After the rain, the sun will come out… Of the Lord’s faithfulness, we must not doubt.
Rain is most often a life-giving thing… May the “rains” of life be faith-strengthening.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23 RSV
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from the hand of the enemy….” Psalm 107:1-2
“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” Psalm 107:8-9
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” James 1:2-3 NASB
“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart….” Luke 18:1
Jesus said: “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.” …from Matthew 7:24-29
“When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:2
My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace; In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.
His oath, His covenant, and blood, Support me in the whelming flood; When every earthly prop gives way, He then is all my Hope and Stay. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.
When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in Him be found; Clothed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne! On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.
Written, 1834 by Edward Mote Composed, 1873 by John Stainer
“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope, to Timothy, a true son of the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Timothy 1:1-3
“Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:1-2
When all seems lost, at times, there’s still a strong beacon of Light. Hold on to the Lord Jesus Christ, with a faith grip that’s very tight.
The devil seeks to completely destroy your confident trust in the Master. We can never doubt God’s compassion and love–even in times of disaster.
Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world, but to save us and redeem us from the curse, while satan works to steal, kill, and destroy–only to make lives worse.
The steadfast love of God never ceases; His mercies are new every day. He gladly hears those seeking the Savior–and, absolutely, hears His children when they pray.
God’s love is seen through His servants, who go about giving aid…to those who have need of His help, so their glimmer of hope won’t fade.
Faith, hope, and love are vital, but love is the most highly rated. Through prayers, with and for others, and the use of our helping hands, God’s love is communicated.
And on the cross of Calvary, His love profoundly beamed…through His Son’s willingness to give His life, so that our lives could be redeemed.
Lord, we do sense your love and presence in the midst of things that are dire, by way of the Holy Spirit, who reminds that our God is “the Rock” that is higher.
“… For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:5 NLT
P. A. Oltrogge
“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13
“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
“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.” Jesus, in John 10:10-11
“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.” Jesus, in John 3:16-17
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” Romans 1:16
“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” Galatians 3:13-14
“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
“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:12
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21 (and entire chapter)
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” 1 John 5:14-15
“Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.” Jesus, in Mark 11:24-25
“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever—the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you.” Jesus, in John 14:16-17 AMP
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.” Psalm 42:5
“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
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.’” John 8:12
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Jesus, in Matthew 5:14-16
“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.’
“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” Jesus, in Matthew 25:34-40
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Ministries through which to help share God’s love have previously been mentioned on the Porch of the Lord, and you likely have others of which you’re aware. We continue to pray regarding the many situations in this world that need our prayers. See today’s post on General George S. Patton, a fighter for the good, who believed in prayer, at: www.givehim15.com
The beauty of this peacock’s fanned-out feathers is a unique display… of one of God’s masterful designs, among the many seen in nature on any given day.
Notice this delicate, little hummingbird and its shade of turquoise blue— Only the Lord Himself could have adorned it with such a lovely hue.
And consider the magnificent body, soul, and spirit He has given to you… The privilege of spending time with our Creator is such an important thing to do.
Jesus emphasized that, certainly, we are of more value than the birds, which makes us eager to meet with Him daily, esteeming His divine words.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore!” Psalm 105:4
“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Matthew 6:26
“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’” Genesis 1:26
“For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one.” 1 John 5:7
“All things were made through Him, and without Him, nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” John 1:3-4
“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 KJV
“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
“And Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.’” John 6:35
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you….” James 4:8
“Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, ‘Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.’ And Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things; But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.’” Luke 10:38-42
“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
Just because something set you back in the past, doesn’t have to mean that that “stronghold” will last.
For God has a strong hold on His sons and daughters, to bring them safely through in crossing deep waters.
As you resist the devil and his every concocted doubt, that evil attack from him must then be on its way out.
Peter left the boat to meet Jesus and walked upon the sea, but fear from a blast of the wind caused Peter’s faith to flee.
He cried out, beginning to sink–then felt the immediate pull, of the Lord’s victorious hand on him for a recovery that was full.
Keep a strong hold on what Jesus, our Lord, has said. Replace the devil’s thoughts of fear with faith in God, instead.
Proclaim, “I receive it!” the moment you’ve prayed. Then rest in His peace as your mind on Christ is stayed.
Say unto this mountain, and it will be removed….especially say the Word–God’s Truth that has been proved!
P. A. Oltrogge
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ….” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2
“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.” Nahum 1:7
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
“But He (Jesus) 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
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you… For I am the !ord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior….” Isaiah 43:2, 3
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3
“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
“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
“As for God, His way is perfect; The Word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.” Psalm 18:30
“You are of God, 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
“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….” Ephesians 6:14-18
“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
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“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, and said to 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
(This occurred after the disciples had just seen Jesus feed a multitude of people from having blessed just five loaves and two fish.) verse 21: “Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children.”
Our Lord is mighty to save!
Visit the resources mentioned on this blog, such as: www.faithschool.org
Jairus, a synagogue official, came earnestly looking for Jesus, and knelt at the Teacher’s feet. His daughter was at the point of death; and he knew it was Jesus whom he needed to entreat.
He begged, “Please come and lay your hands on her that she may get well and live.” Jesus went off with Jairus–a great throng followed, for they knew He had so much to give.
On the way to Jairus’s home, a woman who needed healing, too, would draw from the Lord’s power first. She had suffered twelve years, and had sought help of many physicians, yet the condition was at its worst.
Having heard about Jesus, she thought of putting action to the faith that had risen inside her heart–that a mere touch to His garment would release enough power for the constant plague to depart.
She may have rehearsed in her mind what she intended to do, complete healing being her goal. But she also gave voice to the faith in her heart, “If I may touch but His clothes, I shall be whole.”
She came up in the crowd; and upon touching His cloak, immediately sensed she was healed! Perceiving that His power had just gone forth, Jesus asked that the recipient be revealed.
The disciples were surprised that He would ask this, as so many were pressing in on Him all about. Jesus looked around to see the woman who had touched Him, who’d received by faith, without any doubt.
Fearing and trembling, she came and fell at His feet; and He listened to her story that she then told. He said, “Daughter, your faith has made you well, go in peace…” Her faith had been subtle, but yet it had been bold.
While He still spoke, some from Jairus’s house came, with news that cut to the heart’s core. With finality, they said to Jairus, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the Teacher any more?”
Jesus heard what they’d said, but turned to Jairus, with these calming words that assured: “Do not be afraid any longer, only believe,” which gave him hope that she still could be cured.
Only Peter, James, and John, the brother of James, were allowed to follow further to Jairus’s place. There, they found many people loudly weeping and wailing, because of his daughter’s case.
“Why make a commotion and weep? The child has not died but is asleep,” Jesus declared. Then they laughed Him to scorn; but He sent them all out, knowing that her life was already spared.
He took along the child’s father and mother and His companions to enter where the child lay. Taking her by the hand, “Talitha, kum!” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” was all that He needed to say.
Immediately, Jairus’s daughter got up; and she began to walk, to the amazement of those in the room. This was another of the miracles of Jesus–where what spoke of death suddenly reversed to live and bloom!
The faith of a father acting on behalf of his daughter, or a daughter acting on her own–in either case, the compassion of God to answer is certainly emphatically shown.
Likewise, the miracle power of Jesus Christ is available for any of us today… Perhaps think of the stories of either of these daughters at those times when you have a need about which to pray.
P. A. Oltrogge
…a poetic telling of the account in Mark 5…
(“Talitha cumi” in the King James version)
“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 that find them, And health to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4:20-22 NKJV
You can enter “101” in the search bar, above, to review “101 Things God Said About Healing”
Dear follower/friend of this blog:
“Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 John 2 NASB
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”Psalm 91:1
Recently, a minister shared a message about people who were living in Noah’s day. Noah was a preacher of righteousness, but the people didn’t listen to what he had to say.
