Tag Archives: jesus

The Way to Please God

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So many religions speak of various ways to address pleasing God all of your days.

Five times a day, you could be down on your knees, with prayers to the god you hope to please.

But, really, these things are ritual merely and can’t please Him, no matter if done so very sincerely.

But there is a way to come to God, and it’s by looking to the road that Jesus has trod.

He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He paved the way for you through much strife…

released upon Him as He went to the cross, where He suffered in pain so you wouldn’t be lost

to the God who loves you and calls to you now to embrace His Son, Jesus, to Whom, one day, every knee will bow.

But only grace, through faith, is involved—all works are in vain. Through Jesus’ righteousness, our salvation is made plain.

You may want to fall to your knees when you recognize all that was done…by a God who loved so greatly, He gave His only Son.

P. A. Oltrogge

“So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” John 1:14 NLT

“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

“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.” spoken by Jesus in John 3:16-17

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.’” John 14:6

“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”  spoken by Jesus in John 17:3

“But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:21-26

“But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 6:22-23 NLT

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

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“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

“Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

“Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11 NLT

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“But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:4-7

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“In fact, according to the law of Moses, nearly everything was purified with blood. For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.

“That is why the Tabernacle and everything in it, which were copies of things in heaven, had to be purified by the blood of animals. But the real things in heaven had to be purified with far better sacrifices than the blood of animals.

“For Christ did not enter into a holy place made with human hands, which was only a copy of the true one in heaven. He entered into heaven itself to appear now before God on our behalf. And he did not enter heaven to offer himself again and again, like the high priest here on earth who enters the Most Holy Place year after year with the blood of an animal. If that had been necessary, Christ would have had to die again and again, ever since the world began. But now, once for all time, he has appeared at the end of the age to remove sin by his own death as a sacrifice.

“And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.” Hebrews 9:22-28 NLT

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“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

Declaring God’s Promises

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At the Joseph Prince website, are wonderful messages and praise reports. At the site, it is encouraged to share via Facebook, e-mail, etc., so here is just one praise report today. For more, visit: http://www.josephprince.org

No More Brain Hemorrhage by Declaring God’s Promises

Two years ago, my mother-in-law, Adalgisa, was hospitalized with a severe headache. Doctors found a large spot on her brain, and they couldn’t understand exactly what it was or what was causing it. 

They did not exclude the worst diagnoses, but they could not understand why Adalgisa, while having such a large spot on her brain, did not have any other symptoms besides a headache. She was not paralyzed, she was perfectly conscious, her senses functioned well, and her body had no other issues. 

My husband and I refused to accept the possible bad diagnosis and told Adalgisa to do the same. Initially, she was very discouraged. She attends another church because she lives a little far from us, and she didn’t know how to claim all of God’s promises for her life. However, we explained to her how the Lord took her sickness on His body at the cross and that by His stripes, she was already healed. 

We taught her how to partake of the Holy Communion with the right revelation. Every day, we went to the hospital, bringing a bit of bread and a bit of wine to partake in the Holy Communion together. We also applied anointing oil over, speaking over her with the right revelation. 

We also taught her to proclaim her righteousness in Christ, to declare healing for every part of her body, especially for her brain, to command every organ to function as God designed, to cast away that spot on her head, and to believe and declare that as Jesus is, so is she in this world. 

Further medical tests showed that the spot was a large hemorrhage in her head, but doctors still did not understand what was causing it. Many believers told me to pray that the doctors would quickly find the cause of that hemorrhage in her brain, but I chose to pray by giving thanks to the Lord for Adalgisa’s healing, even if doctors did not understand anything. I wanted to focus only on Christ and His work, not on the doctors or circumstances. 

By the grace of God, Adalgisa’s condition improved day by day. After fifteen days, she was discharged because the hemorrhage was reabsorbed, and she was very well physically, without any headaches. Today, she is completely healed, and she lives a perfectly normal life to the glory of the Lord! 

I thank you, Pastor Prince, for preaching the pure gospel of grace without compromise, because in it is the power of God for our lives. The revelations about healing and every blessing we have in Christ, the revelations about the importance of the Holy Communion, and every other revelation focused on Christ are the most precious things we can enjoy. Truly, the gospel of grace revealed is life for everyone who receives it. 

My pastor first heard you preach in Palermo, South Italy, in 2010, and from then on, his ministry was completely transformed. He decided to start translating your sermons into Italian to share them with our church, and I’ve been translating them for him. I think I will never stop translating your sermons because they help us to know the Lord more and more. 

God bless you, Pastor Prince, and your wonderful family.

Barbara Crimi 
Italy

A Prayer Against Deception

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Father in heaven,

Give me perception about the devil’s deception—
Holy Spirit alerts on the schemes of the deceiver.
If something I’m considering isn’t right for me,
then please redirect my pathway as a believer.

Keep my life conformed to the standards of your Word;
anything opposing your stated values is wrong.
Help me to spend enough time with you in prayer
to hear your counsel in a way that is strong.

I know there’ve been times I’ve missed “hearing” you
on personal decisions that didn’t turn out well.
So, earnestly, I pray for those who are missing hearing you
on the truth that Jesus saves sinners from the judgment of hell.

And may people realize their need for a Good Shepherd
on life’s journey to specific blessings you’ve prepared.
For you love so greatly that, through Jesus, you provide grace—
the greatest message to the world that can ever be shared!

in Jesus’ name,
Amen

P. A. Oltrogge

“And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:16-17

“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

“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:36

“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.” John 10:10

“The way of life winds upward for the wise, that he may turn away from hell below.” Proverbs 15:24

Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom

“Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

“And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”

Ephesians 1:15-23

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:4-10
(Scriptures NKJV)

For benefit in your Christian walk, visit sites previously mentioned on this blog…

Faith in the God of Miracles

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“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” Jeremiah 32:27

I believe in the God of miracles, is a good thing to frequently say, especially when we know the Lord wants us to have confidence after we pray.

I believe in His miracles, though things can seem contrary or dark. I believe in miracles, even when the “kindling” isn’t showing a spark.

I believe in God’s miracles…of provision, protection, and to see healings. I believe in His miracles, shows we’re not giving in simply to feelings.

I believe in miracles, as shown in the Bible through and through. I know that miracles still happen–that they’re meant for believers today, too.

I believe in God’s miracles, though afflictions can be harsh and persistent. I believe in miracles; therefore, my faith in Him can be equally insistent.

I believe in seeing miracles, even when patience is sometimes needed. Believing in God and His power and love can keep us strong until adversity’s receded.

I believe in miracles, because I’ve had some God-given ones prior. I believe in miracles, are words that encourage and lift us higher.

And I believe in Jesus, the miracle worker, who was called a Nazarene. With our expectation in Him, and what He’s already done, miracles are sure to come on the scene.

P. A. Oltrogge

“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. ….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 1:1-5, 14

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

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

“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 

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.” …words of Jesus in John 14:1 

“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

“For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13 

“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

“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:9-10

“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.” Luke 18:1

“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

“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 

“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. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.’” Mark 11:21-26

“Philip said to Him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works.’” John 14:8-10 (NKJV)

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” John 15:7-8

“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” John 17:3 NKJV

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, oh Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.” Psalm 138:8 

“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

May one particular scripture or all add a “spark” to your thoughts and faith today….

(Scriptures NKJV)

The Man Above All Men

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“Come Follow Me” by Greg Olsen. Used with permission:  www.GregOlsen.com

“Jesus said to him, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’” Matthew 19:21

Have you met up with Jesus?
He’s your kind of Man…
Came down here from heaven,
carrying out God’s mighty plan.

He’s still here today, capturing hearts, lives, and souls,
giving all whom He touches much worthier goals.
He doesn’t actually show up in visible form,
but you’re aware of His presence when prayer becomes norm.

And some have had visions or have seen Him in dreams,
and what they remember is the love that He beams.
That’s also reflected in the words of His book;
the renowned Holy Bible is the right place to look.

You might think you know what could give you life’s best;
but those who follow His lead are on a sure quest.
He wants to increase your every potential,
but living for Him and others is essential.

Dedicating all that you have to Him is not loss–
The best in mind for you is why He died on the cross.

P. A. Oltrogge

“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 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….” 1 Timothy 2:1-6

“When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, ‘Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?’” Mark 8:34-36

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:6

“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

“I am the good shepherd.  The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep….My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”  John 10:11, 27 

“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

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

“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.” John 3:16 

“For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.” Matthew 18:11

“…but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:26-28

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11

Scriptures from the New King James Version of the Bible

Snuggle in…to God’s Presence

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When I was a child and had an anxious thought, a loving parent’s presence was the first thing I sought.

When they took me into their arms, I found the very best place to snuggle; their loving embrace would relieve me completely of my struggle.

There’s still a child within today that sometimes is unsure; and turning to our heavenly Father is what makes us be secure.

His arms are open wide for us–He says to cast our cares…upon Himself, and that’s because great love is what He shares.

Many are the words of faithfulness and comfort He provides. In His arms of shelter, we find the place where lifelong love abides.

Though I can’t see Him face to face, He says He’ll make my ears…to hear His voice, which will always bear a message to relieve my fears…

“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

And if I have a day where it seems like I’m just drifting about, perhaps I need to stop and ask the Lord to help me sort things out.

What should I do each moment–each day that would be best? I know if I stop and listen, I’ll hear a nudge towards the path most blessed.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.’” Matthew 11:28-29 NLT

“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered…” Luke 12:7

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it.” Luke 12:31-33 NLT

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me….” John 10:27 NASB

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

“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’” Romans 8:15

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:31-32

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

“Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’” Galatians 4:6 NIV

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

“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

“There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.” Hebrews 4:9

“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16

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

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7

“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 

“I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy, For You have considered my trouble; You have known my soul in adversities…” Psalm 31:7

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

“As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God.” Psalm 42:1 NLT

“Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Psalm 55:22 NASB

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

“He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.” Psalm 103:12-13 NLT

“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

For an insightful series on fellowship with God:
See Faith School, Week 11, “By Faith, Enoch”
http://www.faithlife.org

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

Come, you blessed of My Father

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“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” John 13:34

Did you learn to love (as I’ve loved you) in your daily walk; or was it not really genuine, but, instead, merely talk?

That could be a question Jesus will ask one day in separating His sheep and removing the goats away.

If you took care of others, even “one of the least of these,” He’ll say you did it to Him, and will have found that to please.

Kindnesses done for others in His Name, with sincerity of heart, are implied to be noted by Jesus, as if on a heavenly chart.

The righteous will ask, “When did we do these things for You?” while the unrighteous will insist that they did them, too.

Faith in Jesus saves us through His service, highest of all; but we serve Him, out of love…it’s our heavenly call.

“Works” left undone or devoid of Him won’t carry any weight. Make Jesus your Savior and Shepherd, for the hour is getting late.

P. A. Oltrogge

“All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 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.’

“Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you game Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’

“Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You? Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Matthew 25:32-46

“But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.” Luke 6:35

“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.” Romans 12:9-13

We can share the love of Jesus through our local church or other ministries previously mentioned on this blog…

Photo by Karen Roe/Flickr
See archived post for direct link.

Compassionate Words from Jesus

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

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

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

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

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

“Don’t cry”

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

and “I am willing”

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

P. A. Oltrogge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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If you missed the programming from this past week, Healing Journeys (encouraging testimonies of healing) are still available to view at: http://www.awmi.net

Praising in the Darkness

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Stop the praise!  That’s what the devil seeks to make us do.
But to praise our mighty God, all the more, is that which will see us through.

The devil wants to constantly remind us of anything that has disappointed.
But we must think, instead, of victories from God, which were and are anointed.

If there are times when praising God seems like a hard thing you don’t want to do–
recognize that thought is from the enemy.  It’s praise to the Lord that you need to pursue.

There are so many negative voices in this world that we must avoid.
Instead, we must train our own voices to use God’s Word, which doesn’t return to Him void.

The Holy Bible has many examples of victory through prayer and praise…
The Father sent His Son in love. Fear not–only believe!  Remember His goodness throughout all of your days!

P. A. Oltrogge

“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
And do not return there,
But water the earth,
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:10-11

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Satan Tempts Jesus

“Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, ‘All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.’

“Then Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.”

“Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.” Matthew 4:8-11

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“Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!
Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.
Know that the Lord, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
For the Lord is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.” Psalm 100

“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

“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

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

“But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.” Luke 8:15 (from the Parable of the Sower)

“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

“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

Photo: Pixabay

Powerful Prayers for Peter

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Herod began to persecute those who believed in Jesus, it’s told in the twelfth chapter of Acts. James was martyred by the sword and Peter was seized, though there had been no criminal facts.

The church was offering up constant prayer for Peter–imprisoned by Herod Agrippa, the king. So in the dark of the night, God sent an angel to visit Peter there, who was asleep despite everything.

Four squads of soldiers had been assigned to him; and he was chained as he slept that night. A soldier on each side of him and guards were there, who were keeping the prison door barred tight.

Suddenly, the angel of the Lord stood by Peter, and a light shone inside the prison cell. The angel struck him on his side and raised him up; and from Peter’s hands, the heavy prison chains fell.

At the angel’s instruction, Peter dressed quickly to follow him–though it all seemed to be unreal. They went past the first and second guard posts. “This must be a ‘vision,’” was how it made him feel.

They came to the iron gate that led to the city, which simply opened to them of its own accord–then went out and down one street, and the angel departed. What a rescue from an angel of the Lord!

Peter came to his senses, realizing it had actually happened–he’d escaped Herod and leaders of the Jews. He proceeded on to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where they’d fervently prayed for this news.

Peter knocked at the door of the gate to the house, and a girl by the name of Rhoda came to see who was there. In her joy at hearing his voice, she ran to tell the others it was Peter, and that God had answered prayer.

They just couldn’t believe her, so Peter had to continue to knock, until they opened the door themselves to see…that God, indeed, had heard their prayers for Peter, and had sent His angel–to miraculously set him free!

At dawn, back at the prison, there was a commotion among the soldiers, as to how Peter’s captivity was defied. After a search was endeavored, Herod ordered the soldiers’ deaths; but the Bible records that he, too, soon afterward died…

“But the word of God grew and multiplied!”

P. A. Oltrogge

(From the account in Acts 12)

“Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.” Acts 12:5

“Then He (Jesus) spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart…” Luke 18:1 

Some posts are repeats, but it’s my prayer that they may be a blessing still…