Tag Archives: Faith

“In That Day” and in Jesus’ Name

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“And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:23-24

What did Jesus mean when He said “in that day…”? Well, He was telling His disciples that He would be going away.

He was going to Calvary, and He was going to die; but He would be raised from the dead and ascend on high.

There, in heaven, He would sit down at His Father’s right hand; and a new day–a New Covenant or Testament would become their brand.

He had met the needs of many and His disciples each day the same; but when He was gone, they were to start praying to the Father in His Name.

That Name would take the place of Him personally doing God’s will. Miracles, signs and wonders, through that Name would be available still.

That our joy may be full, Jesus said, “Ask, and you will receive.” We are “IN” “In that day.” His power’s here, through those who believe!

P. A. Oltrogge

“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 16:15-20 NKJV

This post was inspired by a devotional written by Kenneth E. Hagin, founder of Rhema Bible Training College, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

See today’s: http://www.givehim15.com

There are Angels Among Us

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Sharing again today…by Kim Potter: http://www.anewthingministries.com

It’s been almost 17 years now, but I remember it as if it were yesterday. 

It was one of those heart-stopping moments that are every parent’s nightmare. My daughter and I were shopping at a local mall. She and I were looking at clothes, just a few feet away from where my 2-year-old grandson was happily seated in the kids’ area watching a movie. He was within arm’s reach, as always. I turned away from him for a brief second to say something to my daughter. The next moment, I turned back, and he was nowhere to be seen. Frantic, I told my daughter to search the store while I ran out to the mall entrance.

In just a few steps, I was at the store entrance, and there I abruptly stopped in my tracks. A woman was blocking my exit. She was a very large woman who seemed to occupy the entire store entrance. She was so tall that I had to bend my head all the way back to see her face and meet her gaze. I looked into her fiery eyes as she extended her left arm down the mall. My eyes followed her long arm and finger in the direction she was pointing, as I heard her fiercely proclaim, “I told him to get back in there!” Down the mall hallway, in the direction she was pointing, was my little grandson. Bare feet running as fast as he could. He was headed for the cookie store he loved so much. With great relief, I turned to thank the woman who had blocked my path mere seconds before. She was gone. Nowhere to be found. She was not in the store, nor the mall, and I knew in that moment it was Bryson’s angel. I quickly retrieved my grandson and breathed a sigh of relief, thanking God for sending His angel to assist and protect.

There are angels among us.

Considering the climate of our world today, I believe we all need to be reminded of the promises of God concerning angels. With all we deal with daily, jobs, family, rising prices, and violence across our nation, I thank God for these promises.

Angels Are Ordered to Protect

For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands, so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone (Psalm 91:11–12 NLT).

God has given a command concerning you and your family. He has ordered His angels to protect you wherever you go. He goes so far to say they won’t even allow you to hurt your foot on a stone. We must, as God’s people, take this promise to heart and declare it over ourselves and our family on a regular basis. I personally thank God each time I get in my vehicle. I thank Him that the angels of God have been ordered to watch over me and bring me home safe. I pray this same prayer over my grandchildren who drive.

Angels Serve God’s People

Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation? (Hebrews 1:14 NKJV).

The word minister in this verse means to attend to as a servant and to bring relief to. Angels are sent by God to serve God’s people. They are listening for instruction that lines up with God’s word so they can assist you and me. They can bring relief in situations if we only employ them according to God’s word.

Angels Deliver

The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them (Psalm 34:7 NKJV).

Angels are sent to deliver God’s people. We see this in the life of Peter. In the book of Acts, we read that Peter was in prison, bound with chains. However, those chains could not stop God. God sent angels to deliver Peter from this impossible situation. He desires to do the same for you. He is the same God today.

Angels Perform God’s Word

Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His word (Psalm 103:20 NKJV).

Angels are listening for us to speak the word of God into our situation. Angels will not perform every word that comes out of our mouths, but they do heed the voice of the word of God and perform God’s word in our lives. If we are expecting angels to work on our behalf, we must make sure our words line up with God’s word.

Angels Guard Those Who Belong to God

For it is written, He will give His angels charge over you to guard and watch over you closely and carefully … (Luke 4:10 AMP).

This is what I saw that day with my grandson. God had given this angel charge over Bryson, to guard and watch him closely. Even when he wandered out of our sight, God had His angels watching that little boy. For that I am eternally grateful. God is no respecter of persons. He is doing the same thing for you and your children today.

Angels Minister to God’s People

Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him (Matthew 4:11 NKJV).

That day, in the wilderness, the angels of God came and attended to Jesus. They served Him. They fed Him and provided for His every need. They will do the same for us if we only believe.

Angels Fight Opposition on Our Behalf

Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia” (Daniel 10:12–13).

Daniel had prayed for an answer, and God had immediately responded. However, the enemy had attempted to stop Daniel’s answer from reaching him. God sent His warring angels to fight their way through. Take note, the angels came because of Daniel’s words! It is vital that our words align with God’s. When they do, God will do whatever it takes, including sending warring angels to fight for us, to make sure we receive our answered prayer.

There are indeed angels among us, and they each have a job to do. Are you employing the assistance of angels daily? Are you speaking the word of God, giving them something to work with? Do you expect the angels of God to watch over you and your family? If not, I recommend you change that today.

Angels are real. We see their handiwork all throughout the Bible, from beginning to the very end. They have a job to do, and they need our cooperation to do it. Begin to expect the angels of God to work on your behalf today. You will be so glad you did.

The Only True God

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Christ the Redeemer statue, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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

Regarding Christians, Muslims, and Jews, some say that the God they all worship is the same. But the Bible is clear that the only true God is the One who is known through faith and belief in Jesus’ name.

Realize it’s a fallacy that knowing God is the same to all three…for Jesus said that “No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

His words hold true for other “faiths,” too, whichever they may be. Again, “No one comes to the Father,” Jesus emphasized, “except through Me.”

There aren’t “many paths to God,” but He has provided a blessed one–opened for us by way of Calvary’s cross through Jesus Christ, His beloved and only begotten Son.

P. A. Oltrogge

…by the power of the Holy Spirit, many Jewish people are coming to know and believe in Jesus, the Jewish Messiah. Muslims and others are also finding faith in Jesus Christ for eternal salvation and for living a blessed life now.

“For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:17

“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 who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:36

“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” John 6:37

“You know neither Me nor My Father. If you knew Me, you would know My Father also.” John 8:19

“I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” John 10:9-11

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'” John 14:6

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

“And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ.” Matthew 1:16

“While he (Peter) was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!’” Matthew 17:5

“Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess…coming in that instance, she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him (Jesus) to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” From Luke 2:36-38

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation to everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16

“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

“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

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

Scriptures NKJV

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by Robert Nyman

To obtain a Bible and other Christian books, visit: http://www.christianbook.com

Keeping Confidence in the LORD

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“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

Shakings and Hope

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Sharing today…by Kim Potter: http://www.anewthingministries.com

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)

God’s Word, Our Compass

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“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

Book recommendation: “The Spirit of Faith” at: http://www.markhankins.org

See today’s post on prayer by Dutch Sheets: http://www.givehim15.com

A Very Present Help

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“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Psalm 46:1 KJV

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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

And as always, visit today’s: http://www.givehim15.com

Praying for Notable Miracles

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Dear Porch of the Lord blog followers:

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 good fight of faith, 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

Scriptures: NKJV



Compassionate Words from Jesus

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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

Sin Stained…or Blood Washed?

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“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