Thoughts Gathered from the 23rd Psalm

“Then Jesus said to them again, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come, except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.” John 10:7-11 NKJV

The Lord is my Shepherd–my faithful guide;
And through His leading, He always will provide.
He causes me to rest in pastures so green,
Beside quiet waters that speak of the serene.

He encourages my soul if I should ever feel down,
Reminding me I’m wearing God’s “lovingkindness” crown.
Knowing the wisdom of following as Christ leads,
I walk paths of righteousness, sowing Kingdom seeds.

If at times there are valleys, with storms very dark,
I’m safe with my Shepherd–He is my strong ark.
I refuse any fear–His rod and staff keep me stable;
And before any enemy, He prepares me a table.

With divine Kingly oil, He’s anointed my head;
My cup overflows, as by His Spirit I’m led.
Of His goodness and mercy, He always will give;
And in the house of my Shepherd King, I forever will live.

P. A. Oltrogge

“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 103:3-5 NKJV

“For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:17 NKJV

Jesus, our Good Shepherd…the Lion of the tribe of Judah and, Himself, the Lamb of God:

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29 NKJV

“And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals. Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, ‘Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?’ And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it.

“So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it. But one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.’

“And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. 

“Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

“And they sang a new song, saying: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.’

“Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice:

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
To receive power and riches and wisdom,
And strength and honor and glory and blessing!”

“And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying:

“Blessing and honor and glory and power
Be to Him who sits on the throne,
And to the Lamb, forever and ever!”

“Then the four living creatures said, ‘Amen!’ And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever.”

Revelation 5 NKJV

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” Psalm 23 KJV

“A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23” by W. Phillip Keller,
Book available at http://www.christianbook.com

Search Lamb and Lion Ministries at: http://www.christinprophecy.org

HE Strengthens Me

I’ve got some mountains to climb

and I need to feel prime…

So I thought of that script,

which says that I’m equipped:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

He strengthens me; HE strengthens me…

With each step forward, He strengthens me;

with each step up, He strengthens me.

If I suffer a setback, He strengthens me.

If I feel weak, I’ll resist being distraught…

No, “He strengthens me” must be my thought,

for that is what the scriptures have taught.

This confidence I have, for I’m blood-bought.

So, “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might,”

just as David found strength in God for a Goliath fight!

P. A. Oltrogge

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

“The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.” Habakkuk 3:19 NLT

“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

“Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears; Let the weak say, ‘I am strong.’” Joel 3:10 NKJV

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

“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.” Matthew 4:23 KJV

“Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.” Acts 20:28 NASB

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 John 1:2 NKJV

“(The Armor of God) Finally, Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” Ephesians 6:10 NASB

“Then David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. This day the Lord will deliver you up into my hands….’” 1 Samuel 17:45-46 NASB

“For by You I can run against a troop; By my God I can leap over a wall.”
2 Samuel 22:30 NKJV

“For You will light my lamp;
The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.
For by You I can run against a troop,
By my God I can leap over a wall.
As for God, His way is perfect;
The word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all who trust in Him.

“For who is God, except the Lord?
And who is a rock, except our God?
It is God who arms me with strength,
And makes my way perfect.
He makes my feet like the feet of deer,
And sets me on my high places.” Psalm 18:28-33 NKJV

Photos/Pixabay

Postscript:
Whatever you have to do,
the Lord will see you through!

For “101 Things God Said About Healing,” Old Testament and New, put “101” into the Search bar of this blog for healing scriptures..

God bless and strengthen you….

A Simple Way for All Christians to be “Always Faithful,” Semper Fidelis 

Oh say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial — Uncommon Valor was a Common Virtue

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“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” John 15:13

…The following list brings to mind all of the sacrifices of those who’ve served… Casualties listed may not be completely accurate, as statistics differ…

Operation Desert Shield/Operation Desert Storm; War in Iraq, OIF, Operation Iraqi Freedom; War in Afghanistan, OEF, Operation Enduring Freedom (Throughout these, over 7,000 were killed, plus those who sustained injuries)

Vietnam War (1962- 1973) – 58,220 US soldiers died, plus injuries

Korean War (1950 – 1953) – 36,000

World War II (1941 – 1945) – 405,399

World War I (1917 – 1918) – 116,516

American Civil War (1861 – 1865) – 620,000

American Revolutionary War (American War of Independence) (1775 – 1783) – 25,000 or more

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In contemplating the conflicts in which thousands of Americans fought, sustained injuries, or died…it’s sad to say that far too many citizens don’t use the examples of those courageous Americans as a guide.

