Greater is He That is in You

 

 Galatians chapter 6 verse 9: "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."

This was illustrated in the American Civil War, 1861 to 1865. In this war, the North (the Union) had overwhelming advantages of every sort, and the Southern (the Confederate) top generals knew it. Therefore, these generals knew they had to make the North grow weary in the fight and sue for peace. Their plan was to win a major battle in the north to make the people of the north think that this war was too costly to fight. They chose Harrisburg, PA and got as far as Gettysburg, PA but were stopped.  Thus, they failed. But the war was not over. The North could still grow weary of this war and be tempted to give up.

Believers also have an enemy who knows he can't win. His name is Satan. His plan is to deceive the Christian community and individual believers into thinking the battle is too costly, so just give up. And he's very clever about it!

So how do we fight? We not only want to fight defensively but offensively and put Satan down! That brings to mind Ephesians chapter 6 verses 11-18 in which we read about the armor of God.

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.

There are two (yes two!) offensive weapons here to be used in your fight with the enemy: 1. The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God!  2. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit!

Use them both! Know and speak the Word (the Bible)! Pray in the Spirit!

One last thing: In Second Kings chapter 6 I want to share this one verse (16) that Elisha shared with his servant when the Syrian king came to capture him.

14 Therefore he sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city. 15 And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?”

16 So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

Likewise, we have nothing to fear for our God (our Father!) is greater, much greater, than the enemy as is written in First John chapter 4 verse 4:

 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.

All scripture quoted here is from the NKJV.

Blessings,
Larry Carroll

Word of Knowledge

 

Recently I read that a Word of Knowledge concerns things or events that were true in the past or are true now. Prophecy concerns things or events that will be true in the future. This may be an oversimplified description of the two, maybe. Also, there might be some overlap between Prophecy and Word of Knowledge, such as an event in which a word of knowledge leads to a prophetic declaration.

(Not all English translations use the term "Word of Knowledge". Some versions call it a "message of knowledge" and some call it an "utterance of knowledge". But the examples I'm sharing should leave no doubt about what I'm writing about.)

Now to me, the Word of Knowledge listed in First Corinthians chapter 12 verse 8 is very specific revealed knowledge, not just inspired insights (such as scientific or medical breakthroughs which are valuable, too, and for which we thank the Lord.) Therefore, I had been looking around and had found an example in Luke chapter 2 verses 25-32 of what is a classic example of a Word of Knowledge.

25 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

27 So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law,

28 he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:

29 “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word;

30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation
31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
32 A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”

Another example, in which the word of knowledge led to a prophetic declaration, is found in Acts chapter 5 verses 1-11.

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. 6 And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.

7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?”

She said, “Yes, for so much.”

9 Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. 11 So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.

OK, here's another example. A few days ago, the worship team at my church led a song in which the words were as follows: "It may look like I'm surrounded, but I'm surrounded by You." So, I immediately (really!) thought of Elisha and his servant in a city called Dothan. This is found in Second Kings chapter 6. 

8 Now the king of Syria was making war against Israel; and he consulted with his servants, saying, “My camp will be in such and such a place.” 9 And the man of God sent to the king of Israel, saying, “Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Syrians are coming down there.” 10 Then the king of Israel sent someone to the place of which the man of God had told him. Thus he warned him, and he was watchful there, not just once or twice.

11 Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was greatly troubled by this thing; and he called his servants and said to them, “Will you not show me which of us is for the king of Israel?”

12 And one of his servants said, “None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom.”

13 So he said, “Go and see where he is, that I may send and get him.”

And it was told him, saying, “Surely he is in Dothan.”

14 Therefore he sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city. 15 And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?”

16 So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 

Yes, it looked like Dothan was surrounded, and indeed it was surrounded by the Syrian army. But more importantly, it was surrounded by the Lord's army!

Now Elisha was a very colorful character, and I mean that in a good way! You can read about him in Second Kings chapters 2 through 9. The Lord God kept telling him things, and Elisha had faith to believe what he was told! He was given many words of knowledge; he spoke them out, and they proved to be true!