As such, Noah certainly told them that a time was coming when the ark that was under his construction…would be lifted up on floodwaters, and that he knew this from God’s instruction.
Not having listened to the warning, except for Noah and his family, all were swept away; and “as in the days of Noah,” many are living under the shadow of darkness and death today.
They’re being warned that a day is coming (and even now) when they’ll need the safety of “The Ark,” …which is found in God’s grace through Jesus Christ, who is “the Light” that brings escape from the dark.
Anyone can come under the shadow of that “Ark” today. May people repent because of their sin…and find God’s forgiveness and join His family in Christ. Through faith in Jesus’ name and sacrificial blood, they can “enter in.”
P. A. Oltrogge
“…and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly….” 2 Peter 2:5
“And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.” Luke 17:26-27
“But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart’ (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:8-10
“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
…of John, the Baptist:
“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, To give knowledge of salvation to His people By the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:76-79
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “Iamthelightoftheworld. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have thelightoflife.” John 8:12
“For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins…..
“For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.” from Colossians 1:13-23
photo…Jumonville cross, Pennsylvania
Visit: www.christinprophecy.org
This ark structure was built according to the dimensions recorded in the Bible and is located in Williamstown, Kentucky…photo/Unsplash.
Visit: www.arkencounter.com
“Because You have been my help, therefore in theshadow of Your wings I will rejoice.” Psalm 63:7
“In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:9-11
with thanks to God, that He’s making things right.
For God, there is nothing that is too hard.
Rely on that truth in any regard.
Pray and obey, as the Lord leads;
meditate on His Word, from which wisdom proceeds.
It may take some time to see right come about…
Just remember He’s faithful and reject any doubt.
There are times in our lives that seem dark and bad,
but keep trusting God, our Father. He’s the very best Dad!
P. A. Oltrogge
But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. Galatians 4:4-7 NLT
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven…” Matthew 6:9-10 KJV
“But Jesus told him, ‘Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God,’” (Luke 9:62 NLT) and Jesus said “The fields are already white for harvest” (John 4:35) and 1 Corinthians 9:10speaks of plowing in hope….
When things transpire in ways that we can’t fully understand, we need to keep faith in the goodness of God and the things which He has planned.
Sometimes we become focused on bad news or a loss, instead of meditating on Jesus’ victory over satan through the cross.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. Fully trust in Jesus, and don’t be unnerved by the devil’s grandstanding.
He wants you to contemplate disasters that he has brought about–thereby building up unbelief and causing you to doubt.
And to fuel your fears, he’ll get you to dwell on those things that seem fearful. He doesn’t want you to “count it all joy” or, with the joy of the Lord, to be cheerful.
Joseph of the Old Testament was stalwart in keeping faith in God, whose hand was kept upon him throughout the difficult pathways he trod.
God sent an angel to the apostle Paul, who was on a ship that was in a fierce storm, to reassure him and the others on board when troubles continued to form.
Jesus kept faith in His Father while carrying out what He’d asked Him to do. For the joy ahead that He “saw,” He trusted God’s guidance to help Him through.
Just as a farmer, despite a rain shower, may continue to work in the field, let’s plow on through, with faith in God, knowing the profit which that will yield.
And if circumstantial “rains” get too rough, we’ll find shelter in Jesus’ name. It’s the high tower for the safety of those for whom He came….
all those who believe in and have put their faith firmly and forever in Him! As we follow the Light of the World, our own lights in this world will not grow dim.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV
“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 14:10-12 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.” James 1:2-4 NKJV
“…Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 (Sometimes we may weep with those who weep (Romans 12:14-16); but, always, our Abba, Father, sustains us.)
“Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’” Galatians 4:6 NIV
“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’” Romans 8:15 NKJV
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 NKJV
“But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’” Matthew 14:27 NKJV
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV
“When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature. For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.
