended? The Bible calls us a church that the gates of hell will not prevail against. We are still that. God has not forgotten or forsaken those faith-filled words spoken by Jesus, himself. God still has a good plan for His people.
For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. (Jer 29:11 AMPC)
God has a good plan, a hope for our future — and this includes you and your family; it includes your city and state; it includes our country. I do not know anyone who hasn’t experienced some kind of shaking over the past few years.
None of us have been exempt. This being true, perhaps we can change our focus from the shaking as a negative thing to its actually being something that will awaken things in us, destinies God has for us. Perhaps it will shake off all the ungodly things in our personal lives, in our family and even in our country. Maybe this shaking will cause the Church to awaken to the divine destiny God has had for us from the very beginning.
No, these shakings are not pleasant. But His grace is enough — Scripture teaches us this truth:
But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness … (2 Cor 12:9 AMPC)
How then do we walk through this treacherous and chaotic season? The same way Jesus did when He faced the cruelty of the cross.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne (Heb 12:1–2 NLT).
We must follow the example of Jesus Christ:
Know that we are not alone. We are surrounded by a huge crowd of witnesses. God and His angels are fighting on our behalf, for us, our family, and our loved ones — even as you read this.
Let us lay aside every weight and distraction and get our eyes firmly placed on Jesus. Let’s not allow the shaking to rattle us, but keep trusting God, keep praying, keep interceding.
Let us focus on what’s ahead. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Rom 8:18).
Yes, things are surely shaking, but God will hold us steady, if we allow Him to.
The earth with all its people may shake, but I am the one who holds it steady (Psalm 75:3 NCV).
Some shakings are personal and affect only the family. Some involve a church or even an entire nation. Could it be that in every shaking there is a lesson or a message? Perhaps shaking is sometimes a way of forcing change — breaking down old unfruitful structures, shaking loose negative things so that something new and glorious can come to fruition. Could it be that this shaking is removing everything that needs to be disposed of and releasing an awakening that will cause the Body of Christ to bloom and thrive once again?
I believe so.
I have hope in God: Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer. (Rom 12:12 AMPC)
Such hope never disappoints or deludes or shames us, for God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us. (Rom 5:5 AMPC)
My friend, we must not lose hope in God. We must be steadfast and persevere in faith, in trust, in hope, remembering that His hope will never disappoint.
This is a hope that comes from God alone. May that hope bubble over in you today, as we prayer this prayer over you:
May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope. (Rom 15:13AMPC)
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Even when it seems as though the enemy has gotten farther ahead, realize that you’re more than a conqueror, as the compass of God’s Word has said.
For the “ship of faith” sails, on every journey, at a steady and determined pace; with the guidance of God and faith and patience, it will certainly win the race.
Just as Jesus spoke to the winds and waves in the midst of a furious storm, with the spirit of faith and God’s Word on your lips, your victory, too, will form.
P. A. Oltrogge
“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 as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 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 55:10-11
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
“…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.” Ephesians 6:16-17
“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:11-12
“To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.” 1 Peter 1:1-2
“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
“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
“We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak.” 2 Corinthians 4:13 KJV
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 KJV
__________
Troubles come to all of us, trials are an unsolicited part of life;
but there is One who is a very present help in the midst of any kind of strife.
He’s not only present, but He’s VERY present amidst things which can be dire–
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, remember, weren’t burned though engulfed by fire. __________
The men had refused to worship the gold idol, as King Nebuchadnezzar had decreed–
Such a decree to these men of faith was something they simply wouldn’t heed.
Anyone who disobeyed would be cast into a fiery furnace that had been stoked very hot–
At the sound of the horn, flute, harp, or lyre, all were to bow down, but these three men would not. __________
Called before the king, he gave them another chance to obey, but they bravely made it clear…
that their God could deliver them; yet if not, they served Him only and had nothing to fear.
Then, thrown into the furnace, divine intervention left them without even the smell of fire–
Their hair wasn’t singed, nor their clothes affected, because no other “god” was higher. __________
In the midst of the fiery furnace, a fourth “Man” had appeared, among the other three.
His appearance was “like the Son of God;” and He’d loosed them and had set the men free.
Though they’d initially been bound together, Nebuchadnezzar saw them unhurt and walking separately around–
This miraculous event became proof to him that there was no God but theirs to be found. __________
God has promised to be our sure refuge, whom we can run to for shelter from any storm–
If the “winds” of life become threatening or cold, under His wings, we’ll be protected and warm.
