Tag Archives: Faith

God’s Unexpected Providence

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by Dr. Paul J. Palma

Few of us can say we were planning on the COVID-19 outbreak and the resulting lockdowns of 2020. Let’s be honest—the coronavirus pandemic was unexpected. I know I speak for most when I say we weren’t planning on the heightened health protocols and stay-at-home orders that ensued.

One of the consequences many encountered in the months of the pandemic was closed churches. Instead of the regular Sunday morning family outing to our local parish, we grew accustomed to the intimate setting of our family room huddled over Scripture in prayer and song. Over the course of 2020, we worked through the seasons of Superbook (found at http://www.cbn.org ) and the accompanying Bible passages. This closeknit environment proved to be pivotal in our kids’ faith journeys. The hours spent in Scripture after each episode allowed my wife and me to respond deliberately to each of their questions and concerns. Over the course of what turned out to be several months of stay-at-home Sunday fellowship, each prayed to invite Jesus into their heart as their personal Savior. The unexpected events of 2020 turned into a watershed experience as God guided us deeper into our faith.

God’s providence often manifests in unforeseen ways. Consider the example of the Apostle Paul and his companions who planned to spread God’s Word in Asia. Yet, God had other plans. Chapter 16 of the book of Acts depicts God intervening in their ministry arrangements, indeed, it says, the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time. (Acts 16:6) They wanted earnestly to share the Gospel in one place, but God disclosed His greater purpose. Although He closed one door, He quickly opened another, guiding them into an immense harvest in Macedonia. In the region’s leading city, Philippi, they met Lydia, who believed in Jesus as her Savior together with her whole family. After she and her household were baptized (v. 15), Lydia started a small house fellowship which became the first biblical account of the Christian church in the Western world.

In Proverbs, Solomon, Israel’s wisest king, wrote:

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. (Proverbs 19:21)

Despite our loftiest plans, God has something even bigger in store. Life’s unexpected twists and turns are often the moments of deepest personal growth. A detour along your route may lead to a surprising opportunity down a road you never intended to venture. One closed door has the potential to unlock another unforeseen and more rewarding one. Indeed, along that unpredicted road or behind that unanticipated door you will find God’s purposes prevailing in your midst.

Lord, guide me according to Your purposes that I may encounter fresh avenues of faith and new horizons of harvest. Grant me the assurance, that although one road or door is closing before me, another, far better one is opening somewhere else.

Encouraged to be Shared/CBN Devotional

Dr. Paul J. Palma is a Regent University professor and the author of three books, including Embracing Our Roots: Rediscovering the Value of Faith, Family, and Tradition. He’s also a worship leader, husband, and father of three who enjoys spending time with his family on walks, trips to the beach, and reading.

Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Every Morning, Every Moment

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“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 3:22-23 RSV

Various translations of the Bible may state a scripture in a slightly different way. Regarding the verse above, here’s what I sometimes like to think or say…

His mercies are new every moment, for He will never forsake me. To me, that’s good to recall always–that His goodness and mercy overtake me…

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You–is another encouraging verse–especially when we’ve done all that we can possibly do.

Cast your burden upon the Lord, whether it’s large or small. We belong to the faithful Good Shepherd, on Whom we’re (at all times) privileged to call.

P. A. Oltrogge

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1

“Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah” Psalm 62:8

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3

“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 5:6-7

“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 

“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 understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

“…For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”  Matthew 1:23 KJV

“Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Psalm 55:22 NASB

“What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.” Matthew 10:29-30 NLT

“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” John 10:14

“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

“Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.
Know that the Lord, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
For the Lord is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.” Psalm 100 

“I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.” Psalm 116:1-2

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What a wonderful blessing it is to pray, for our own concerns and for those of others, along life’s way….

