Tag Archives: jesus

The Ministry of Angels

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Thank God for His mighty angels, spoken of in many scriptures…
Daniel in the lion’s den, Jesus in Gethsemane…include angelic pictures.

Though most of us haven’t seen them visibly today with our own eyes,
in being hospitable to guests we may have–so doing that is wise.

But there are those who’ve seen them and have said they look very strong.
In the Bible they also brought messages, to tell of pathways right or wrong.

We’ve all experienced or heard of times we’ve benefitted from their protection.
They respond to us using God’s Word–they trust its perfect direction.

It’s good for us to remember that they work all around the earth…
yet we can count on them right where we are…these servants of great worth.

P. A. Oltrogge

References: Matthew 1:18-24; Matthew 2; Matthew 4:1-11; Matthew 28: 1-10; Mark 1:9-12; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 2:1-20; Luke 22:41-44; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:11-13; Acts 12; Acts 27:23-25

“I sought the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears…
The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.” Psalm 34:4, 7 NKJV

“Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.” Psalm 103:20 KJV

“Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty, Who cover yourself with light as with a garment, Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain. He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters, Who makes the clouds His chariot, Who walks on the wings of the wind, Who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flame of fire.” Psalm 104:1-4 NKJV

“Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ, the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.’” Luke 2:10-12 NKJV

“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.” Matthew 18:10-11 NKJV

“Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation? Hebrews 1:13-14 NKJV

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

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2 NIV

“For He shall give His angels charge over you , to keep you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11 NKJV

“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts! Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all you stars of light!” Psalm 148:1-3 NKJV

Find materials on angels go to the bookstore at: http://www.cappsministries.com

I can think of many instances of angelic protection, but here is just one…  

When driving on a turnpike with my family, we noticed a driver coming in on the entrance ramp extremely fast–so fast that we called on the name of Jesus and the angels for protection for us all. The driver of that vehicle actually rammed into one of the large, tall lamp posts that were along that highway.  We checked on him later, and though his vehicle was damaged, he, miraculously, was all right.  When the lamp fell, it fell very slowly, almost as if angels were guiding it down, (we believe they were) causing it to completely miss our car. Praise God!

Our Triune God

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…a day to reflect on the trinity of God, once again…

“For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.” 1 John 5:7 NKJV

“Top of the morning” to you, on this St. Patrick’s Day!
May all of God’s wonderful blessings graciously come your way.

It’s said that St. Patrick used the shamrock, which has leaves of three,
as an illustration to the Irish people of God’s holy Trinity.

Just as a shamrock is composed of three separate leaves, yet is one–
the almighty God of the Bible is the Father, Holy Spirit, and the Son.

Shamrocks have been associated with “luck,” but God’s promises are sure.
While shamrocks cannot last, God’s loving kindness will forever endure.

Today is a day when many will turn to thoughts of the Emerald Isle;
but may we daily be sure to turn our thoughts to the Lord for a while.

And on a day when some may be thinking of “wearing the green,”
may the people of God reflect His joy, which is the best thing to be seen.

P. A. Oltrogge

“…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

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

Of the Word, Jesus, it’s written: “And the Word was made 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 KJV

“Jesus answered him, ‘The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.’” Mark 12:29-31 NKJV

“These things I have spoken to you while remaining with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you. Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.” …words of Jesus in John 14:25-27 NASB

“And on that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.” …words of Jesus in John 16:23-24 NASB

“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

“How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.” Psalm 36:7 NKJV

“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 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 28:18-20 NKJV

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” John 1:1-5 NKJV

“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness….’” Genesis 1:26 NKJV

Genesis 1:1-2; John 14:6-9; John 15:10-12; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 John 1:1-4

Visit messages at: http://www.elijahlist.com

As White as Snow

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

“Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” These are gracious words that the Lord has said, and only He would know, whatever sins have been in your life that you have come to regret. What peace it is to know that God will forgive…and will also forget.

We read in the Bible of Peter, James, and John being led up by Jesus on a mount, where His clothing became radiant—white, like snow, it’s told in that account. This spoke of His glory and was a demonstration that He was the Holy One—God’s voice, coming out of a cloud, said to listen to Jesus, His beloved Son.