He’s the strength upon which we’ve come to depend; and we’re blessed by the love He supplies.
Keep looking to Jesus, your very present help. In every circumstance, that will prove to be wise.
P. A. Oltrogge
(The poetic account is derived from Daniel 3)
…trials sometimes come, but confidence in God’s love and care for us (Psalm 91) and the presence of His Holy Spirit within strengthen those who believe….
Jesus said, “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you.” John 14:16-17 (and through 26)
Acts 1:8 and Acts 2:1-4
“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 few more thoughts on this same Bible account can be found in today’s devotional at: http://www.josephprince.org
I believe we all would like to see notable miracles, and that’s God’s desire, too. Please join me in prayer that such miracles would more and more come through.
Perhaps, like myself, you have something that’s seemed or has been hard to beat. Let’s pray for one another that such hardships would meet their defeat.
While we continue to stand on God’s promises, even if it seems to be taking long…our prayers for one another can avail much, along with the power of a victory song!
Expect miracles, expect God!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.” James 5:13-18
Rachel Shafer has written a book, Expect God. She also shares messages, such as “The Power of a Song,” via you tube and her website: http://www.rachelshafer.com
…I do thank the Lord for the notable miracles I have seen in my life. I’m sure you’ve seen such, too…
Today, if you feel alone with some worrisome cares,
come sit with other believers out on the porch chairs.
Join me in praying for those who follow these posts…
He’ll perfect what concerns us, as we trust the Lord of Hosts!
For our country, for our futures, we continue to believe…
for all of the good things that He said we could receive.
Of those suffering for their faith, today, we’re reminded;
we pray for them and their enemies, who are spiritually blinded.
We’re strong in the Lord and in the power of His might…
His Word lights our path as we fight faith’s good fight!
P. A. Oltrogge
“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, oh Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.” Psalm 138:8
“Fight the goodfightoffaith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12
“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
Let’s consider just a few Bible accounts that give some tender words (followed by His caring action) that Jesus said:
A widow, out of Nain, came in contact with Jesus on her only son’s burial day. “DON’T CRY” were the compassionate words that she heard Jesus say.
News came to Jairus of his ailing daughter that would cause him to grieve; but Jesus encouraged him, “DON’T BE AFRAID ANY LONGER–ONLY BELIEVE.”
When a leper asked if Jesus was willing to cleanse him of that blight… Jesus said, “I AM WILLING,” and He touched him, delivering him out of his plight.
Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, so hear Him regarding your cares:
“Don’t cry”
“Don’t be afraid any longer–only believe!”
and “I am willing”
…are words that Jesus, our compassionate Lord, still shares.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 NKJV
“When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. ‘Don’t cry!’ he said. Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. ‘Young man,’ he said, ‘I tell you, get up.’ Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk! And Jesus gave him back to his mother.” …from Luke 7:11-17 NLT
“While He was still speaking, they came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, ‘Your daughter has died; why trouble the Teacher any more?’ But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, ‘Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.’” Mark 5:35-36 …and Jesus raised her up (through verse 43) NASB-Ryrie
“And behold, a leper came to Him, and bowed down to Him, saying, ‘Lord, if you are willing, You can make me clean.’ And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, ‘I am willing, be cleansed.’ And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” …from Matthew 8:1-4 NASB-Ryrie
“The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.” Psalm 29:11 NKJV
“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….” Psalm 103:2-4 NIV
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” John 10:14
“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them. And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” Hebrews 10:16-17 KJV
By: Kenneth Copeland
The Bible tells us that under Levitical law, an animal had to be offered every year to atone for the sins of the people. That word atone means “to cover” and it’s used continually throughout the Old Testament.
But let me tell you something exciting. It’s never used in the New Testament. The Greek word used to describe what Jesus did for us on the cross is a different word altogether. It doesn’t just mean “to cover”—it means “to remit; to do completely away with something.”
Do you know what that means? It means there is no longer a sin problem. Jesus solved it!
When you made Him your Lord, He didn’t just cover your sins, He put you into right-standing with God and re-created you by the Spirit of God as if sin had never existed.
But if you’re like many believers, you haven’t fully grasped that magnificent truth. You’re caught up in what I call a sin consciousness. You keep thinking of yourself as sin stained instead of blood washed.
