Beloved, to God, you are His rose in the rain; and don’t ever think He doesn’t feel your pain. Trials aren’t sent to us by the Lord–No, they’re deep rivers that He alone helps us ford.
The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy, but we’ve got God’s Word to foil the thief’s ploy. God’s promises are sure–He never has lied; and the desire of your heart will surely be supplied!
With our eyes on God’s Word, we persevere. We know this fulfillment is already here! For faith says right now what isn’t seen with our eyes, because we know that our God has heard our hearts’ cries.
A rose in the rain, but you’re hardy and strong—You trust in God’s Word and in Him to Whom you belong. There’s an answer in God for every problem we face; so we thank You, Heavenly Father, for the answer by Your grace.
P. A. Oltrogge
…and for any men reading this, you could be compared to a strong tree that is able to weather storms…
“The righteous cry and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” Psalm 34:17-19
“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
“Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 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; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” Ephesians 6:10-20
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
“Only be thou strong and very courageous….” Joshua 1:7
If ever there was a subject that should be put into poetic form, it’s that of the magnificent rainbow, which can suddenly appear after a storm.
As the sun starts shining, it’s especially vivid, after the rain has poured; and its message comes from God, as it’s the signature of the Lord.
He said that He was setting His bow in the clouds, to always remind afresh, of His covenant made with Noah and his sons, and every living creature of all flesh…
that never again would He send a flood to cover the entire expanse of the earth. To all successive generations, the rainbow’s reminded of this covenant of great worth.
We remember today that Noah was a real person, who steadfastly undertook…the building of a great ark by God’s direction, no matter how, to others, that would look.
It took many decades to accomplish the task, and there never had been a flood. Today, God is offering the safety of an ark that was “built” by Jesus’ sacrificial blood.
God is not willing for any to perish. He’s giving much time to accept His invitation, to enter into the ark of the Lord–His provision for any person of any nation.
When I see the rainbow there in the sky, I’m reminded of God’s covenant made to mankind–including the one He made for us through Jesus, the greatest covenant He wants all of us to find.
P. A. Oltrogge
“But I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall enter the ark….” Genesis 6:18
“Then God said, ‘I am giving you a sign of my covenant with you and with all living creatures, for all generations to come. I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth. When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, and I will remember my covenant with you and with all living creatures. Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life. When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth.’ Then God said to Noah, ‘Yes, this rainbow is the sign of the covenant I am confirming with all the creatures on earth.’” Genesis 9:14-17
“For this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you for the remission of sins.” Matthew 26:28
“But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises.” Hebrews 8:6
“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. No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.” John 1:16-18
“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
“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
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10 NASB
Whenever there’s a “darkest hour,”
the name of Jesus is our strong tower.
When things are rough and are looking bleak,
it’s then that faith must confidently speak.
All things are possible with our God…
He makes flowers to rise through the stubborn sod.
God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear–
the message from Him is to be of good cheer!
We often want to be able to see the victory first,
but faith sees a good outcome when things seem at their worst.
Look past any image that speaks of defeat.
See (and say) it as God sees it–your victory’s complete!
P. A. Oltrogge
“But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26
“So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.’” …from Mark 11:20-26
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” …spoken by Jesus in John 16:33
“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Acts 2:36
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:1-5
““Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:26-29
“Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 (NASB)
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith….” …from Hebrews 12:1-3
“YouareofGod, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4
“Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world–our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”1 John 5:1-5
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but 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
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Perhaps you’ve heard these words from the Christian song, “I’ve Got the Life of God in Me”…
I’ve got the life of God in me…
I’ve got the life of God in me…
I’ve got His life, His nature, and His ability…
I’ve got the life of God in me!
(The song continues, supplementing the word, “life” with the additional words of “joy,” “faith,” “love,” “peace,” and “strength.” It can be found on You Tube, as sung by the Rhema Singers and Band.)
God goes with His children wherever they go. He gave us Jesus, for He loved us so.
Being confident of His presence, we live our lives. Through His Word, prayer, and indwelling Spirit, the believer thrives!
