Affirmation of Faith–Hold Fast

…many things in these times call for attention and prayer; but, in our own daily lives, we continue to walk by faith…

In Christ, I live and move and have my being;

I walk by faith and not by seeing.

I won’t be anxious, once I’ve prayed with thanksgiving–

I know I’ll see God’s goodness in the land of the living.

If I’m tempted to doubt or let go of His Word,

I’ll, instead, “hold fast” to it, knowing that He’s heard.

P. A. Oltrogge

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

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”  2 Corinthians 5:7

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-7

“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!  Psalm 27:13-14

“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.”  Hebrews 4:14

“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

“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

“I have been crucified with Christ; and 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 up for me.” Galatians 2:20 (NASB)

“I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” (AMP)

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

“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.

“And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:16-17

Enter Into God’s Kingdom

Yes, Christians, in every walk of life, are working to persuade…that “the way” to eternal life for every person has been made.

Because of Jesus’ life, ministry, death and resurrection–through Him, our Father God sees any believer in perfection.

And you don’t have to take one Christian’s word alone, for there’ve been many testimonies that conclusively have shown…

that Jesus is alive! His Father is still giving time to decide, to accept His invitation, which is going out worldwide…

to be a part of His kingdom through Jesus, His spotless Lamb–an invitation very graciously extended by the great “I AM.”

Please respond as soon as you can; one thing unknown is the exact date–of when things will come to a close, so it’s very wise not to wait.

There are really just two kingdoms, one of darkness and one of light. Come into the kingdom of God’s dear Son, the only choice that’s right.

P. A. Oltrogge

“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’ words, John 3:16-17

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” Jesus’ words, John 5:24

“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

“Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: ‘Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.’” John 17:1-3

“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” 1 John 5:11-12 NIV

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“Therefore, since we know the fear of the Lord [and understand the importance of obedience and worship], we persuade people [to be reconciled to Him]. But we are plainly known to God [He knows everything about us]; and I hope that we are plainly known also in your consciences [your God-given discernment].” 2 Corinthians 5:11 AMP

(“Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too.” 2 Corinthians 5:11 NLT)

“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 

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” Jesus, Matthew 24:36-37

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10

“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

Being a Good Samaritan

Jesus told the story of a man left half dead,
having fallen among thieves, who stripped and beat him, Jesus said.

There was no one to help the man until a priest came by;
but he saw him and continued on, not caring if the man would die.

After that, another, called a Levite, came upon the site,
but he, too, hurried on, with no regard to this man’s plight.

Then came a certain Samaritan, who, despite his journey’s goal,
forgot his own plans and took steps to see that this man would be made whole.

He bandaged up the man’s wounds, applying oil and wine–
“Every life is important,” he must have thought, “What if it were mine?”

He took the man to an inn and cared for him the rest of the day;
the next morning he paid the innkeeper to do so, in order to be on his way.

“If more than that is needed,” he said, “I’ll repay you when I come back.”
His compassion was deep, and he needed to see that he’d recovered from the attack.

Jesus finished the story and asked who’d been the man’s neighbor of the three.
A lawyer answered, “The one who showed mercy to him”–and, likewise, so should we…

not pass up opportunities to help any who may need our care;
but instead, on a daily basis, of such times, may we be quickly aware.

(postscript to the above…)

Before Jesus told of this story, the same lawyer had put Him to a test–
“What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” The Lord’s guidance answered this best.

Jesus pointed him to the Law—to love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind; and then to love your neighbor as yourself—these two, really, are intertwined.

If someone says they love God, whom they’ve not actually seen with their eyes,
yet is merciless or hates his brother whom he’s seen, the Bible says that he lies.

Jesus emphasized that loving God was the great and foremost command.
But, again, He said, that these two laws always go hand in hand.

By this, Jesus taught of God’s perfect plan–
Love God and love your fellow man.

But there’s only been One who has ever fulfilled God’s laws in a perfect way–
Jesus Christ, Himself, who has been our example, Teacher, Savior and Lord,
from then until this present day.

P. A. Oltrogge

1 John 4:20, 21 “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.”

Matthew 22:37-40 “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 5:17 “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.”

From Luke 10:25-28 and Luke 10:29-37
From John 13:13-15

opportunities to minister
through appropriately named:
http://www.samaritanspurse.org

and http://www.mercychefs.com

http://www.ob.org

All are helping in Venezuela now due to the earthquakes

Bless the Lord, O my soul

Psalm 103, NKJV

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.

