Tag Archives: Faith

A Work of God Near the Pool of Siloam

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As told in John, chapter 9, Jesus’ disciples questioned Him one day, about a blind man they’d passed by who’d been born that way.

That he or his parents had sinned was their initial thought. Jesus said it was neither, but that a work of God should be wrought.

Then He spoke of doing God’s work before the coming night–and that while He was in the world, He was the world’s light.

After that, Jesus spit on the ground, to make some clay for the man, which He applied to his eyes, as the first step of God’s healing plan.

Then, washing in the pool of Siloam would turn out to be freeing. The man obeyed Jesus and washed there, and he came back seeing!

Those who’d known the man wondered if he could possibly be…the same beggar they had known, who’d been blind, but now could see.

When he said, “I am the one,” they questioned him as to how…such a thing could have happened, for his total blindness to “bow.”

Well, it bowed to “the man who is called Jesus,” was his immediate reply. “Where is He?” they asked; but he didn’t know, for Jesus had passed by.

Then he was brought before the Pharisees.  It was a Sabbath day. He told them, also, about the pool and Jesus having applied the clay.

Because Jesus had done this on a Sabbath, His divinity was dismissed. Keeping that law was a matter on which most of them would always insist.

Other Pharisees said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” So there was a division among them as they considered this in their minds.

Again, they questioned the formerly blind man, calling for his parents, too. The Pharisees doubted he’d been born blind and asked them if it was true.

They confirmed that he was their son who’d been blind from even day one. But how or by whom he’d been freed, they couldn’t say–“Just ask our son.”

They were afraid of being put out of the synagogue by giving laud to Christ. But their son said he only knew this–that Jesus’ healing touch had sufficed.

The synagogue leaders kept questioning him, to the extent that he, in turn, asked if they were wanting to be Jesus’ disciples–a notion which they spurned.

Calling him a disciple of Jesus, they said that they followed Moses of old. At that point, the man who’d been healed made statements that were bold:

“Well, here is an amazing thing, that you do not know where He is from, and yet He opened my eyes.  We know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing, and does His will, He hears him.  Since the beginning of time it has never been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind.  If this man were not from God, He could do nothing.”

That was enough for the Pharisees to berate him as being a sinful man. “Are you teaching us?” they said, and made him subject to a synagogue ban.

Jesus heard of this and then found him and asked him a question of His own. “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”  But of that title, he hadn’t known.

So he asked the Lord who that was, so that he could, therefore, believe. Jesus said the Son of Man was Himself.  (By God’s Spirit, He’d been conceived.)

“Lord, I believe,” were the heartfelt words of the man who had been born blind. Then he worshiped Jesus, who is the Son of Man and the Son of God combined!

Conclusion:
“Then Jesus told him, ‘I entered this world to render judgment–to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.’  Some Pharisees who were standing by heard Him and asked, ‘Are you saying we’re blind?’  ‘If you were blind, you wouldn’t be guilty,’ Jesus replied.  ‘But you remain guilty because you claim you can see.’”

(Scriptures from John 9, NKJV and NLT)

P. A. Oltrogge

…additionally:

“There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, ‘Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’ Nicodemus said to Him, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?’ Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.’” John 3:1-8

…for testimonies from the Healing Summits, visit: http://www.givehim15.com

Triumphant Hope in Jesus

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“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:6, 7

“Now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now we know in part, but then I shall know fully, just as I also have been fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12

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(A poem on renewal of hope after experiencing loss or a setback to faith.)

You came through difficult days–at times you felt vulnerable and disappointed. But, remember, you’re a child of God, and you’re still very much anointed.

Philippians 4:13 says you can do all things you’re called to do. Just keep your eyes fixed on Jesus–that’s Hebrews 12:2.

God is totally for you–His Word has made it clear. Don’t let past adversities cause you to doubt or fear.

We don’t fight against flesh and blood, but it’s a spiritual battle we wage; holding fast to your confidence is vital–it’s not time to disengage.

“Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before.”

That’s an old familiar hymn sung down through the years; and you have carried on so bravely, though sometimes there were tears.

As you continue in God’s Word, it will be a lamp unto your feet, and a light unto your path, bringing fellowship that’s sweet.

In studying the Bible, you’ve come to understand, that all that is good is from the Father’s hand.

Jesus went about healing, showing the Father’s true heart. He commanded the waves to be calm and the winds to depart.

The Old Testament account of Joseph tells of much that he withstood; but from what was meant for evil, God brought forth only good.

So keep listening to the Holy Spirit and using God’s Word as you pray. It’s the trustworthy sword of our armor–don’t let the enemy have any other say.