For instance, it’s been reported that millions (many Christians among them) don’t even register to vote, or vote, in our elections.  Obviously, what others sacrificed hasn’t impacted them to serve their country through this simple act, making wise selections.

God desires for us to have righteous leaders, saying that righteousness exalts a nation.  Such a small service of prayerfully voting can make a difference in our country’s, and the world’s, complex situations.

May God’s people be impressed about the urgency–that they’re in a spiritual war; and be reminded that this freedom they have is what others fought for and so many died for.

Today we honor those who laid down their lives, even though they may not have always felt very brave at all.  Now, lay down the thought that your vote doesn’t matter and answer the voting-for-righteousness call.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Proverbs 14:34

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance.” Psalm 33:12

“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, to be testified in due time, for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-7

“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” 2 Corinthians 3:17

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

“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18:1 NIV

Wise leaders will pray and know this:

“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 111:10 and Proverbs 9:10 on “knowledge of the Holy One”

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7

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For a Comparison of the 2024 Republican and Democratic Platforms, visit: http://www.frc.org

For last night’s discussion from Flashpoint, visit: http://www.govictory.com/flashpoint

And visit today’s: http://www.givehim15.com

The Enemy’s Storm Won’t Stop God’s Promise

Shared from Elijahlist
by Andrew Towe, Chattanooga, TN

A Shift in the Supernatural Realm

I heard the Lord say, “There is a notable shift in the supernatural realm happening right now. The enemy is striving to sway many from standing in faith to enter a state of fear. He has escalated his tactics and increased the warfare against My people. His goal is to try to overwhelm them to thwart My promises from coming forth, but My word will not return to Me void. Speak to the storm and war with your prophecies. Don’t lose hope now. You are on the verge of reaching your NEXT LEVEL, and satan cannot stop it! Only you can stop it by giving up.

There are always occult practices, heightened demonic activity, and witchcraft that take place in this month of October, all associated with Halloween. This year, however, the intensity has escalated, coinciding with the Jewish High Holy Days and the critical lead-up to this pivotal election. As a result, the enemy is unleashing a surge of turmoil, deception, and fear.

A Demonic Storm

A demonic storm occurred in the Bible, much like the ones we face today. It happened as Jesus said to His disciples, “Let us pass over to the other side” (see Mark 4:35). While on the boat, as they crossed over, out of nowhere, a squall suddenly formed and raged against the ship.

And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship so that it was now full. And He was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake Him, and say unto Him, Master, carest Thou not that we perish?” (Mark 4:37–38)

As Jesus slept soundly, the disciples fought valiantly against the ferocious storm. Despite their experience as fishermen, the storm was so fierce that it filled them with a deep sense of dread. Out of complete desperation, they woke Jesus and asked Him, “Carest Thou not that we perish?” You may be asking the same question today, “Jesus, do You not care that I am sinking? I can’t do this any longer. I am repeatedly being attacked, and I can’t make it.” 

Remember, prior to ever getting on the boat, Jesus had given them a word: “Let us pass over to the other side.” In other words, You will make it to the other side. I sense the Lord confirming that to you right now, “Just as the disciples made it through this storm, you too will make it through the raging circumstances you are facing. You are going to the other side!”

“And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And He said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:39–40)

The fact that Jesus rebuked the wind reveals to us that this was a storm sent from the enemy. It was intended to cause these men of God to give up their faith and embrace the spirit of fear. It was sent to hinder their destiny and try to stop what God was doing next in their lives. It is the same thing the enemy is trying to do with you, but it won’t work. You have a word from God: War with your prophecies!

You Are Coming Out on the Other Side

Jesus asked them, “How is it that you have no faith?” In essence, Jesus was asking, “What happened to your faith in My promise?” I would ask you, “Are you battling to keep your faith in what God has promised over your life? Hold on! You are about to experience God catapulting you into the next level of breakthrough. You are coming out on the other side of this storm!

“And they came over unto the other side of the sea…” (Mark 5:1)

God’s Word was fulfilled just as He promised. He is doing the same for you. This will be your testimony. Prophesy to yourself, “I am crossing over to the other side, and it will be just as God promised.” 

When they arrived on the other side, a man possessed by a legion of spirits met them on the shore. Jesus commanded the spirits to come out of the man. The demons begged Jesus not to send them away but to permit them to enter a herd of swine. When they entered the swine, the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea and drowned.

The demonic spirits that possessed the man surged into the herd of pigs, which then violently charged headlong into the waters. These were the very waters of the Sea of Galilee, the same place where Jesus and His disciples faced the storm that tried to kill them and their mission. The demons’ desperate plunge into the waters of the sea suggests their connection to the raging storm that had erupted that day. They were attempting to stop the unfolding of God’s imminent plan.