…I thank the Lord that His goodness and mercy are following you, me, and the 440 other followers of this blog. If, today, hope seems dim, I encourage you to keep looking to Him…

“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

“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31:24

“Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, just as we hope in You.”  Psalm 33:2

“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.” Psalm 42:11

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

The Invitation

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Due to copyrights, I can’t simply reprint a portion from Reinhard Bonnke’s book, Living a Life of Fire. He’s now in heaven; but since he cared so greatly about the soul of every individual, I believe he would be glad of the sharing of this incident, related in his book. I attempt here to tell it mainly in my own words for the benefit of those who may not have time to read the entire book.

Reinhard’s father, Hermann Bonnke, had served in the German army during World War II, though he had not liked seeing the rise of the new head of Germany. He never joined the Nazi party. Amazingly, he did not know of or learn of the atrocities committed towards the Jewish people in the concentration camps until nearing the very end, close to the time of the German defeat, when the war was being brought to a close by the allied forces. That was especially grievous for him to learn of because as a believer, he regarded the Jews as the chosen people through whom God had revealed the Messiah, Jesus, the Savior of all mankind.

While in a British prison barracks himself, then, for German soldiers, one day he had been excused from work detail due to not feeling well. As he lay in his bunk, with great despair and remorse, he repented to the Lord for having served in Germany’s army and told Him that for the rest of his life, he would dedicate it to serving Him. Suddenly, he heard a door open and some footsteps coming his way, so he rolled from the bunk to stand, in order to meet whoever it might be.

There, in a pure white robe, with Middle Eastern sandals on His feet, walking toward him was a Man, smiling, with His hands out as if to embrace him. When Hermann reached for His hand, he saw that it had been punctured completely through, by the force of a Roman nail. It was Jesus, and He said to him, “Hermann, I am so glad you are coming!” But just as quickly as He had arrived, He vanished before Hermann’s eyes.

Why that supernatural incident occurred, we can only speculate. To our minds, it might have been because he was in such despair over what he had been a part of, albeit unknowingly. Perhaps it was due to his own or due to the prayers of others. However, of course, it was a treasured moment that remained with Reinhard’s father forever. After he was released from prison, he did become a pastor for the rest of his life. 

I retell this story, in case you feel despair over anything you’ve done, (you can be forgiven), or if you feel despair over some other kind of circumstance, or even the present state of world problems–remember what we have to look forward to. Every believer in Jesus can think of the wedding feast or marriage supper of the Lamb, (Revelation 19:9), to which we’ve been invited. We can picture Jesus saying the same thing to us if we’ve received Him as our Savior and Lord (whom we’re privileged to serve while here on our earthly journey), and have accepted His invitation to that great occasion.

Therefore today, if you are a believer, insert your own name, and hear Jesus saying to you, “_________, I am so glad you are coming!”

P. A. Oltrogge
(Inspired by the autobiography
of Reinhard Bonnke)

Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.”  Revelation 19:9

A Remembrance on 9/11

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…of 23 years ago…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

P. A. Oltrogge

Photos from a visit to the Flight 93 Memorial

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

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

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17 

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

“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39 

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

…We continue to pray for the U.S.A., especially since so many are entering, of whom little or nothing is known…

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

Walking with Jesus

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

…a meditation of the believer….

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

P. A. Oltrogge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keep Speaking to the “Mountain”

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“Is not My word like a fire?” says the Lord,
“And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?”
Jeremiah 23:29

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Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” Immediately the fig tree withered away.

And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither away so soon?”

So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done. And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” Matthew 21:18-22

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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. Mark 11:22-24

Sometimes there are more than one mountain…but we persevere in faith… The testimony of a person at my church was that a problem (mountain) resolved for him in continuing to speak to it, in Jesus’ name…

If an illness is a “mountain” presently to you, consider obtaining Andrew Wommack’s book, “God Wants You Well,” in the Store at: http://www.awmi.net

photo/Pixabay

Welcoming Faith

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“The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore.” Psalm 121:8

I give no place to the torment of fear–

Only faith in Jesus is welcome here!

I close the door on letting fear come inside.