Plead the blood of Jesus…for our well-being, He was scarred. Stay strong in your precious faith in His Word, knowing it will guard.

A beautiful chapter of promise is Psalm ninety-one. We can claim it at each daybreak and even when the day is done.

Surely, you’ve gone through a hard place; but you’ll find by remaining bold, and confident in the Lord, Jesus Christ, your faith will remain more precious than gold.

“In the world you have tribulation, but…I have overcome the world,” Jesus said. Stand firm in that truth and you will find that God has many good things still ahead.

P. A. Oltrogge

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine; and acts upon them, may be compared to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock. And the rain descended, and the floods came; and the winds blew, and burst against the house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded upon the rock.” Matthew 7:24, 25

“…rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer.” Romans 12:12

“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 6:19-20

“Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow.” James 1:17

“Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.” 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

“But thanks be to God who always leads us in His triumph in Christ….”
2 Corinthians 2:14

Psalm 91 (entire Psalm)

“that being justified by His grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:7

“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

If one is suffering, we all suffer…

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Many of  you are aware that the Bible speaks of believers in Jesus as being “one body–Christ’s body.”  Here is a segment on the topic:

“But now there are many members, but one body.  And the eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you’; or again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’  On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary, and those members of the body, which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our unseemly members come to have more abundant seemliness, whereas our seemly members have no need of it.  But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, that there should be no division in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.  And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.  Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.”  1 Corinthians 12:20-27

If One is Suffering, We All Suffer….
a prayer
 

There are some in the body of Christ right now who are suffering very much. We ask, Lord, that You visit them with Your divine and healing touch.

We agree with Your Word that says You give Your mighty angels charge…over any situation–what seems small, and what we know is large.

Since we realize we are all one body in the Lord’s church across the world, we pray for those who are suffering from evil darts that the devil’s hurled.

…this could be from various things, such as the recent flooding in Texas–not sent from God…it could also be from persecution for one’s faith in Christ…

We pray for those who are persecuting them for their faith in Jesus, the Lord–that You will open their eyes to find You’re the God of love and not the sword.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and every one who loves is born of God and knows God.  The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.  By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so 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.”  1 John 4:7-10

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Comfort in suffering…

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:2-4

…thank You, Lord, that many were rescued from that flooding in Texas… We pray Your help and comfort to those families who suffered loss…

Thoughts on the Great American Flag on America’s Birthday

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From states along the eastern coast, to California and others in the west, our great American flag has symbolized that we’re a nation that’s blessed.

It’s surely the symbol of those who’ve given, for this great country, their all; and as it’s displayed from our homes and buildings, America’s rich history is recalled.

Representing the freedom and liberty that has always been so treasured…the U.S.A. has been blessed by God with blessings beyond measure.

Yes, we’re “one Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” But we must hold on to the God of the Bible–reverencing Him guards against a country’s downfall.

Today, we pray for America, trusting in God that He’s heard our fervent prayer…for all to appreciate the gem that’s America and its flag that waves faithfully in the air.

P. A. Oltrogge

…an endearing figurine of U.S. history’s flag seamstress, Betsy Ross…

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“…The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16 

“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart…” (from Luke 18:1-8)

“…if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

“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

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

“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

“He guards the paths of justice. And preserves the way of His saints.” Proverbs 2:8

“The Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.” Psalm 103:6

“It is a joy for the just to do justice, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.” Proverbs 21:15

“But in every nation he who venerates and has a reverential fear for God, treating Him with worshipful obedience and living uprightly, is acceptable to Him and sure of being received and welcomed (by Him). You know the contents of the message which He sent to Israel, announcing the good news (Gospel) of peace by Jesus Christ, Who is Lord of all—” Acts 10:35-36 AMPC

Quote from “Pray for our Nation”….

“It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Patrick Henry, Statesman and Orator

Visit today’s: http://www.givehim15.com

Consider the Birds and the Lilies

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Look at the birds of the air…
They don’t sow, reap, or gather
Their needed food into barns—
But are dependent upon God, rather.

Consider how the lilies are clothed—
They toil not, nor do they spin,
But to the heavenly Father’s care
They’re blessed to give in.

Yes, consider these,
And consider giving in,
To the message of Christ’s love
Above this world’s din.

Partake, through the Bible, from God’s table
Of spiritual food fit for a King’s heir,
And be clothed in the love of Jesus,
The finest thing you could wear.

Consider the children,
So gentle and so tender—
What kind of faith
To them will you render?

One that speaks dislike
And contempt of others—
Or one that speaks love
And draws all men to be brothers?

The heavenly Father gave Jesus
To tell of God’s care and to guide.
When we take Him as Savior, He gives love
For all others for whom He has died.

So just like the lilies
Or the birds of the air,
May people of all nations be blessed to give in
To Jesus—the way to the Father God’s care…

P. A. Oltrogge

“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies….” Luke 6:27

“And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. And a second is like it. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.’” Matthew 22:37-40

“For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink, nor for your body, as to what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body than clothing?

“Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And which of you by being anxious, can add a single cubit to his life’s span? And why are you anxious about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these.

“But if God so arrays the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more do so for you, O men of little faith? Do not be anxious then, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink’ or ‘With what shall we clothe ourselves?’ For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:25-34

“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

If I loved you…

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“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 14:34-36 

If I loved you, I would speak of the One who made earth, the stars, sun and moon…If I loved you, I’d say, though we don’t know when, Jesus could return for us soon.

If I loved you, I would tell you to realize that there’s more than this life only…If I loved you, I would tell you, you have “family”–we need never be lonely.

If I loved you, I would encourage you to find a church online or locally…If I loved you, I would tell you it’s a blessing to give your heart to Jesus totally.

If I loved you, I would tell of the great importance of loving and forgiving others, for Jesus said that those who hear and do God’s word are His mother and brothers.

If I loved you, I’d encourage you to give into God’s kingdom and reap rewards…present and eternal ones, for the principle of “sowing and reaping” is the Lord’s.

If I loved you, I’d say that Christ is the only way to God that anyone can find…If I loved you, I’d say that you must leave all inadequate religious traditions behind.

If I loved you, I would say that you can pray and experience Jesus, too…If I loved you, I’d say to turn to Him as Savior–the most important thing you can do.

If I loved you, I wouldn’t let another day go by without making sure that I know…that you’re coming along with all who are in the “family of God,” for I DO love you so!

…as, with deepest love, does God….

“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.” John 3:16

“We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19

“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

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

“And it was told Him by some, who said, ‘Your mother and brothers are standing outside, desiring to see You.’  But He answered and said to them, ‘My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.’” Luke 8:20-21

“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in His love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.” John 15:9-17 NLT

“Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:37-38

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48

“And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.’” Matthew 22:37-40

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all….” 1 Timothy 2:1-5

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world–our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:3-5

“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.’” Mark 16:15-16 NIV

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work…..He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Come Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.” Revelation 22:12, 20-21

Also: John 14:1-6; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Poem/P. A. Oltrogge

God’s Loving Guidance

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“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.” …from Psalm 23

Always, for God’s guidance, we must listen to hear His voice, so that we might have God’s best…and the wisest choice.  

Jesus, you said Your sheep hear what Your voice has to say. Help us to, ever more clearly, hear You after we pray.

Your voice is heard through Your Word, and by Your Holy Spirit. As Your sheep, we’re given the ability…to be able to hear it.

But if there are some times when we’re prone to get off course, we trust that You will redirect us, as our divine guidance source.

We simply can’t afford to go down any unapproved trails; we’re relying on Your love, Lord. You are love, (Who) never fails.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Love never fails….” 1 Corinthians 13:8 

“He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” 1 John 4:8

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” John 10:1-5

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

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

“…but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.” …from 1 Kings 19:11-12

“When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.” Acts 16:7 NIV

“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

“Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore!” Psalm 105:4

“Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21

“Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments….” Deuteronomy 7:9

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:8

“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

See today’s message at: http://www.givehim15.com

…photo/Pixabay

Against All Odds

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We’ve all heard this familiar term…sometimes things are “against all odds.” Against natural law or against all odds–these define miracles, and miracles are God’s. 

If there’s One who can do the impossible, it’s Jesus, the Lord of all. Peter, the fisherman, received of His power, when he netted and brought in a huge fish haul. 

Later, Peter was called upon to go and raise Tabitha, (or Dorcas), who had died. Other miracles, too, he did–through the name of Jesus, the King who’d been crucified, (but glorified).

Lazarus, Jairus’ daughter, and the only son of a widow out of the city of Nain…were also raised up by the Messiah, while many others were cured of sickness and pain. 

When thousands came for healing and to hear Jesus teach, He even provided them with a meal. He blessed five loaves and two fish to feed them all, looking to God, His Father, in a miracle appeal.

Jesus walked on turbulent waves of the sea and caused a storm there to cease. He Himself was raised from the dead, and now He reigns as our Prince of Peace.