P. A. Oltrogge
“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever–the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” John 14:16-17
“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. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:1-12
“…for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’” Acts 17:28
“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” Romans 8:11
“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1
Matthew 1:23; Acts 4:10; Acts 17:28; Romans 6:4; Hebrews 13:5
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30
Since Jesus said His yoke is easy and that His burden is light, I shouldn’t let things that seem worrisome keep me up in the night.
I need to cast on Jesus all of my worries and cares instead, for He lovingly said that He has numbered the very hairs of my head.
If I’m worrying, I’m saying that God isn’t really big enough, to handle or resolve problems that, to my mind, seem so tough.
Can’t He who created your own brain know better what to do? Consider that and believe that it’s His ability that will see you through.
Why not fully release to God the things that you’ve prayed about? Put all your confidence in Him and leave no room at all for doubt.
When he who tempts with fear is urging you to be distraught, just say, “I’ve cast my cares on Jesus,” by the faith that He has taught.
Then go ahead and rest in His love–know it is done and give Him praise. Remember He leads in green pastures where His sheep may safely graze.
P. A. Oltrogge
“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
“Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-8
“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” Jeremiah 32:27
“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.” Proverbs 21:1
“But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26
“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
“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” Hebrews 12:2
“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in you.” Psalm 56:3
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures….” Psalm 23:1-2
“Walk with Me,” by Greg Olsen. Used with Permission: www.gregolsen.com
…a meditation of the believer….
I want to “walk with Jesus,” as His disciples did along Galilee’s shore. I want to meditate on His Word, that I may learn of and grow in Him more.
I want to share His peace and love and to dispel confusion and doubts. People need to find the way to God. Jesus is the way–there are no other routes.
I want to do what He specified before He ascended to His Father’s right hand–to step out in faith, doing the things He said–the works that God has planned.
I want to join others in being His hands and feet–He always cared for the people’s needs. As believers, we follow His example. In Matthew 25, He listed such deeds.
Without Christ, I can do nothing–I must be diligent to abide in the Vine, listening for His voice and direction, that I may “let my light so shine.”
An old hymn says, “If you cannot speak like angels, if you cannot preach like Paul, you can tell of the love of Jesus–you can say that He died for all.”
And recalling His assurances, when troubled times take place…I’ll trust in the plans of the Father’s heart–in the counsel of He who saved me by His grace.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
“Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.’
“So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.” Mark 16:14-20
“Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.” Matthew 25:34-36
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:1-11
“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:4-10
“And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.” 1 John 3:23
“The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance.” Psalm 33:10-12
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most high will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’” Psalm 91:1-2 and all of Psalm 91
Keep your eyes upon the victory, though the miracle shore seems far. That’s what you need to do when you’re at “where you are.”
Don’t let your eye of faith become for you, instead, an eye of fear. Nearby winds and waves distract–especially when victory is near.
A double-minded person is, himself, like a wave of the sea–driven and tossed by the wind, giving attention to adversity.
So focus on the victory “lighthouse” that’s beaming out for you. Give it greatly your attention, and the Lord will see you through.
That lighthouse, you recognize, is God’s unfailing Word. It’s the light unto your pathway, and on which you’ve believed after having heard.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” Hebrews 11:1-2 NIV
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17 NKJV
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” James 1:2-8 NKJV
“My son, give attention to My words; incline your ear to My sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes. Keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4:20-22 NKJV
“Your Word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 NLT
“Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
“Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’ And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ So He said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.
“But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’ And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly, You are the Son of God,’” Matthew 14:22-33 NKJV
“God has spoken once, Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God.” Psalm 62:11
He gives powertotheweak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. Isaiah 40:29
“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19 words of Jesus…
“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” 1 John 5:4
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” Romans 8:11
“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
“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” Jeremiah 32:27
“But He answered and said, ‘It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4
“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in times past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds, who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” Hebrews 1:1-4
“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.” Galatians 5:6
“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
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'” Matthew 28:18-20
“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 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 3:14-17
Lord, help me to always have a thankful heart, even if things seem to have gone wrong–for it’s only by trusting in Your love, that the faith in my heart will remain strong.