It’s under the shadow of the Almighty that I abide…

P. A. Oltrogge

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.” Psalm 91:1-2 (…and all of Psalm 91)

“The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.
The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore.” Psalm 121:7-8

“For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:32-33

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3

“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

“Then Jesus cried out and said, ‘He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me.'” John 12:44

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:6-8

“…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

“My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.” 1 John 2:1-2

“Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:17-19

“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

“And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.” 1 John 5:20

“Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.” Deuteronomy 28:6 (See all of Deuteronomy 28 for blessings through obedience versus disobedience to God)

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.” Psalm 110:10

“In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge.” Proverbs 14:26

“By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.” Proverbs 22:4

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

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

Father, thank You for ministries, such as Samaritan’s Purse and others, which go forth to help people who haven’t experienced the security expressed in this post–who are having to rebuild after devastation. Help believers worldwide to grow in confidence in You and your Word, which promises goodness and mercy to them all the days of their lives… in Jesus’ name, Amen

Mighty Angels in a Mighty Tempest

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The book, “A Mighty Tempest” may no longer be in print (my copy of the book is from 1992). But it tells the story of Michelle Hamilton, of Australia, who, in the midst of a remote island vacation that she and her mother, Rachelle, had taken, clung to a capsized canoe (bunca), for three days and two nights off of the Philippine coast, drifting for a hundred miles. 

Having received permission to share, the following is a brief excerpt from Michelle’s book, about the night of her encounter, of visibly seeing God’s mighty protective angels. Her entire testimony can be found on You Tube and in the archives of this blog, where it’s titled, “Lost at Sea.” Her testimony IS better called “Saved at Sea,” as there, she cried out to and found God, who she recalled something of from an occasional visit to a Sunday school as a child.  She dedicates her message to Jesus, the One who the wind and waves of the sea obey….

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Without warning, I sensed something near me. Swiveling around in every direction, I was confronted with only the dense blackness of the night. Suddenly surrounding me was an aura of magnetic, vibrating forces that electrically charged the air around me, so much so that I could tangibly feel it! Terrified, I tried to shrink into obscurity under the surface of the ocean. Up to my neck in water, with the acid taste of abject fear in my mouth, I waited, instinctively knowing I was about to experience a spiritual encounter. 

Suddenly, before my eyes the vibrating energy took form, an effervescent movement massing together like molecules of light and materializing into the visible images of three angels, not more than five feet from my bunca. Absolutely stunned, I was unable to move. I wanted to swim away from these intimidating spiritual beings. Closing my eyes, I tried to eliminate this vision, truly hoping that when I opened my eyes again, the angels would be gone and I would realize that this was just an apparition, a figment of my haunted mind. 

Opening my eyes again, I was assaulted with the truth: It was no apparition–I was in the presence of three angels. Angels from God, sent from heaven to protect me. I’d heard of people having heavenly visitations before, but I had dismissed these people as having overactive imaginations. Would my friends do the same to me? I experienced an eerie sensation as if the meeting of physical and spiritual beings was forbidden. Pure, blinding white light emanated from these three angels which stood together on the surface of the ocean. Towering above the surface, they appeared to be about nine feet tall. Coming from the area of their shoulders was the rounded protrusion of clearly defined feathery wings. With my mouth open in awe and fear, I looked on at these angels that stood on the ocean in a very stoic stance until the white aura of light from them diffused and disappeared. After several minutes, the visual sight of the three angels had dissolved, yet I continued to feel surrounded by what I can only describe as an electromagnetic force.

A tingling sensation rippled up and down my back as I felt a fourth angel directly behind me. Like a cloak, it spread its wings and wrapped them around my body, totally enveloping me. Looking down, I could see the clearly defined, but translucent, wings of the angel, looking very much like those of an enormously large bird. I was completely swathed in a protective covering. The angels were my defensive shield against the murderous ocean. I consciously knew their God-given mission was to keep a vigil throughout the night and guard me from the jaws of death. 