This brings to my mind the garment of salvation that makes us white as snow.  In Him, we become new creations—sinners cleansed by His blood’s outflow. To any who take Him as Savior, the One who died for sin on the cross in their place—any guilty stains are thoroughly lifted; no sinful spot can leave a trace.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Now after six days, Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up on a high mount apart by themselves, and He was transfigured before them. His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.” Mark 9:2-4 NKJV

“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 NKJV

“I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” Isaiah 61:10 NIV

“Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.’” Matthew 26:27-28 NKJV

“For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” Hebrews 8:12 NKJV

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 NASB

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

Psalm 103:12
John 1:29
Hebrews 1:1-4
1 John 2:1-2

Photo by Phil Roeder/Flickr; see link in original archived post

Remembering Billy Graham

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Billy Graham went to his home in heaven on February 21, 2018. I’m taking a moment to think of him and his life once again…

I remember attending Billy Graham crusades when I was very young…and anticipating hearing Billy after George Beverly Shea had sung.

Cliff Barrows led the assembled choir in an always joyful way, giving mighty praise to God before someone on stage would pray.

Then Billy would come forward; and with his powerful voice, he’d say we needed to make a decision—God was giving us a choice.

He always pointed to the cross and what Jesus had achieved—redemption through His shed blood on Calvary for anyone who believed.

He said we should repent of our sins and give our hearts to Christ—that His was the only sacrifice which God says has sufficed.

He emphasized that “God loves you” and wants to be your friend, counselor, and advocate—from beginning of life to its end.

He said this earth was not his home—that he was just passing through—and that a home in heaven awaits every believer in Jesus Christ, too.

After many Biblical references, Billy would give an invitation. Then, an amazing number in the place would come forward to his station.

As they came forward, a familiar song helped set so many hearts free—“Just as I am, without one plea, but that Thy blood was shed for me.”

Today, Billy Graham is honored for faithful service to God during his life span. And we continue to share the Gospel of Christ—God’s gracious redemptive plan.

P. A. Oltrogge

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 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 3:14-17 NKJV

“For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come. Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.” Hebrews 13:14-15 NLT

“I will not go to heaven because I am a preacher. I am going to heaven entirely on the merit of the work of Christ.”

“My home is in heaven. I’m just passing through this world.”

Quotes by Billy Graham

Right by my Good Shepherd

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“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” John 10:27-30

Jesus, You’re my Savior and Good Shepherd…I’m staying close by Your side…
You’re my Protector, my Provider, my Healer, and my absolute Guide.

Jesus, You’re my faithful Good Shepherd…I’m trusting, as Your lamb…
I’m looking to You for everything, for You are the Great “I AM.”

Jesus, let me rest, please, over and upon Your strong shoulder…
Your Word says our youth can be renewed, even as we’re growing older.

There are times when I feel weak…then I cling to You the most…
I can always sense Your love and nearness by the power of the Holy Ghost.

P. A. Oltrogge

“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

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

“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

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 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 14:26-27 KJV

“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

Blessing and Victory by the Hand of the Lord

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I believe you, God, for every good and perfect gift;
for doubting that would cause me to be adrift
on the devil’s sea of unbelief,
with its dangerous waters and treacherous reef.
Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light.
I believe Your Word and reject any fright.
You’ve promised to shepherd me each new day–
With Your rod and Your staff, You’ll lead the way.
You’re the Light of the World, I can’t go wrong–
I can do all things in Him Who makes me strong.
Strong I am, and it’s easy to receive–
for You have said, just pray and believe.
Your help is sure, and you’ve said I can command
victory over the enemy by Your mighty hand!

P. A. Oltrogge

“Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:47

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

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

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

“The Lord is my shepherd…He leads me…He guides me…Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me…Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life….” (from Psalm 23)

“And He said to them, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 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. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:18-20

“Again therefore Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12

“I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

“Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they shall be granted you.” Mark 11:24

See also the following regarding God’s mighty hand:

Exodus 3:20
Exodus 13: 3, 9, 14, 16
Exodus chapter 14

Who will be the greatest?

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“Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, ‘What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?’ But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest. 

“And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, ‘If anyone desires to be first, he shall be the last of all and servant of all.’ Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in his arms, He said to them. ‘Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.’” Mark 9:33-37

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Therefore, as taught by Jesus, he who would be first must be the last of all and servant of all.