The Lord executes righteousness
And justice for all who are oppressed.
He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the children of Israel.
The Lord is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.
10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities.

11 For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
12 As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father pities his children,
So the Lord pities those who fear Him.
14 For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust.

15 As for man, his days are like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
And its place remembers it no more.
17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting
On those who fear Him,
And His righteousness to children’s children,
18 To such as keep His covenant,
And to those who remember His commandments to do them.

19 The Lord has established His throne in heaven,
And His kingdom rules over all.

20 Bless the Lord, you His angels,
Who excel in strength, who do His word,
Heeding the voice of His word.
21 Bless the Lord, all you His hosts,
You ministers of His, who do His pleasure.
22 Bless the Lord, all His works,
In all places of His dominion.

Bless the Lord, O my soul!

Photos: Eagles, Pxfuel, Dandelion, Unsplash

Lord of all Creation

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

Sometimes a part of creation may catch your eye…
creatures that are bold or others that are shy.

Some keep us company, like a good dog or cat…
they can be a calming friend with whom to “chat.”

The flowers of the field, the birds of the air…
Jesus noted over all of them His Father’s care.

The Lord is so creative, and YOU are His design…
unique and special to Him and, through Him, you shine!

P. A. Oltrogge

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lampstand; and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 NASB

“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

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:18 NLT

“Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Proverbs 30:5 NIV

“But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: Ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7 KJV

“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

“My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:16-18 NKJV

Bless others and be blessed at: http://www.lifetoday.org

Welcoming Faith

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

I give no place to the torment of fear–

Only faith in Jesus is welcome here!

I close the door on letting fear come inside.

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

P. A. Oltrogge

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

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

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

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

“Fear not, for I AM with you, be not dismayed, for I AM your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 RSV

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

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

“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

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

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

“Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:1-5

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

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

Psalm 91, God’s Protective Umbrella by Peggy Joyce Ruth at: http://www.Christianbook.com

On Father’s Day…

“And so they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen wrappings with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where He was crucified, there was a garden; and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been laid. Therefore on account of the Jewish day of preparation, because the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.” John 19:40-42

a poetic account from John 20….

At a new tomb, a garden tomb, a great stone had been rolled away–just to show that the victorious Jesus Christ didn’t stay! Briefly, His body, in linen, with spices, had been placed therein, but lasting death, for this Man, was not destined to win!

That morning, Mary Magdalene came while it was not yet dawn–then ran to get Simon Peter when she found that Christ’s body was gone. Upon hearing this, Peter and John went out and came unto the tomb. Only the linen wrappings were lying there within its room.

They went away then after they’d seen for themselves what she had said. They hadn’t understood Jesus’ words, that He would rise again from the dead. But Mary remained outside the tomb, and while she was weeping, she looked inside again to find two angels, their posts keeping.

“Woman, why are you weeping?” was the question they put to her. She replied that her Lord’s body was taken–by whom or where, she wasn’t sure. Turning around, she saw a “gardener,” but didn’t yet recognize, that standing there was the beloved Christ, before her very eyes.

When He said, “Mary,” her eyes were opened to every familiar feature of the One she loved, and for whom she’d wept, “Rabboni,” the Master and Teacher. He had yet to ascend to His Father–so, therefore, He bid Mary go, to tell the brethren of His ascension–He wanted them all to know!

We, too, can go from the garden tomb, a place that had seen God’s glory, to tell all the world of what Christ has done–this world’s greatest love story. “I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God,” Jesus said. They’re still words that speak of “Family” to those who’ll believe that He rose from the dead.

At that garden tomb, a much greater “stone” had actually been rolled away…of death and darkness, now removed, to reveal the Light of Jesus Christ’s Way!

P. A. Oltrogge

“So the other disciple who had first come to the tomb then also entered, and he saw and believed. For as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead.” John 20:8-9

“For He was teaching His disciples and telling them, ‘The Son of Man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and when He has been killed, He will rise three days later.’ But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask Him.” Mark 9:30-32

Other references: Matthew 16:21; Matthew 17:22-23; Matthew 27:62-64; John 2:16-22; John 10:17-18

“And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first-born of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us, and released us from our sins by His blood, and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father; to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” Revelation 1:5,6 

“And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” John 20:30-31 NKJV

“I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” Revelation 1:18 

_________________________

“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.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen”

“And if ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” 

Matthew 6:9-15 KJV

Scriptures: NASB or as noted

“Abba, Father”

Have you experienced some wounds that are deep? Trust your Abba, Father–His promises He’ll keep…

He redeems you from distress or any kind of destruction. Look to Him and listen for His wisdom and instruction.