“Well, after all, Brother Copeland, I’m just an old sinner saved by grace.”
No, you’re not. You were an old sinner, but grace changed you forever into the very righteousness of God. You are now His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus! As far as God is concerned, your past life is forgotten. It died the death of the Cross.
Think about that. Let it sink into your consciousness until you can rise up boldly and receive the freedom from sin that’s yours in Christ Jesus. Receive the righteousness that only the Lamb of God can give.
Scripture reading: Hebrews 9:11-26
Reprinted with permission from Kenneth Copeland Ministries
After the rain, the sun will come out… Of the Lord’s faithfulness, we must not doubt.
Rain is most often a life-giving thing… May the “rains” of life be faith-strengthening.
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.”
“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
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from the hand of the enemy….” Psalm 107:1-2
“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
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” James 1:2-3 NASB
“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart….” Luke 18:1
Jesus said: “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.” …from Matthew 7:24-29
What do you think drove me from heaven above down to this earth? It was the depth of my love. Betrayed by a kiss, a symbol of such– yet what drove me on was that I loved you so much. When they led me away and gave me a shove, what kept me going was the depth of my love. They gave me a trial, but it was not just– bitter to go through, but my heart said, “I must.” A crown of thorns pushed down with a glove, it bruised my head to show the depth of my love. The whipping I took for sin in your place, I found strength to take because I saw your face. I’ve loved you, I’ve called you–you are my dove, for whom I laid down my life with the depth of my love. The weight of the cross became hard to bear– I staggered but made it to Calvary there. On those merciless beams, my hands and feet were nailed down. Next, I was put on display to be mocked throughout town. Then came the time of greatest agony and despair, when I felt forsaken but still kept my care for all of mankind and, yes, just for you. For your welfare and soul, I had made it through. So what kept me going when push came to shove? From your “down to earth” God, it was the depth of my love. Though your sins be as scarlet, they’ll be white as snow. They’re forgiven and forgotten and now you can grow in the knowledge and wisdom that comes from above, and my Word will remind you of the depth of my love.
P. A. Oltrogge
“’Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the Lord, ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.’” Isaiah 1:18
“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
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” John 10:14-18
“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.” John 15:9-10
“For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:12-13
“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
“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:14-19 NASB/95
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
“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. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:9-11
Scriptures: NKJV or as noted
_________________________
Jesus knew the purpose of His going to the cross, yet being a Man, I think He did feel great sorrow after all of His suffering, when He cried out the words in the following:
Now when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
Some of those who stood by, when they heard that, said, “Look, He is calling for Elijah!”Then someone ran and filled a sponge full of sour wine, put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink, saying, “Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to take Him down.”
And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last.
Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!” Mark 15:33-39
…Because of all that Jesus did, God and His love will never leave or forsake those who believe in His Son…
…the poetry was written some years ago and are just my thoughts on what our loving Lord might say…God bless you today…
During a feast of the Jews, we see Jesus at the healing pool of Bethesda, which was by the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, that prominent city.
And He saw a certain man lying among the many others who had come to seek healing, whose infirmity had lasted thirty-eight years—and on whom no man had apparently had pity.
It was known and told that an angel came to stir the waters at a season and time at this pool of five porches, an esteemed place.
And whoever first, thereafter, made it into the water was healed of their illness—with no longer a trace.
Jesus, knowing that this individual had been crippled and infirm for a long time, asked him if he wanted to be healed.
The man replied that he had no man to help him into the waters after they were stirred. Others were always quicker, so his fate had been sealed.
Then, Jesus mercifully said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk,” stepping in for the said “no man.”
Immediately, the infirm man was made whole, got to his feet, took up his bed and walked, for health and healing have always been God’s plan.
Today, when we experience difficulties, even those long-standing, and may sometimes feel there is no one to help, not even the Lord…
remember, we still do have an advocate in Jesus, God’s Son—to get adverse things eliminated and have the good restored.
P. A. Oltrogge
”…how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” Acts 10:38 NKJV
“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.” (Words of Jesus in John 10:10 NKJV)
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 NKJV
Poetic account, above, from John, chapter 5.
Some versions of the Bible leave out the verse about an angel stirring the waters due to uncertainties about original texts. It’s included in the poem as found in the King James and New King James versions, The Passion Translation, Amplified Bible, J. B. Phillips New Testament, and others.
The Porch of the Lord 