“You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.” Colossians 2:11-15 NLT
“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
“For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy.” Psalm 61:3 NKJV
A Psalm of David: 1 Praise the Lord, who is my rock. He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle. 2 He is my loving ally and my fortress, my tower of safety, my rescuer. He is my shield, and I take refuge in him. He makes the nations submit to me.” Psalm 144:1-2 NLT
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10 NKJV
“While He (Jesus) was still speaking, they came from the house of the synagogue official (Jairus), saying, ‘Your daughter has died, why trouble the Teacher anymore?’ But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, ‘Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.’” (from Mark 5:35-36 NASB)
“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” Genesis 50:20 NKJV (spoken by Joseph, to his brothers)
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12 NKJV (and believers are lights to the world, as stated in Matthew 5:14-16)
The delicate beauty of this Queen Anne’s Lace was designed by the Lord, who gives amazing grace… Those who make Jesus their Lord, gain the gift of salvation; and angels are assigned to minister to them in every nation.
When Joseph, betrothed to the virgin Mary, learned that she was pregnant, a situation troubling for him to understand,
an angel in a dream revealed to him that the child had been conceived by the Holy Spirit, for the Savior’s birth, which God had planned.
At Jesus’ birth, in Bethlehem, then, the skies were filled with rejoicing angels of great number,
appearing to shepherds, keeping watch over their flock, amid people’s nighttime slumber.
Again, in a dream, an angel spoke to Joseph, to flee to Egypt to escape Herod’s attack,
until he would tell him, at a later time, when and where it would be safe for them to come back.
As an adult, and after His baptism by John, Jesus experienced a time of temptation.
He fasted in the wilderness and withstood the devil’s taunts. Then angels ministered to Him after its duration.
Much later, at prayer in Gethsemane’s garden, Jesus began to feel very great distress
about fulfilling His Father’s will at the cross. So His Father sent an angel there to bless,
strengthen, and comfort Him…as the time for His trial and crucifixion had begun to loom.
Perhaps the angel reminded Jesus that He would be raised up—in victory over the tomb.
Scripture states that Jesus endured the cross because, ahead, He could see the joy—
He would be loved as our Redeemer…from the devil’s works, which He had come to destroy.
Upon His resurrection, heaven sent angels to greet early mourners at the tomb’s site,
to tell them that Jesus had been raised from the dead, dispelling any sorrow they’d had or fright.
Then, we read in Acts, of when Simon Peter, the Lord’s disciple, had been wrongfully jailed,
that God sent an angel to work a jailbreak, proving that Peter’s brethren’s prayers hadn’t failed.
And the apostle, Paul, was on a ship to Rome, sailing in a turbulent storm at sea—
when an angel appeared to him with a message, that no loss of life would there be.
Angels are noted throughout scripture. They minister to the heirs of salvation.
As believers, we are recipients of their aid, and they serve throughout every nation.
I thank the Lord for their service, for their presence as we walk life’s many trails.
I can think of times past when I sensed their protection. Through faith, prayer, and their help, God’s Kingdom never fails.
P. A. Oltrogge
References: Matthew 1:18-24; Matthew 2; Luke 2:1-20; Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:9-12; Luke 22:41-44; Hebrews 12:2; 1 John 3:8; Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:11-13; Acts 12; Acts 27:23-25; Hebrews 1:13-14
“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
“Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.” Psalm 103:20 KJV
“Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty, Who cover yourself with light as with a garment, Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain. He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters, Who makes the clouds His chariot, Who walks on the wings of the wind, Who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flame of fire.” Psalm 104:1-4 NKJV
“Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ, the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.’” Luke 2:10-12 NKJV
“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.” Matthew 18:10-11 NKJV
“…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 NKJV
”He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8 NKJV
“Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” Hebrews 1:13-14 NKJV
“For He shall give His angels charge over you , to keep you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11 NKJV
“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts! Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all you stars of light!” Psalm 148:1-3 NKJV
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Please visit today’s message regarding the angels at: www.givehim15.com
Another encouraging devotional message today is at: www.josephprince.org
The Porch of the Lord 