Tag Archives: god

The Depth of My Love

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What do you think drove me from heaven above
down to this earth? It was the depth of my love.
Betrayed by a kiss, a symbol of such–
yet what drove me on was that I loved you so much.
When they led me away and gave me a shove,
what kept me going was the depth of my love.
They gave me a trial, but it was not just–
bitter to go through, but my heart said, “I must.”
A crown of thorns pushed down with a glove,
it bruised my head to show the depth of my love.
The whipping I took for sin in your place,
I found strength to take because I saw your face.
I’ve loved you, I’ve called you–you are my dove,
for whom I laid down my life with the depth of my love.
The weight of the cross became hard to bear–
I staggered but made it to Calvary there.
On those merciless beams, my hands and feet were nailed down.
Next, I was put on display to be mocked throughout town.
Then came the time of greatest agony and despair,
when I felt forsaken but still kept my care
for all of mankind and, yes, just for you.
For your welfare and soul, I had made it through.
So what kept me going when push came to shove?
From your “down to earth” God, it was the depth of my love.
Though your sins be as scarlet, they’ll be white as snow.
They’re forgiven and forgotten and now you can grow
in the knowledge and wisdom that comes from above,
and my Word will remind you of the depth of my love.

P. A. Oltrogge

“’Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the Lord, ‘Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.’” Isaiah 1:18

“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

“ I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” John 10:14-18

“As the Father loved Me, I also have 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.” John 15:9-10

“For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:12-13

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:14-19 NASB/95

“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

“In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:9-11

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

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Jesus knew the purpose of His going to the cross, yet being a Man, I think He did feel great sorrow after all of His suffering, when He cried out the words in the following:

Now when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

Some of those who stood by, when they heard that, said, “Look, He is calling for Elijah!” Then someone ran and filled a sponge full of sour wine, put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink, saying, “Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to take Him down.”

And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last.

Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!” Mark 15:33-39

…Because of all that Jesus did, God and His love will never leave or forsake those who believe in His Son…

…the poetry was written some years ago and are just my thoughts on what our loving Lord might say…God bless you today…

Depiction above: Pixabay

Choosing the Right Mirror

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If you have ever stepped in front of an amusement park mirror…and have seen the distorted image of how it makes you seem to appear, you know, of course, for certain, that’s not really how you look. Likewise, the devil tries to distort your image that’s established in God’s Book.

God sees you as being loved, forgiven, victorious, prospered, and healed–so just agree with Him about the image for you that He has revealed. It isn’t at all amusing to take, as real, an image that’s wrong–so step away from the devil’s mirror to God’s, where you rightly belong.

Let your words align with the Lord’s, so the distorted image will be corrected. God’s Word is the wonderful mirror where His view of you is reflected. And His view of you is His will for you, so keep that always in mind. God’s Word is the most accurate mirror that any believer in Jesus can find.

Distortions of the Word of God may come, but we know they’re merely lies. Meditation of and embracing God’s truths will always prove to be wise. The devil may try to “reflect” some things, but you must step away…to the mirror that is within God’s Word–See yourself as God sees you every day.

P. A. Oltrogge

…loved, forgiven, redeemed, and blessed with many benefits:

“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

“The Lord appeared to him from afar, saying, ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with lovingkindness.’” Jeremiah 31:3

…righteous and victorious through Jesus Christ as Lord of your life:

“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

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV

…protected and provided for, and one who has a heart for God and others:

“No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent.” Psalm 91:10 (and entire Psalm)

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1

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

“And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.” Luke 12:29-33 KJV

…teaching on the Holy Spirit, on “This week’s TV” at: http://www.awmi.net

Reports/Timothy’s Ministry

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by Marian Alvarado of: www.timothysministry.org

Last week was a good week, and I am so thankful to God for continuing to miraculously provide for our friends and pour out His love! Two people were able to get off the streets into permanent housing after living outside for years, and all I can say is take everything to God even when it looks like doors are closed because God is able to open those doors!! We pray and God answers our prayers, and thank you to everyone for your donations to make this possible!

‘E’ is off the streets as of last Tuesday!

“E” is one of the sweetest and kindest people at Tim’s House (always helping with set up and clean up without being asked) and had been living outside for years and mostly sleeping on the el. He has been working odd jobs, seasonal jobs, and even walking dogs, to help to survive but could not ever make enough to also pay rent. He does not receive any type of Social Security disability check, but somehow has survived in this lifestyle and never complained although always looked so tired from not sleeping. Last Tuesday was the beginning of a new life for him because he moved into his own room at the YMCA and is so happy about finally having stability so that he can look for permanent work. Woohoo!!! God is so good that yet another person was able to get into the YMCA and it could only be the favor of God to open this door for yet another one of our friends! He told me on Friday that it was so nice to have a good night’s sleep and appreciated how warm his room was. He is such a thoughtful person and didn’t want to accept our typical ‘Housewarming’ gift (comforter, sheets, pillows, etc.) and said, “That’s okay, please give it to someone who needs it more than me.” He also said, “It is so nice and warm in my room so I won’t be needing a blanket or comforter.” We did get him his ‘housewarming package’ anyway and he expressed so much gratitude but still said, “please give it to someone else who needs it more than me!”  But, we insisted.

MATT MOVED INTO PERMANENT HOUSING LAST FRIDAY AFTER 15 YEARS OF BEING ON THE STREETS.

Matt is a disabled man in his 50’s who has been living outside in a tent for 15 years on and off, spending a few years either in the hospital or in a nursing home. He suffered from very serious health problems when my friend Ann found him in bad shape; and thanks to your donations, we were able to get him into a motel with the goal of hopefully getting him healthy until he could get into subsidized housing, but did not know how long the wait would be.

Matt was able to financially help with the monthly rent for the hotel room with part of his disability check, but could not afford to do this on his own and needed financial help to pay the hotel rent. Once he was living inside the hotel room, Ann was able to get him needed medical appointments and help him with the right kinds of food and medicine! He completed a housing application 5 months ago for subsidized housing, and we prayed that God would open this door. His legs had been severely swollen and his mind was not clear because of the years of living outside, but God is so good because after just a short time of living inside in a hotel room, his health began to improve. God answered our prayers because a beautiful subsidized apartment that also has a social worker in the building opened up; and after just a 5-month wait, Matt was able to move into his first apartment last Friday!!!. He will be able to pay his rent independently from his Social Security disability check because it is 1/3 of his income, but we were able to help him with the Security deposit which would have been an obstacle for him. Thank you for making this possible. Matt is so grateful and so happy and feeling so much better physically and mentally and said, “I’m human again. I didn’t feel human when I was on the streets!”

Thanks to all of your donations, we were able to purchase the blankets, sheets, and towels for him, as well as help to support him; and thank you again from the bottom of my heart. This man’s life was truly saved and it is a picture of a miracle of God; and very grateful to my friend Ann who walked with Matt step by step…and he is now independently living like a human being.

Pictured below are my sweet friends who cook and help every Friday in the kitchen.  They have added pancakes and bacon to the already delicious menu of eggs, hash browns, sausage, and lots of sweet rolls and bagels. To see the smiles on everyone’s faces as they walk through our doors with the aroma of home cooking, is so beautiful and as someone said, “This is the best breakfast in Chicago!”

…and from another report:

PEOPLE ARE INSIDE MOTEL ROOMS DURING THIS BITTER COLD IN CHICAGO

Thanks to the goodness of God through your generous donations, we have continued to place people in a motel as temporary emergency housing during the bitter cold, and some are inside as I write this e-mail. I know it’s God that we have a great relationship with the manager of a Motel and all I have to do is text him and then send people over with a check. Someone who is new to Timothy’s Ministry and just joined us at Tim’s House (along with 2 others) last week, shared on Friday after lunch as he asked for prayer saying that his feet were swollen inside of his boots because he was sleeping on the train at night and unable to lay horizontally. When I asked him if he would like us to get him a motel room he said, ‘Oh no, that is way too expensive, I don’t expect that at all.” I shared that “This is what God has led us to do and it’s all from God because He is our Great Provider!” Then he began to cry, saying, “a shower and a bed and being able to elevate my feet would be a Godsend.”  He called this morning to express his gratitude saying, “I just want to thank you for this warm room, and I was able to elevate my feet and take showers and get such good sleep; and my feet aren’t swollen any more and feel so good.” 

We are working continuously while praying and asking God to open doors in getting people permanent housing such as a subsidized apartment or a permanent room at the YMCA, and another person will be moving in this week! Even though more new people continue to join us at Tim’s House, we have God on our side.  Thank you so much!!! 

(Marian also shared about helping one person with pain who has been needing hip surgery. One hip surgery has already been done.)

…for more info: http://www.timothysministry.org

Delete Worry

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Cleanse me of worry, oh Lord.
I lay my concerns at Your feet,
for it’s only in letting You solve them
that these problems will meet their defeat.

When worrisome thoughts do come around,
I’ll trust You to help me to stand my ground.
Worry can only cause hurt in a life–
It can touch others, as well, and even cause strife.
For worry is a poison to resist and forsake–
Instead, from God’s goodness and mercy I’ll take.

So thank You for cleansing me of worry,
reminding me to turn up the PRAISE,
for You are a God of deliverance and peace,
and it’s only Your banner I’ll raise!

P. A. Oltrogge

“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 comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NASB

“Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God who is our salvation. God is to us a God of deliverances; and to God the Lord belong escapes from death.” Psalm 68:19, 20 NASB

“Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity, for they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:1-4 NKJV (and the entire Psalm)

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1

“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 KJV

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 KJV

“Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter, remembering, said to Him, ‘Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.’

“So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.'” Mark 11:20-24 NKJV

“I would have despaired, had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for and confidently expect the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for and confidently expect the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 AMP

Visit this week’s: http://www.givehim15.com

photo/Porch of the Lord

From All My Fears

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“I sought the Lord, and He answered me,
And delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 and entire Psalm/NASB

“By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.  We love, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:17-19 NASB

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” 1 John 5:4

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

“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 and entire Psalm

“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

“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?” Psalm 56:3-4

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in You!” Psalm 84:11-12

“Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:9-11 and entire Psalm

“The Lord will give them over to you, that you may do to them according to every commandment which I have commanded you. Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:5-6

“This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9

“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

“I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

Words of Jesus…

“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19 

“Then He said to His disciples, ‘Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?’

‘And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind.  For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.’

‘Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.'” Luke 12:22-34

(“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32 in the KJV)

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27

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Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

Fresh as a Dewdrop

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“Fresh as a dewdrop,” My Word is to you.
Go to it daily and find things new.
You’ll find the familiar in it as well–
Of comfort, wisdom, and truth it will tell.
At times, for direction, it gives a faith hint,
Bringing light to your path like a dewdrop’s glint.
Fresh as a dewdrop, I want to impart
More of its treasures into your heart.
Like finding the dewdrops, you can depend
On My being there always to instruct and befriend.

P. A. Oltrogge

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

“I will never forget Thy precepts, for by them Thou hast revived me.” Psalm 119:93 KJV

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort….” 2 Corinthians 1:3

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

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 NKJV

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” John 14:26 NKJV

“Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth.” John 17:17 KJV

“…I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

“You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character], Because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation].” Isaiah 26:3 AMP

“Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:5 AMP

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring charges against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, but rather, was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.” Romans 8:31-34

(Scriptures NASB or as noted)

Jesus’ precious drops of blood–shed for you

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We read of Jesus, before His trial and crucifixion, being with His disciples in the garden of Gethsemane:

Luke 22:41-44

“And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, ‘Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.’ Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” 

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We see Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane…praying, as He was facing His destined, brutal coming adversity.

His agony was so great about what was soon ahead, that His sweat became like great drops of blood that were being shed.

But God had an angel appear to Him in the midst of His distress…to strengthen Him for the task whereby the whole world would be blessed.

Perhaps you are in a situation that is causing you to fear… Know that the Lord sends you an angel, though you may not see him appear.

Lord, thank you for angelic help and for bolstering us with your Word…and giving us a sense of YOUR presence and love, of which we can always be assured.

P. A. Oltrogge

“…For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” from Hebrews 13:5

“Are they (the angels) not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” Hebrews 1:14

“For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11 (and all of the Psalm)

“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

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”  Matthew 1:23 KJV

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you…For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior….” Isaiah 43:2, 3 NKJV

“Only be thou strong and very courageous….” Joshua 1:7 KJV

“Then my enemies will be turned back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me.” Psalm 56:9

“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. 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 4:14-16

“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

“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

“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

“As the Father loved Me, I also have 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.” John 15:9-10

(Scriptures: NKJV or as noted)

…praying for the followers and friends of this blog…

Print by Waiting for the Word

Nevertheless

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The following encouraging article is by Kim Potter, www.anewthingministries.com

Last week, while I was walking through my kitchen one morning, I felt the Lord speak to me about a situation I had been praying about. My initial reaction wasn’t positive. I found myself murmuring to the Lord, saying, “God, I have done that, and I have done this; I have done all I know to do.” At that moment, a scripture came to my mind.

And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. (Luke 5:5)

Let’s look at this conversation between Peter and Jesus in the Amplified version of the Bible.

When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon (Peter), Put out into the deep water, and lower your nets for a haul. And Simon (Peter) answered, Master, we toiled all night, exhaustingly and caught nothing in our nets. But on the ground of Your word, I will lower the nets again.(v.5-6)

Peter had been fishing all night long and was completely exhausted. Despite his hard work, he caught no fish. As the sun began to rise, the last thing he wanted to do was try again. He longed to go home and sleep off his discouragement and disappointment. However, at Jesus’ request, he chose to obey.

The word, nevertheless, means…in spite of.

Peter said, “Even though I have worked hard all night and I’m completely exhausted, all I want to do is go home and sleep. Despite the fact that the fish aren’t biting, I will do it because you said so.”

Oh, if we could all have that attitude. It was the exact attitude I needed that morning as the Lord spoke to me.

Hebrews 3:14 says, For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end.

The New Living translation says it like this; For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.

Do you remember when you first learned that you could walk in healing and wholeness? Or when you heard that you could live in debt freedom and abundance? Can you recall when you first discovered all the promises the Bible offers through the cross of Christ?

Do you remember the hope that once blossomed within you? Recall that feeling of expectation! That is the confidence you must maintain until the very end. And that, my friend, can prove to be quite challenging.

The Bible states that unrelenting disappointment makes the heart sick, and I can personally relate to that scripture. When we encounter one disappointment after another, it impacts us and weighs heavily on our hearts. We become discouraged and start to feel like Peter—despite our hard work and efforts, we still do not see any victory.

However, just like Peter, we must declare, “Nevertheless, Lord, because of YOUR WORD, I will press on.” And we must choose to believe as firmly as when we first heard the promise—firmly to the very end.

If you feel in your heart that you have done all you can do today, stand firm. Trust in His Word and refuse to believe anything that contradicts the Word of the Living God. Keep your confidence strong until the end. Like Peter, declare, “Nevertheless, at Your Word, God, I still believe.” He who promised is faithful.

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See also today’s: http://www.givehim15.com

A Word of Encouragement

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“And He (Jesus) said to them, ‘What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?’ And they stood still, looking sad. And one of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to Him, ‘Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem and unaware of the things which have happened here in these days?’” Luke 24:17-18 (NASB)

“And beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.” Luke 24:27 (NASB) (from the account, after Jesus’ death and burial, of the walk to Emmaus by Cleopas and another, who met the risen Lord on their walk, verses 13-32)

There’s nothing like ENCOURAGEMENT when the way seems hard–

There’s nothing like its bolstering to keep a day (or life) from being scarred.

A word of praise can be depended upon to keep enthusiasm or creativity flowing,

causing a downcast countenance to be one that’s actually “glowing.”

There’s nothing like a caring friend who sends a note or gives a call.

There’s nothing like an encouraging word to keep us from a downfall.

There is an enemy in the world, who wants to ruin God-given potential,

which is why a word of praise from someone is often vital and essential.

Cleopas, while on the road to Emmaus, was talking with his friend

about the recent discouraging facts–on Christ’s life having come to an end.

Then later, when they were joined by Jesus, the Lord opened up their eyes

to the truth of His resurrection–likewise, we need the truth that God supplies.

Of course, the Lord is always there for us, speaking by His Spirit and His Word–

but through friends or even strangers, He can also often be “heard.”

So, as you look around to start your day, be attentive if God is showing to you

someone who needs encouragement–let His supportive words be flowing through you.

P. A. Oltrogge

Depiction of Jesus, with Cleopas and another disciple on the road to Emmaus…

“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good (encouraging) word makes it glad.” Proverbs 12:25 AMP

“…lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.” from Matthew 28:20 AMP

“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

…praying for you, dear friend of this blog…


It’s Snowing!

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“Have you entered the treasury of snow…?” Job 38:22

“He gives snow like wool…” Psalm 147:16

Like a fine diamond falling down from the sky…

is each unique snowflake that passes by.

God’s the divine artist behind their design…

Of His creativity, they’re a sure sign.

Children especially love it when He sends them down…

Usually they come softly, without a sound.

But then we hear the children out at play,

rejoicing and shouting that “It’s snowing today!”

It’s a picture of sparkling beauty in the moonlight’s glow…

when the ground has been covered with a blanket of snow.

Snowflakes have been captured with a camera lens…

the little fine diamonds that our Creator sends.

P. A. Oltrogge

Snowflake glowing on dark textured background. Macro photo of real snow crystal: big stellar dendrite with glossy, flat surface, thin, complex arms and tiny bubbles of frozen rime across the crystal.

“In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. He was [continually existing] in the beginning [co-eternally] with God. All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has come into being. In Him was life [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the Light of men.” John 1:1-4 AMP

“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

“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18 NKJV

“Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is greater than their names.” Hebrews 1:1-4 NLT

...the poem, above, was written to showcase the beauty in a snowflake’s design, pointing to the Lord, and the joys many of us recall of the enjoyment of snow as children, or even for those who ski or simply love its beauty…

(photo attribution, top, unknown, but appreciated…Bottom photo by Alexey Kljatov-Pixels
Real Snowflake 2018-12-26)