Tag Archives: Faith

See God’s goodness when “plowing through”

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“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 9:10 speaks 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)

Angels on Assignment

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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

God’s Heart of Compassion

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“Peace be with you.” John 20:21

The Lord’s great heart of compassion is at work always–at times, behind the scenes. 

He answers prayer for salvation, guidance, protection, healing, and provision well beyond our means.

Let’s not limit Him by doubting that He can do more than we could ever ask or think. 

Jesus came to establish the new covenant. Now, through Him, we have that blessed link.

“The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works,” the Bible’s stated. 

God’s desire is to love, through His Son, to even greater measure, every person He’s created.

“If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, you shall be free indeed,” Jesus said, all because of that compassionate heart. 

When you take Jesus as Savior, you can forget the past, knowing God’s given to you a fresh start.

Even if there are times when you don’t recognize that He’s working in your life right then, 

He encourages you to always keep the faith. He’ll bring things to pass, though you may not know when.

Jesus told us of God as His heavenly Father. Those in Christ are children of God. Therefore…

as part of His beloved family, we can expect all of the good things that He has in store.

P. A. Oltrogge

And likewise, we want to extend loving compassion to others, through caring prayer and action…

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 NKJV

“…to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 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 3:19-21 NKJV

“The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.” Psalm 145:9 NKJV

“In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’” 1 Corinthians 11:25

“…to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.” Hebrews 12:24 NKJV

“If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36 KJV

“But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” Psalm 86:15 KJV

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

“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference.” Jude 21-22 KJV

Psalm 78:38; 111:4; 145:8; Matthew 9:36; 14:14; 15:32; Mark 1:41; 5:19; 6:34; 8:2; Luke 10:33; 15:20; John 3:16; 1 John 3:17

His Strength Supply

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“The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him.” Psalm 28:7 NKJV

The Christian who needs strength relies, daily on the strength which God supplies….

Thank you, God, for sending Jesus for us all, to pay the ransom for our souls–redeeming us from man’s fall.

Thank you, God, for mighty angels that are mine; and thank you–for this earthly body made so fine.

Thank you, Father, for my heart’s strong and steady beat; and thank you for good health–from my head down to my feet.

Thank you that you’re there, if I come under attack. Thank you, Good Shepherd, that you’ve always got my back.

Thank you that I can look for miracle answers to come my way, for problems that seem difficult, for you hear me when I pray.

Thank you, Jesus, for your promise of a blessed, abundant life. Thank you, too, that you taught us to keep from strife.

Thank you for giving servants who teach your Word for these days. Thank you for their anointing and that they emphasize your praise.

Thank you, Lord, that as I seek to follow after you, a goodly harvest is produced in everything I do.

P. A. Oltrogge

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1 NKJV

“Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.” 1 John 4:17 NKJV

“The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds’ feet, and makes me walk on my high places.” Habakkuk 3:19 NASB/Ryrie

“Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7 KJV

“Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong.” Joel 3:10 KJV

“He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might, He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:29-31 NKJV

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17 NKJV

“The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.” Psalm 29:11 NIV

“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.” Psalm 103:1-5 NKJV

“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.” Psalm 139:14 NKJV

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

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills–From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 NKJV

“Blessed be the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplication. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him. The Lord is their strength, and He is a saving defense to His anointed. Save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance; be their shepherd also and carry them forever.” Psalm 28:6-9 NASB/Ryrie

“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 4:20-24 NKJV

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

“…Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!’” Nehemiah 8:10 NLT

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were, the utterances of God; whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11 NASB/Ryrie

“My flesh and my heart may fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 NASB/Ryrie

“With a long life I will satisfy him, and let him behold My salvation.” Psalm 91:16 (and all of Psalm 91, regarding angelic protection, no plague, etc.)

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 NKJV

“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.” Ephesians 6:10-12 (and the following verses on the full armor of God) NASB/Ryrie

“The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” John 10:10-11 NASB/Ryrie

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3 KJV

“Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:7 KJV

“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” Ephesians 5:1-2 NKJV

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

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“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 NKJV

“…being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus….” Romans 3:24 NKJV

Visit: http://www.faithschool.org

Photo/Unsplash…Lake Louise, Canada

Compassionate Words from Jesus…

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Let’s consider just a few Bible accounts that give some tender words (followed by His caring action) that Jesus said:

A widow, out of Nain, came in contact with Jesus on her only son’s burial day.
“DON’T CRY” were the compassionate words that she heard Jesus say.

News came to Jairus of his ailing daughter that would cause him to grieve;
but Jesus encouraged him, “DON’T BE AFRAID ANY LONGER–ONLY BELIEVE.”

When a leper asked if Jesus was willing to cleanse him of that blight…
Jesus said, “I AM WILLING,” and He touched him, delivering him out of his plight.

Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, so hear Him regarding your cares:

“Don’t cry”

“Don’t be afraid any longer–only believe!”

and “I am willing”

…are words that Jesus, our compassionate Lord, still shares.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever.”  Hebrews 13:8 NKJV

“When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion.  ‘Don’t cry!’ he said.  Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped.  ‘Young man,’ he said, ‘I tell you, get up.’  Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk!  And Jesus gave him back to his mother.”  …from Luke 7:11-17 NLT

“While He was still speaking, they came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, ‘Your daughter has died; why trouble the Teacher any more?’  But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, ‘Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.’”  Mark 5:35-36 …and Jesus raised her up (through verse 43) NASB-Ryrie

“And behold, a leper came to Him, and bowed down to Him, saying, ‘Lord, if you are willing, You can make me clean.’  And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, ‘I am willing, be cleansed.’  And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.”  …from Matthew 8:1-4 NASB-Ryrie

“The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.” Psalm 29:11 NKJV

“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits–who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion….”  Psalm 103:2-4 NIV

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

Time to Prime the Pump

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The following is shared as per directions at http://www.anewthingministries.com

by Kim Potter

Sometime last year, one of our prayer partners sent me an email with a word she said was from the Lord. It was Prime the Pump.

I really didn’t know exactly what it meant; therefore I looked up a simple definition of the phrase. Here is what I found. 

Prime the pump – stimulate or support the growth or success of something by supplying it with money.

That definition seemed to apply to me at the time because I was facing a financial challenge. Therefore, I did what this word said, and I sowed a seed. I supplied the need with money, to stimulate its growth. 

2 Cor. 9:10 says, “Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness.” Multiplication was exactly what I needed so I sowed toward the financial need, hereby, priming the pump.

Just a few days later, a much-loved partner sent me a personal gift. It said, “this may not cover the need, but I felt led to prime the pump.” Hmmm. There were those words again.

To prime the pump, I have found, can mean many things. Naturally speaking, if a well is not pumping, it is dry or has lost pressure. We must do something to get it to have enough pressure again to pump water. Most often, we must pour water in the well and then it will flow freely again.

Spiritually speaking, it can mean we need to sow a seed toward a need and expect God to honor His Word and multiply the seed sown.

Or it could mean we need to sow the Word of God into our heart to prime the pump for healing. 

Is there is an area in your life that you are believing God for, maybe healing, financial security, restoration of family or even peace of mind? Does it feel your well is dry in that area? Perhaps it feels like the answer to that issue is being delayed or maybe you feel it will never be fulfilled. God is faithful. Perhaps you simply need to prime the pump. 

If it is a financial issue, seek God and ask if He wants you to sow a seed. Also, look up scriptures concerning the promises of God for finances. Begin to declare them over your life. Daily speak them daily until they become a part of you. Until they freely flow out of your mouth.

If it is a health issue, search the Word of God for scriptures and promises pertaining to healing and wholeness. Declare them over yourself and your family daily. Take communion. Receive all Jesus paid for at the cross.

If it pertains to your family, your children, the Bible is filled with promises concerning your family. God is a covenant keeping God and He will save and restore your family. Dig through the Bible and find God’s promises concerning your children and your family – declare them over your children daily. Refuse to speak anything negative over them, only what God says about them. 

Today, I believe God is urging us to prime the pump, in whatever ever area it needs priming. Perhaps it is pouring the Word of God into your heart until only the Word flows forth and that it flows forth with such pressure it removes everything standing in your path.

John 7:38 says, “He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, from his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water.” (Amp.) Prime your pump today and let His living water flow continuously through you – to the very point of breakthrough.

Confession to speak over your life:

While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest will not cease. I have seed in the ground. I sow seeds of love, peace, harmony, forgiveness, compassion, and money; and declare that I reap what I sow. I pray to the Lord of Harvest and expect a harvest on every seed sown. I give to the poor, and I know that God will repay me. I sow into the kingdom, for the gospel’s sake, and I expect a hundred-fold return. I am a giver therefore I walk daily, under an open heaven. God makes all grace, every favor and earthly blessing come to me in abundance so that I always, under all circumstances, no matter the need, am self-sufficient, I possess enough to require no aid or support and I am fully furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation.

 Gen 8:22, Gal 6:7, Mat 9:38, Proverbs 19:17, Mark 10:30, Mal 3:10, 2 Cor. 9:8

Healing from Life’s Disappointments

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by Rich Miller

(from CBN.com and encouraged to be shared)

Remember as children how often we were told that we could be anything we wanted to be? Taking people at their word, I was convinced I would one day play in the NFL or NBA. I was also good at spelling; therefore, I truly believed I would win the National Spelling Bee after winning our elementary school contest. I ended up misspelling the first word I was given! Life sure has a way of knocking us down from our dreams of grandeur.