So thank the Lord for the tasks before you because serving cheers the heart. We’re blessed as we do what may even seem lowly…blessed to do our part.

And before giving a “prominent” person of status your highest attention, remember, it was of a humble little child that Jesus, our Lord, made mention.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18 

“And whoever gives to one of these little ones (these who are humble in rank or influence) even a cup of cold water to drink because he is my disciple, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward.” Matthew 10:42 AMP

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“At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’

“Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.

“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matthew 18:1-6

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“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16

“Therefore, if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:1-4 

“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world in holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.” Philippians 2:14-16 

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24

“Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ 

“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 5:5-6

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

Artwork: Pixabay

The Strength of Your Life

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalm 103:1-5 NKJV

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

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

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

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

“My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them,
And health to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4:20-24 NKJV

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:10-12 (and the following verses on the full armor of God) NASB/Ryrie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Psalm 91, an Oasis in These Times

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Visit:
Latest Message at:  www.oasiswired.org
and www.givehim15.com

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 from the snare of the trapper, and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.

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.

(New American Standard Translation, The Ryrie Study Bible)

Ein Gedi Oasis, Israel
Photo/Unsplash

Impossibilities Made Possible

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Various impossible accounts in the Bible, not in chronological order…

Having been thrown into a den of ferocious lions–would it be possible to survive the night?  Impossible, yet Daniel did survive it, until the morning light. …from Daniel 6

A fiery furnace was stoked so extremely hot that those who threw three God-fearing men into it perished from its flames and heat.  Would it be possible for the three men to survive and come out unharmed with not even the smell of smoke upon them?  Impossible, yet Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did come out of the fire in that miraculous way. …from Daniel 3

He was sold into slavery by jealous brothers and then, while conscientiously working for Potiphar, the Captain of Pharaoh’s Guard, Joseph was falsely accused, by Potiphar’s wife, of improper advances towards her, for which he was then imprisoned.  Would it be possible for him to eventually become reigning ruler in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh?  Impossible, yet that was the case for Joseph. …from the book of Genesis, 37-50

Would it be possible to take down Goliath, a renowned giant of a warrior, that nobody else was brave enough to fight, with only a slingshot and a stone? Impossible, yet David did it…  (His third weapon was his own declarations to Goliath, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with 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 defied…for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” …from 1 Samuel 17

“Now the Midianites and Amalekites, all the people of the East, were lying in the valley as numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the seashore in multitude.” Would it be possible to fight against them with only 300 men and win?  Impossible, but Gideon and his 300 did so. …from Judges 6-8

Bearing down on the Israelites was Pharaoh and his army as they faced the barrier of the Red Sea.  Was there any way to escape?  Impossible, but God parted the waters in order for the Israelites to cross–then drew the waters back to drown the pursuing enemies. …from Exodus 14

Would it be possible to never doubt about a coming vast flood while constructing a great ship (ark) for years, even decades?  It may have seemed impossible to many that such an incident would occur; but the Bible never records that Noah doubted God on the matter. …from Genesis 6-9

Would it be possible for a young virgin woman to conceive a child without having a husband?  Impossible, but God sent an angel to tell Mary that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and the power of the Highest would overshadow her, for “that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God” and “with God nothing will be impossible.”  …from Luke 1

Would it be possible to raise the dead, heal the lame, deaf, blind, maimed, and diseased simply through faith in God?  Impossible, but Jesus and His followers did these things…(and still are doing them today–many ministries have seen/are seeing the miraculous occur.)

Would it be possible to turn a renowned enemy of the gospel (Saul/Paul) into one of the strongest supporters ever of that gospel?  Impossible, but God could do it, and He did. …from Acts 9

Imprisoned by Herod Agrippa, the king, Peter was chained, with four squads of soldiers assigned to him; but he was constantly being prayed for by the church.  Impossible to escape?  Yet God sent an angel to miraculously deliver him. …from Acts 12

Another prison break: “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.” Seemingly an impossible situation, but not so. …from Acts 16

You may be able to add some of your own experiences to this list…

Perhaps you’re facing some “impossibilities” today…

Let’s always remember that our God is the God of the impossible made possible…

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

“But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’”  Matthew 19:26

“For with God nothing will be impossible.”  Luke 1:37

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