You have an anointing that will set the captives free. You have faced demonic resistance, because what you carry is birthing a move of God. The spirits that possessed that man were troubling the waters to stop God from moving, just as demonic forces have attempted to stop you, because Hell is well aware of Who is in you and the calling on your life. You are crossing over. This is your time!

The enemy cannot stop what God has proclaimed over your life! God is confirming His word to you. The Lord says, “There will be glory after the storm. I will receive glory from your miracle. Get ready for FULL RECOVERY! You will recover finances, relationships, health, wasted years, favor, and missed opportunities.

Andrew Towe/Ramp Church Chattanooga

Andrew Towe is an emerging prophetic voice to this generation! Andrew preaches the Word of God with fire, inviting God’s manifested presence to fall, with signs and wonders occurring in his services. He has also authored a new book titled, “The Triple Threat Anointing.” Andrew and his wife Brooke are the lead pastors of Ramp Church Chattanooga, and they reside in Chattanooga, TN along with their two children. Andrew travels extensively, preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Wherever he ministers, lives are changed, faith is strengthened, and expectation is ignited.

http://www.andrewtowe.com

http://www.elijahlist.com

In God’s Vineyard

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:1-5

Jesus, You are the True Vine, to which I’m blessed to have a strong connection. It’s through Your truths and the Holy Spirit You sent, that I find wisdom and direction.

Before learning to trust Your guidance, I attempted some plans of my own. But they only showed me my need to draw close–to You at Your heavenly throne.

There, You’d waited patiently for me, to learn more about You and abide…in the peace of Your presence in order to bear fruit, by which Your Father is glorified.

It’s written in Your Word, that I’m seated with You, together in the heavenly places; I’m an heir of God and a joint heir with Christ, so I receive of divine daily graces.

“Much fruit” are actually the words that this portion of scripture has detailed; You will perfect a good work in me, so I won’t be a branch that has failed.

Without You, I can do nothing; but, by drawing from the Vine, I become able…to tell of the One who changed water into wine–the best at the wedding table.

Many other miracles come to mind as I think back on all that I’ve read: Parables shared and words that were prophetic are among the things that You said.

In and through You, I’m the kind of branch that remains and continues to thrive, sharing through kind deeds and words about Jesus, our God, who is very much alive!

P. A. Oltrogge

“If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you. By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” John 15:6-11

“You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in Me.” John 15:3-4
(New Living Translation)

“Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature, the old things passed away; behold new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, in order that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:4-7

“The spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.” Romans 8:16-17

“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 KJV

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

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13 KJV

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

The Lord’s Prayer/Psalm 91

Jesus said…

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

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most high will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” 

For it is He who delivers you (me) from the snare of the trapper, and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you (me) with His pinions, and under His wings you (I) may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.

(You may want to continue to personalize this Psalm)

You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day; Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.

A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not approach you. You will only look on with your eyes, and see the recompense of the wicked.

For you have made the Lord, my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place. No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent.

For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone.

You will tread upon the lion and cobra, the young lion and the serpent you will trample down, Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. 

He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him, and honor him. 

With a long life I will satisfy him, and let him behold My salvation.

Psalm 91

(Thanksgiving to the Lord for His Great Works of Deliverance) Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 107:1

Jesus Stops an Outer Storm and an Inner One

At evening, Jesus and His disciples were headed to the Gadarenes, across the sea. A storm arose and began to fill the boat with the wind-whipped waters of the Galilee.

Jesus was asleep in the stern in the midst of it all when His disciples cried out with fear. “Teacher, don’t you care that we are perishing?”—their lack of faith being made clear.

Jesus stood up and rebuked the wind and spoke to the sea, saying, “Peace, be still!” Then the disciples were amazed to see the wind and the waves conform to His will. 

After the Lord questioned them why it was that they had no faith, they wondered aloud together. “Who could this be?” to have such authority over the power of wind, sea, and weather.

At their arrival at the Gadarenes, they would see the Lord do a work of another kind. There, Jesus was met immediately by a man who had an unclean spirit and whom no man could bind.

He stayed among the tombs and mountains and would cut himself with stones, crying out both day and night. Even shackles and chains couldn’t hold him, but he’d break them, due to an evil, inner might.

Seeing Jesus from afar, this man ran to Him and worshiped Him, and then he said… “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?” He indicated fear of what was ahead.

Jesus told the unclean spirit to come out of the man and asked its name, which was Legion. “For we are many,” it said, and begged Jesus earnestly not to send them out of that region. 

Then all the demons begged Jesus to permit them to enter a herd of about two thousand swine, which were feeding in the mountains there. At once, Jesus gave permission. The demons entered the pigs, which then ran violently down a steep place to drown in the sea, giving those who saw it a troubling scare.

The men who had fed the swine fled and told others in the city and country what had transpired. So, many came to see for themselves and were shocked to find, clothed and in his right mind, the madman whose life had been so degraded and mired. 

Afraid, they pleaded with Jesus to depart from there, even though such a great deliverance had been shown. The man who’d been delivered very much wanted to leave with and follow Him, but Jesus said that, instead, his story should become more known.

He told him to go home and tell his friends of God’s compassion on him and what great things the Lord had done… So he departed and began to share in Decapolis, and the people marveled as he spoke about his life-changing encounter with Jesus, God’s Son.

P. A. Oltrogge

…from Mark 4-5

Dutch Sheets shares more on this in today’s: http://www.givehim15.com

God is not the Destroyer–He is the Redeemer

Please refer to the message and prayer by Dutch Sheets on the recent hurricane and flooding. He offers more ways to help at: http://www.givehim15.com

Yesterday Franklin Graham’s son, of Samaritans Purse, was on television saying they will be needing many more volunteers.

There have been wonderful stories of praise/thankfulness regarding having gone through the storm with little or no damage, for which we thank God. For others, we remember to:

“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

“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

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling.” Selah Psalm 46:1-3

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15

You were there for me…

Sometimes in a crisis, either in our minds or that’s real,
we need the patient listening of someone who can feel…

the pain that we’re going through, the stress that is there.
By listening to our “story,” they show us the care…

that we are so in need of at times of trouble or pain.
Help offered and a listening ear make Jesus’ love plain.

Best of all is when they offer to pray with us on the spot,
cooling things down in situations that are simply too “hot.”

P. A. Oltrogge

Overwhelming Love in Overwhelming Times

“Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:1-2

When all seems lost, at times, there’s still a strong beacon of Light. Hold on to the Lord Jesus Christ, with a faith grip that’s very tight.

The devil seeks to completely destroy your confident trust in the Master. We can never doubt God’s compassion and love–even in times of disaster.

Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world, but to save us and redeem us from the curse, while satan works to steal, kill, and destroy–only to make lives worse.

The steadfast love of God never ceases; His mercies are new every day. He gladly hears those seeking the Savior–and, absolutely, hears His children when they pray.

God’s love is seen through His servants, who go about giving aid…to those who have need of His help, so their glimmer of hope won’t fade.

Faith, hope, and love are vital, but love is the most highly rated. Through prayers, with and for others, and the use of our helping hands, God’s love is communicated.

And on the cross of Calvary, His love profoundly beamed…through His Son’s willingness to give His life, so that our lives could be redeemed.

Lord, we do sense your love and presence in the midst of things that are dire, by way of the Holy Spirit, who reminds that our God is “the Rock” that is higher.

“… For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:5 NLT

P. A. Oltrogge

“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 RSV

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” Jesus, in John 10:10-11

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” Jesus, in John 3:16-17

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” Romans 1:16

“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” Galatians 3:13-14

“For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.” Colossians 1:19-20

“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:12

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21 (and entire chapter)

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” 1 John 5:14-15

“Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them,  and you will have them. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.” Jesus, in Mark 11:24-25

“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever—the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you.” Jesus, in John 14:16-17 AMP

“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.” Psalm 42:5

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39

“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.’” John 8:12 

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

“Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” Jesus, in Matthew 25:34-40

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Ministries through which to help share God’s love have previously been mentioned on the Porch of the Lord, (below are some), and you likely have others of which you’re aware. We continue to pray and assist, as we’re able, regarding the many situations in this world which need our prayers.

http://www.samaritanspurse.org
http://www.ob.org
http://www.mercychefs.com

Hope will flower, as we recall God’s resurrection power…

The Mighty Power of God

“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

“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 3:20-21

Be blessed at:

http://www.dufresneministries.org

“Live a Lifestyle of Celebration” and “Faith Activates the Power of God” at the website of Nancy Dufresne are of great encouragement, along with books, CDs, and articles.

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Through God’s Word, many have discovered…that good health (and other good things) can be recovered. By taking the shield of faith, fiery darts are smothered. Be strong in the Lord–With His whole armor, be covered.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts 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…” Ephesians 6:10-18

“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 5:4-5

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

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

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Visit also today: http://www.givehim15.com