Although initially it was a chilling sensation to be in such close proximity to supernatural beings, the eerie feeling soon dissipated, and for the first time since the ordeal began, I felt safe! I felt an overwhelming sense of relief and comfort to know that God was watching over me. The thundering seas continued to pound my body mercilessly, and yet I felt cocooned by the angelic covering God had provided. As if encased in a glass screen box, I viewed the stormy tempest around me with a calm instilled in me that went beyond all human comprehension. 

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…the excerpt above is posted by P. A. Oltrogge

“Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.
In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.” Psalm 91:9-12

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

“I sought the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears…
The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.” Psalm 34:4, 7 NKJV

“The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
The God of glory thunders;
The Lord is over many waters.
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
The voice of the Lord is full of majesty.” Psalm 29:3-4 

Nothing Halfway

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“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

Our Lord Jesus doesn’t do things for us in a manner that’s halfway. We need to keep that in mind in regard to that for which we pray.

Just as He provided Peter with a net-breaking, miraculous catch, or made a few fish and loaves into an enough-for-a-multitude batch…

and as He healed the blind man who first saw men as trees that were moving, Jesus went on to heal the man’s sight totally, His “completion” power proving.

Still today, He’s with us always, not doing things by half-measure; but He desires to see us whole, for that’s always His Father’s will and pleasure.

And for any kind of “answer to prayer” that doesn’t seem quite right, we wait upon the Lord for His very best, for His is the power and might.

Remember the wedding banquet in Cana, where the best wine served was the last. It was Jesus’ miraculous touch that caused the first wine to be outclassed.

Let’s be assured He will answer our prayers in a way that’s truly complete, thereby displaying to all, once again, that Jesus secured the devil’s defeat.

P. A. Oltrogge

See Mark 8 for the feeding of four thousand and the instance of the blind man receiving full sight. John 2:1-11 tells of Jesus turning water into wine.

“And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:16-17

“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.” …spoken by Jesus in John 10:10

“But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8 NLT

“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.” …spoken by Jesus in John 16:23-24

“…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

And Jesus’ words on the cross, “It is finished!” were words of completion of the will of God and His Father’s calling upon His life.

“But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:25-32

“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

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

“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 understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” …from Psalm 107

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

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Like Sheep Without a Shepherd

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“And Jesus was going about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.

“And seeing the multitudes, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd.

“Then He said to His disciples, The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” 

Matthew 9:35-38 

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There wasn’t any kind of sickness or disease which Jesus couldn’t cure. Today, He’s still alive; and, of His mighty healing power, we can be equally sure.

Jesus felt compassion for the multitudes, knowing that they were downcast and distressed. Like sheep without a shepherd, they were in need of His touch to be blessed.

It’s still the same in the world today–there’s need for healing and protection, even from any plague. But of greatest need is healing for the soul–as the ability to know God, for many people, has seemed vague.

Jesus said the harvest is plentiful and that we’re to pray for workers to bring it in before the night. And we ourselves can answer the call to share with others, near or far, about His love and light.

Yes, “like sheep without a shepherd” is descriptive of multitudes still today. Open their eyes, heavenly Father, to the Lord Jesus, as their healer, Savior, and Shepherd. This, for them, we pray.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Lost No More” by Greg Olsen. Used with Permission.  http://www.GregOlsen.com

“I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.” John 10:14 NASB

“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.” John 10:27-28 NKJV

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

“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 NKJV

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Type “101 Things God Said About Healing” (or just 101) into the search bar for scripture references on healing.

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…for those in war-torn areas…

Father, give them time to be enlightened to secure their eternal destiny with You, through Jesus. We pray and thank You for sending out workers, in various ways, into the harvest. Protect and preserve lives everywhere. Thank You for those times we’ve seen Your clear intervention in the wars. We pray and thank You for continued angelic help. Heal those who have been wounded physically and emotionally… And we “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Psalm 122:6)… in Jesus’ name, Amen