He turned mere water into wine at a wedding, causing the best wine to be served last. He knew of tax money inside the mouth of a fish, caught by a hook that He’d told Peter to cast. 

He made the deaf to hear, and those who were blind were freely given their sight. Miracles today still occur through His name–Jesus Christ is the world’s great Light.

And, talk about a miracle…how about when He came to earth as a baby in a manger? He was born to die as the Lamb of God–all who receive Him are rescued from danger.

Teaching that He was the way, the truth, and the life was the most miraculous truth He taught. May many still receive the pardon and gift of life…that His death and resurrection have bought.

We were lost–unable to work our way back to God–but, then, against all odds, the Father in heaven provided a way through His Son–such a brilliant miracle plan could only be God’s.

P. A. Oltrogge

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” John 1:12 KJV

Peter spoke the following to the people after the healing of a lame beggar at the temple gate: “The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus, the one whom you handed over and disowned in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him. But you disowned the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, but put to death the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, a fact to which we are witnesses.” Acts 3:13-15 NASB

The day that Jesus was crucified, as Simon of Cyrene may have related it…

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Like other people, I’d heard some stories about the man named Jesus. He’d done unheard-of miracles and had lived a life that was upright and clean.

So, I never thought I’d arrive in Jerusalem at such a terrible time, of seeing Him being brutally led to His own crucifixion…that was the scene.

It seemed incomprehensible that His acts of compassion were being “rewarded” with this punishment to which He was going.

I could see that He was becoming too weak to bear the heavy cross. He’d obviously been scourged, and blood from the stripes was flowing.

Suddenly, I was pressed into service by some of the Roman soldiers. I was ordered to carry His cross, in His stead, as His strength was depleted.

Had He done something criminal that I hadn’t heard of in His recent past? I didn’t know, but the mocking and reviling were being repeated.

Of course, I didn’t appreciate being singled out for such a despicable task. It seemed obvious to me that I’d been in the wrong place at the wrong time.

But something in the eyes of this Jesus, who staggered beside me, reflected kindness; and I sensed something noble or majestic—nothing of crime.

After reaching the destination, I couldn’t bear to watch the proceedings. If He’d been wrongly accused, there was nothing I could have done to stop the event.

So I left; but, later, darkness came over the land, and an earthquake caused tombs to open. Some people were reported as having been raised from the dead after the temple curtain was rent.

After all that had happened, a centurion and other guards declared that, truly, Jesus was the Son of God. Perhaps my unchosen role in this—being singled out—had, instead, been a divine appointment.

A great many people were recipients of Jesus’ ministry, and believed that He was who He said He was. That day lives large in my memory; and His disciples are saying that His Name is God’s healing and saving ointment.

P. A. Oltrogge

One of Jesus’ disciples, Peter, regarding a man made well by the name of Jesus, spoke to the rulers, elders, and scribes gathered in Jerusalem:

“…let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by this name this man stands here before you in good health. He is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, but which became the chief corner stone.  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 4:10-12 NASB

Charging Your Life with the Word of God

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“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17

Just as any electronic device needs a steady stream of charge, so, likewise, we need charging with the Word, for matters small or large.

Keep charging your life with the Word of God until you’re powered up and full. Then “fully-persuaded” faith will bring down strongholds, by a fully-charged, dominating pull.

Thank the Lord that His powerful Word is flowing through your entire being. Remember that the Bible reveals that believing, itself, is a way of “seeing.”

Taking time to meditate on the scriptures makes for a strong connection. In doing so, we can be recipients of important revelation, wisdom, and direction.

Thanks be to God for the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ…who is the author and finisher of our faith–and whose sacrifice at Calvary for us has more than sufficed!

P. A. Oltrogge

…We charge our lives also through prayers/praises to the Source of all power…

“God has spoken once, Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God.” Psalm 62:11

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“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3

“Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His word. Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, you ministers of His, who do His pleasure.” Psalm 103:20-21

“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 

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21 (…which is why speaking the Word, agreeing with God’s Word, is so important)

“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

“Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.” Mark 1:35

“Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’” Mark 9:23

“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

“Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” Luke 6:12

“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

“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart…” Luke 18:1

“You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I. words of Jesus in John 14:28

“Then He said to Thomas, ‘Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.’ And Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’” John 20:27-29

“…for in Him we live and move and have our being…” Acts 17:28

“He (Abraham) staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.” Romans 4:20-22 KJV

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:57 

“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 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

“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

“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

“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

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.  Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11

“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 As one minister reminds, “Stop the fear!”

“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

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.” Hebrews 11:1-3

“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

“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” Hebrews 13:15

“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

Scriptures: NKJV