He’s stated that He’s numbered even the hairs upon your head. He’ll give to you renewed hope as you seek to be Spirit led.

With love and with compassion, He heals the brokenhearted; His faithfulness to care for His children has never departed.

Cast all your cares upon Him–then, you’ll have nothing to fear. As you draw close to Him, He’s promised to also draw near.

God’s plans for you are of well-being, and not of things bad. He’s your loving Abba, Father–the very best Dad!

P. A. Oltrogge

“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

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:18 NLT

“Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Proverbs 30:5 NIV

“But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: Ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7 KJV

“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” 2 Corinthians 1:20 NKJV

“But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all your works.” Psalm 73:28 NKJV

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you….” James 4:8 NKJV

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God; that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-8 NKJV

“For I know the thoughts that I have toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 NKJV

“Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’” Matthew 19:14 NIV

“And He said, ‘Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me, nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.’” words of Jesus to His Father in Mark 14:36 NKJV (His obedience to and trust of His Father’s plan brought us eternal life.)

“Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing.” Psalm 107:19-22 NKJV

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

“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

“…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

“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 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 4:15-16 NKJV

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” words of Jesus in Luke 4:17-19 KJV

photo/Pixabay

A Father’s Love

The Prodigal Son, a parable Jesus told….

Once there was a man who had two sons fully grown, and the younger asked for his inheritance to go off on his own. So the father divided his wealth and the younger son went away, while the older one was loyal to his father and knew that he would stay.

In a distant land, the younger squandered all of his part of the estate. He lived in a wild and unwise manner, and poverty became his fate. A famine occurred in that country, and he couldn’t get ahead; he was hired to take care of swine and longed to eat what they were fed.

At that time, he came to his senses and remembered his father’s care–even his father’s servants had always had meals that were generous fare. So he thought out what he would say about the restoration he desired. “I’m no longer worthy to be my father’s son–I’ll just ask to be one who’s hired.”

He then traveled back to his home, and the father saw him when still far away–then ran to embrace and kiss him, before even hearing what he had to say. The son repented of all he’d done, telling all that had been on his mind; and there he found compassion and a heart that was only kind.

The father called to his servants to clothe the young man with all of the best–the best robe, ring, and sandals—even with a banquet, he’d be blessed. A celebration was called for everyone, for this was a time to rejoice! But out in the fields, the older son stopped, having heard his father’s voice.

At the sound of the merriment, he inquired of the servants of what had just transpired. They told him that his brother was home, and that a celebration was what his father desired. He became angry then and wasn’t willing to even go inside, but his father came out to entreat him–he wanted him to be alongside.

The older son said, “…For so many years I’ve been serving you, and I’ve never neglected a command….” He complained that he felt what his brother deserved was his father’s reprimand. “My child, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours,” the father said. But they needed to rejoice for this son now lived. “This brother of yours was dead–

He was lost and has been found,” he said–much like a Shepherd rejoices to find…a lost sheep that had strayed far from the fold but had always remained on His mind.

P. A. Oltrogge

From Luke 15:11-32

“I am the good shepherd and I know My own, and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father, and I lay down My life for the sheep.” words of Jesus in John 10:14-15

From the Father’s Heart

“Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen”  Hebrews 13:20-21 

My Son watches over your life as the great Shepherd of the sheep. He is with you always, as He is with all of His lambs, even as they sleep.

Some men trust in military might, but I’m the One of whom to boast. I AM the God of the entire universe and am the LORD of hosts.

“I give my angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.” “No plague shall come near your dwelling”–trust this throughout your days.

I hold all things together in your life by the Word of my great power. The name of the Lord is, to you, your strong and dependable tower.

Jesus’ blood cleanses of all sins, and there’s healing through His blood. That which seems to be failing, by My resurrection power, can bud.

God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit–we are three yet one. “In God we Trust” are words to remember as the Christian race is run.

P. A. Oltrogge

“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 

“…’Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts.” Zechariah 4:5-7 

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10

“Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven
with the saving strength of His right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;
but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. They have bowed down and fallen;
but we have risen and stand upright.” Psalm 20:6-8

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” John 10:11 

“…how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” Acts 10:38

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

“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

“…knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver and gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” 1 Peter 1:18-19 

“And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.” Romans 8:11 AMP

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:19-20

…and the third paragraph of the above poem references Psalm 91

“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

“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed;
Save me, and I shall be saved,
For You are my praise.” Jeremiah 17:14

“…who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:24-25

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted