“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

“And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

“And He saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

“And they straightway left their nets and followed him.

“And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee, their father, mending their nets; and he called them.

“And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.” Matthew 4:17-22 KJV

_________________________

We’re serving in the Lord’s harvest fields while it’s still the day, for in sharing the good news of His Gospel, we all have a part to play.

By the direction and power of the Holy Spirit, God’s worldwide missions abound; and through Christian teamwork, we’re notably gaining ground.

The night is coming up when no further work will be able to be done. God desires that we find our place of service to Jesus Christ, His Son.

You call ordinary people today, Lord, as you called ordinary fishermen back then. We’re blessed as we go about sharing your love while being “fishers of men.”

P. A. Oltrogge

“Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then will come the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! And He who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored, others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.’” John 4:34-40 

Jesus said…
“I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:4-5

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

“Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:38

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh…” Acts 2:17

“A faithful man will abound with blessings….”. Proverbs 28:20 

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3 

“I will make them and the places all around my hill a blessing; and I will cause showers to come down in their season; there shall be showers of blessing.” Ezekiel 34:26 

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

Scriptures: NKJV

by Pastor Christopher Alam, titled “God is in Control”

“GOD IS IN CONTROL” is a common Pentecostal cliché, but is He actually “in control”?

Yes, He is in control when it comes to the things in the universe that He has set into motion. The way the planets revolve around the sun, the way the earth rotates on its axis, etc. He is in control of the seasons, and the rhythm of nature, etc.

God is also in control when we obey Him, when He tells us to do the following…

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you”. 1 Peter 5:7

AND

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths”. Proverbs 3:5-6

AND

“Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved”. Psalm 55:22

But there are times when He is NOT exactly “in control.” Those are the times when He wants to use US, as His people, to take control and authority over situations. He tells US to stand on His Word and take authority over demons, diseases, and circumstances, or when He tells US to speak to the storm and command it to be still. Those are the times when He takes control, but He does so through our obedience, our faith, our speaking His Name and His Word, and through our exercising our authority as believers.

NOT exercising this authority, or NOT standing in faith and in prayer, but passively sitting down, doing nothing, and just saying “God is in Control” means absolutely zero or nothing. All it does is to hand over control of our situation to the evil one.

When God stirs us to pray, take authority and speak His Word, let us always respond to Him in faith. Let us stand strong and proclaim the victory of Jesus Christ over the devil. Let us cast our cares upon the Lord. That is when we hand over the reins to Him!

When we stand strong in faith, we shall find that God is always there with us. He always moves with the man or woman who moves!

Originally posted on Facebook by Pastor Christopher Alam

Visit and find more of his articles at: http://www.dynamisworldministries.com

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

To Our Great God…

At Pentecost, your Spirit came, with the sound of a rushing mighty wind. The Comforter comes to believers yet today, a promise you’ll never rescind.

Often, your presence is apparent through a reassuring, inner voice. When problems threaten to overwhelm, you encourage us still to rejoice.

You’re blessed by the praises of your people…bless the Lord, oh my soul! I’m thankful you’ve said that on you, dear Lord, all of my cares, I can roll.

It’s good to abide in your presence, for there’s fullness of joy therein. Thank you for provision and healing, as well as for forgiving our sin.

We praise you for your creative ability, for the beauty of bird and flower, the mountains and other majestic things that speak to us of your power.

We’re so blessed you desire to visit with us, as you did first with Adam and Eve. All that you require of us to meet with you, Father, is to believe in your Son and receive.

P. A. Oltrogge

“‘Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him, the Father, God, has set His seal.’ Therefore they said to Him, ‘What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?’ Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.’” John 6:27-29 NASB

“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” Words of Jesus in John 14:16-17 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

“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:2-4 NKJV

“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 NKJV

“…Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of Hosts.”
Zechariah 4:6 NKJV

It’s not by might, nor by power,
but by the Lord’s Spirit…As a spring shower
causes the sprouting of seeds in the earth—
so, also, by His Spirit, comes the “new birth.”

We look to you, Lord, for those for whom we pray…
It’s by your awakening, that they’ll find the Way.
We trust, Lord, for your Spirit to fall afresh…
You’ve said you would pour it out upon all flesh.

P. A. Oltrogge

“But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.” Acts 2:16-18

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

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” …from Acts 4:8-12, on Jesus Christ of Nazareth

“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your Word is truth.” spoken by Jesus in John 17:17 

“Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!”words of Jesus in John 4:35

…on following the leading of the Lord….

As believers, we’re aware of the importance…
of following “the inward witness,”
which is so vital to our well-being
and to our necessary spiritual fitness.

If we believe in the goodness of God
and that our Shepherd knows what’s best,
then it follows that by praying and following His lead,
we’ll be on the highest and most certain quest.

To put it in God’s words, you are His son,
when you’re someone who is Spirit led.
Make it your desire to do the will of the Father;
and, with the faith food of His Word, be fed.

Wait for His peace regarding decisions;
never go against what God has said in His Word.
It’s a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path,
whereby your success is established and assured.

If our lives, in some instances, seem to be off course,
and that things aren’t turning out right,
it could be that we’ve not been walking by faith,
but, instead, just by our own sight.

Wise men (and women and even children)
still seek the Lord today, it’s said.
Thankfully, He’s the God of another chance–
so seek Him strongly in the days ahead.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near.”
Isaiah 55:6 NASB

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

“For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”
Romans 8:14 NASB

“But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name.” John 1:12 KJV

“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

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

“The entrance of Your words gives light…” Psalm 119:130 NKJV

“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. Galatians 4:4-7 KJV

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14 NKJV

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’”
Lamentations 3:22-24 NRSV

For “God’s Third Choice,” by Annette Capps, search the archives at: http://www.cappsministries.com

It can be difficult not to be anxious when a problem seems very intense.
But keeping faith in the God of the Bible (and the universe) is the only thing that makes sense.

Cast your worries and cares, that the Lord knows of, over completely upon Him, trusting He knows how to work things out, even if, to you, hope seems dim.

Believe in the mercy and grace of God as expressed through Jesus, His Son…who went about healing and doing good, sharing God’s love with everyone.

Close the door on all fear–speak the promises of God, which make the believer secure. Remember we’ve a covenant with God through Christ’s blood–of that fact, we can always be sure.

Cry out to the Lord if things are overwhelming–Peter did, in a time of fright. Jesus reached out and kept him from sinking during his walk on the water that night.

God created all of the mountain peaks and sends flowers to bloom on a plain. He made the vast waters of the oceans–yet designed the intricacies of the human brain.

From mountain heights to the deep sea depths, He put everything together… Jesus said, “Have faith in God.” Rely on His peace through whatever storm that you weather.

P. A. Oltrogge

And a postscript:
At those times of anxiety, worry, or doubt,
believe for the good that GOD’s bringing about.

To some, these thoughts might sound simplistic, but they’re based on words that are God’s. “For with God nothing will be impossible.” He can help us against all odds.

Scriptures that encourage:

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

Meditate on These Things

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:6-8

“Because of this oath, Jesus is the one who guarantees this better covenant with God. There were many priests under the old system, for death prevented them from remaining in office. But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.” Hebrews 7:22-25 NLT

“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 

“When I cry out to you, then my enemies will turn back; This I know, because God is for me.” Psalm 56:9 (and many other scriptures, especially in the Psalms, on crying out to the Lord)

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

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

“So Jesus said to them, ‘Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.’” Matthew 17:20

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

“Then He (Jesus) went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled.” Mark 6:51

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” John 14:12

“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

Our Lord Jesus doesn’t do things for us in a manner that’s halfway. We need to keep that in mind in regard to that for which we pray.

Just as He provided Peter with a net-breaking, miraculous catch, or made a few fish and loaves into an enough-for-a-multitude batch…

and as He healed the blind man who first saw men as trees that were moving, Jesus went on to heal the man’s sight totally, His “completion” power proving.

Still today, He’s with us always, not doing things by half-measure; but He desires to see us whole, for that’s always His Father’s will and pleasure.

And for any kind of “answer to prayer” that doesn’t seem quite right, we wait upon the Lord for His very best, for His is the power and might.

Remember the wedding banquet in Cana, where the best wine served was the last. It was Jesus’ miraculous touch that caused the first wine to be outclassed.

Let’s be assured He will answer our prayers in a way that’s truly complete, thereby displaying to all, once again, that Jesus secured the devil’s defeat.

P. A. Oltrogge

See Mark 8 for the feeding of four thousand and the instance of the blind man receiving full sight. John 2:1-11 tells of Jesus turning water into wine.

“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

“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.” …spoken by Jesus in John 10:10

“But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8 NLT

“And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” …spoken by Jesus in John 16:23-24

“…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

And Jesus’ words on the cross, “It is finished!” were words of completion of the will of God and His Father’s calling upon His life.

“But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

“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 8:25-32

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you with all joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ….” Philippians 1:3-6 

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

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” …from Psalm 107

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

…visit today’s important message at: http://www.givehim15.com

“And Jesus called a little child unto Him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, ‘Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.’” Matthew 18:2-5 (KJV)

A heart that is very tender, like that of a little child, is needed to perceive God’s chosen Lamb, who was perfect and undefiled.

Sweetly, Jesus came, long ago, as a baby on the hay; and, tenderly, He calls to each person yet today, to recognize God’s pathway to the Way, the Truth, and the Life, for eternity and, also, in this present world of strife.

Jesus laid down His life on a cross, and rose again so that we can be free, to draw from His strength in our own lives, helping others to also see–that they can be restored, to a heavenly Father who is gracious, to lead them in this life and then to a heaven, fair and spacious.

There will be room there for any person, who, like a little child, took…the gift freely offered by Jesus Christ, as recorded in God’s Holy Book.

Remember, please, its warning–not to be too “wise,” but to take of the offer that is proper in His Father’s eyes. Harden not your heart, for you’re meant to be relieved, of search for Truth by any other, than by Christ, in whom we’ve believed.

P. A. Oltrogge

“That is why the Holy Spirit says, ‘Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled, when they tested me in the wilderness. There your ancestors tested and tried my patience, even though they saw my miracles for forty years.’” Hebrews 3:7-9 NLT

“So God set another time for entering his rest, and that time is today. God announced this through David much later in the words already quoted: ‘Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts.’” Hebrews 4:7 NLT

“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” spoken by Jesus in Matthew 11:28 NASB

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:5-7 KJV

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” John 17:17 KJV

“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 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. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.” Proverbs 3:5-8 NKJV

“Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.” Matthew 19:13-14 NIV

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

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 NKJV