We can all attest to life turning out much differently than what we thought. The last few years, the Lord has had my wife and I on a journey of healing from some major disappointments. As Christians, it’s easy to suppress or bury emotional pain and move on. It takes truly feeling safe with God to bring Him our pain and disappointments and trust He will patiently bring us to a place of healing. I’ve heard that if we don’t take time to process emotional pain, our bodies will begin to grieve physically. How many of us have been walking around with physical pain that was rooted in emotional trauma? 

I was recently struck with an example from the life of Joseph in the Bible. His life reads like a cinematic production: twists and turns, amazing highs, heart-wrenching lows. Favor and success, lies and deception, Joseph experienced the whole gamut. Through it all, God’s sovereign hand was leading Joseph into a destiny that only God could have planned. 

I’ve read his story many times and always found it captivating. Yet, I was freshly impacted by the many emotions his father Jacob must have endured. Can you imagine the years of grief and disappointment Jacob (Israel) dealt with during the years he believed that Joseph was dead? Scholars believe it was over 20 years between when Joseph was sold into slavery and reunited with his father. Did Jacob blame himself for sending Joseph to check on his brothers, resulting in what he was told was Joseph’s death? (Genesis 37:12-35) 

Proverbs 13:12 (NIV) tells us, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” Jacob experienced years of hopelessness and sorrow; he also experienced the revival of his soul upon hearing Joseph was alive:

So they went up out of Egypt and came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan. They told him, “Joseph is still alive! In fact, he is ruler of all Egypt.” Jacob was stunned; he did not believe them. But when they told him everything Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the carts Joseph had sent to carry him back, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. And Israel said, “I’m convinced! My son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.” (Genesis 45:25-28)

Jacob’s spirit revived, inferring that at one point it had been dead. He had known sorrow that no parent should have to endure – the death of a child. Now, he was experiencing unspeakable joy!

While we may never experience a reunion like Jacob’s, the Lord is just as committed to turning our sorrow into joy. (Isaiah 61:1-3) We can’t prevent many of life’s disappointments, but we are safe to trust God with the pain that comes from them. Are there disappointments that you have not felt safe to share with God? Be honest with Him, He wants to heal you. Like Jacob, He will revive your soul! 

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Rich Miller is the Manager of Digital Interactions in the Prayer Center and has been with CBN since 2011. He and his wife live near Columbus, OH and enjoy the outdoors, watching crime dramas and playing video games. An avid history buff, Rich loves studying church history and the parallels we can draw to modern day Christianity.

Scripture is quoted from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Breakthrough Over the Blues

Perhaps you’ve experienced disappointments…
I know that others and I have, too.
But when I recall precious moments I’ve had,
I can no longer stay feeling blue.

Realize this old world with its trials
can’t keep you from all that delights.
Disappointments may occur, but some very nice gifts
will come through from the Father of lights.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17 KJV

“I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 NASB

photo/Porch of the Lord

Looking to Jesus, Our King of Kings

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I’m so glad God’s given us His Holy Word, though many seek its exclusion. Is it any wonder, then, when we hear their views, which have obvious confusion?

They see evil as good and wrong as right, rejecting the Bible as their guide. They need to recognize Jesus as Lord and turn from the one who has lied.

Then there are those who do revere God, but who haven’t yet found the way…the truth, and the life, revealed through Christ–for them, we also pray.

It’s evident that there are just two kingdoms–one of darkness and one of Light. It truly is the time of decision–men must choose to be on the side that’s right.

So, we pray for their awakening by God’s Spirit and for the restoration…of common sense, love for and obedience to God, in this and every nation.

God’s Word proclaims that, in the last days, He will pour out His Spirit on all flesh. With that promise of His grace, we persevere–with faith renewed and hope afresh.

P. A. Oltrogge

“But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.” Acts 2:16-18

“…’Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of Hosts.”
Zechariah 4:6 

“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 in John 8:42-47, Jesus speaks of the devil as being “a liar and the father of it.”

“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.” …said by Jesus in John 10:10

“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

See the prayer directive today at http://www.givehim15.com

A Rose in the Rain

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When facing difficulties…

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

I’m praying for you, dear reader of this blog….

An Excellent Captain, Whose Anchor was Christ

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I knew a man who loved to sail, and all his life, that love prevailed.

He rarely, if ever, felt fear of the deep, but navigated well if the waves became steep.

He had sure confidence through faith in the Lord, which was always apparent to those on board.

He grew up by a lake in a midwestern state; his early love of sailing didn’t dissipate.

He served in the Navy during a tough war…then, afterwards, sailed his own boat along peaceful shores.

He did some exploring, loving to roam…even making his sturdy sailboat, for a time, the family home.

He and his wife connected with churches on their way, which was a great time to recharge spiritually and take time to pray.

A while ago, he made it to heaven through that “final sea.”  His nautical chart, then, was, as it always was, “Jesus, Savior, pilot me.”

P. A. Oltrogge

Jesus, Savior, pilot me,
Over life’s tempestuous sea:
Unknown waves before me roll,
Hiding rocks and treach’rous shoal;
Chart and compass come from Thee–
Jesus, Savior, pilot me!