Help me to see what’s been good, and how You have touched my days. Then, in thinking upon such things, my words will be given to praise.
Help me to thank You, in faith, for any specific blessing I might desire. Let thankfulness be my “prayer” always, for it’s that which will lift me higher.
And I should thank You in front of problems. There’s benefit and healing in laughter—believing in Your solutions before they’re seen, not waiting to have joy ’til after.
Keep me from forgetting to count blessings, or of thinking only of my own concerns; for it’s in considering the various needs of others, that any discontent turns.
Remind me to look to Your finished work and Your victory for us through the cross. As the Israelites looked at the serpent on a pole, only then were they kept from loss.
Thank You for giving me the example, of earnestly seeking Your Father’s will, so that I may do the same with my own life, seeking His plan to follow and fulfill.
Yes, even if I’ve gone through something hard or have come to a difficult place, I want to thank You for being there for me, with Your presence, Your love, and Your grace.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” Psalm 100:4
“Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.” Hebrews 13:15 NASB
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17
“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:1-4
“All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.” Proverbs 15:15
“A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.” Proverbs 15:13 …and “A merry heart does good, like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.” Proverbs 17:22
“Trust in Him at all times, you people. Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah” Psalm 62:8
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” …spoken by Jesus in John 16:33
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 NASB
“The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
“Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits. The God of our salvation! Selah.” Psalm 68:19
“And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Make a fiery serpent (of bronze) and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live.’” Numbers 21:8 AMP
“‘And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.’ So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.” Mark 16:17-19 KJV
“And He said to them, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.’” Luke 10:18-20
“For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.” Colossians 1:19-20
Scriptures: NKJV or as noted.
In these times, when we may need supernatural help, we are so thankful to be able to look to the cross and Jesus’ finished work there on our behalf, for our forgiveness, well-being, and eternal life–such wonderful gifts of God. Thank You, Lord!
“He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.” Psalm 91:15-16 (and all of Psalm 91)
“Lost No More” by Greg Olsen. Used with Permission. www.GregOlsen.com
Jesus is known as, and called, “the Lion of the tribe of Judah;” and Proverbs says that the righteous are “bold as a lion.”
But a favorite thought of mine about Jesus, our Savior, is that He is our Good Shepherd–the loving Lord of Zion.
It’s a comfort to contemplate being His lamb– He makes us to lie down in pastures that are green…
and then to follow His leading beside the still waters– These words describe a peaceful, contented scene.
Yes, Jesus is God’s great, victorious Son–“a Lion!” He courageously said and did what His Father decreed.
Yet He said that He was “gentle and lowly in heart”– just the kind of attribute a caring shepherd would need.
But if, at any time, His lambs should come under attack, that gentleness is intertwined with His rescuing that’s bold.
He is ever lion-hearted in watching over His flock, and towards drawing more loved, lost sheep into His fold.
P. A. Oltrogge
postscript:
Jesus, it’s also true, was, Himself, the Lamb of God, fulfilling dual roles. He’s Shepherd of the sheep, yet became the sinless sacrificial Lamb appointed, to make the vital payment to save men’s souls.
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“But one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.’ And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth.” Revelation 5:5-6
“The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” Proverbs 28:1
“Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells in Zion! Declare His deeds among the people.” Psalm 9:11
“Blessed be the Lord out of Zion, Who dwells in Jerusalem! Praise the Lord!” Psalm 135:21
“Behold, I lay in Zion, A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.” from 1 Peter 2:6
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf snatches them and scatters the flock. He flees because he is a hired hand and does not care about the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know My own, and My own know Me, just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice; and they will become one flock, with one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it back. No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it back. This commandment I received from My Father.” John 10:11-18 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. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” John 10:27-30
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10 KJV
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” Psalm 32:8
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads 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 You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 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
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Jesus, our Advocate with the Father:
“Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” Romans 8:34
“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.” 1 John 2:1
“…by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant. Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:22-25
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“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! TheLamb ofGod who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29
“He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.” John 12:48-50
“Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21
The Porch of the Lord 