Now do people still receive words of knowledge? That is, does the Lord God continue to tell people specific facts today, things they have no way of knowing, no way of figuring it out?

Well, it is written in Hebrews chapter 13 verse 8: " Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." So, He hasn't changed and He doesn't change, and that's a very good thing! Father God doesn't change either!

Therefore, I believe He continues to share words of knowledge.

OK, this can be abused. People can pretend they're receiving a word from the Lord God. Also, people might think they are receiving supposedly "prophetic words" at a seance! But NO! Stay away from seances! In fact, stay away from all of the occult!

 However, through it all some Words of Knowledge and some prophetic declarations really are legitimate! Well, how can we know which are true, which are legitimate?

In First John chapter 4 verse 1 it is written: "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world."

So how do we test the spirits? In short, we get the Peace of God on what is said! Or else we reject it! And that takes time! The very first step to take is to get to know the Lord God Himself through the written Word of God, that is, the Bible! Ask Him to reveal Himself to you! I believe He will, if you can receive it.

All scripture quoted here is from the NKJV.

Blessings!
Larry Carroll

Hallelujah!

In Philippians chapter 4 verse 4, it is written: "Rejoice in the Lord always..." Also, in Psalm 34 verse 1, it is written: "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth."

I find an easy way to rejoice in the Lord is to exclaim, "Hallelujah!"

Now I know some people use the word "Hallelujah" to rejoice in good circumstances. But I prefer to limit the word "Hallelujah" to rejoicing in the Lord Himself. If I want to rejoice in good circumstances, I'll say "I'm happy about that, or about what happened!"

(However, if you can see that the good circumstance is a result of God's gracious care, or an answer to prayer, then "Hallelujah" is appropriate here! When we see God's hand of blessing on our circumstances, and we share with others about what happened, this is called a testimony of God's goodness.)

So, what is it about the Lord God that makes me want to rejoice in Him?

I rejoice in His continuous presence, His goodness, His grace, His mercy, His forgiveness, His love, His faithfulness, His care - for all of His kids! (I hope this includes you!) I rejoice that He has revealed His Majesty, His Holiness, His Power, His Authority, Himself!!, through His written Word (the Bible) and has let us know that there is nothing too hard for Him to handle! We're in good hands!

Jeremiah Chapter 32 verse 17 says: ‘Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.'

If you can't relate to this but want to, cry out to the Lord God and tell Him you want this, you want to be in His family! Ask Him into your life! He wants to be related to you as a Father. He is pursuing each and every one of us!

Revelation chapter 3 verse 20 says: Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

Why? Because He loves us!

Larry Carroll

Happy New Year

 

There is the Word of God, the Bible, and there is circumstance. Which is true? Well, they both are!  (A paradox) And they sometimes disagree. So, you have to choose which one you'll believe! However, the Word of God is truer than anything else! The word of God is a superior truth, and circumstance is an inferior truth! Hopefully you already know that.

Another way to say this is: circumstance is reality but is not ultimate reality. The Word of God is ultimate reality.

But if you don't know what is written in the Bible, then you will never choose to believe it. (OK, maybe a few people have told you a few things that the Bible says. Good, but that's just a good start.)

So, this is a great day to start reading the Bible! Where? What I usually say is: "Start in any one of the first four books of the New Testament. These describe Jesus' life on Earth." And you can start online, since Biblegateway.com and BlueLetterBible.com both have apps you can use for free.

However, maybe you need an overview of the Old Testament.  I don't know, maybe. If so, read a few, maybe several, chapters in each of Genesis and Exodus and First Samuel and Psalms and Daniel and any other book that looks interesting to you. (Yes, there are so many other good ones.) You don't need to rush it! Ask the Lord God to help you understand what you are reading! He will!

Enjoy!

Larry Carroll

Grandchildren

 

At least 30 years ago, I heard a grandma, who has since passed on, say, "If I had known how wonderful grandchildren are, I would have started with them!" (As opposed to starting with her children, of course.)

OK, we know she was expressing her emotions concerning her grandchildren. (BTW, I know she loved her kids, too.)

Likewise, when I whisper to each one of my grandchildren, "You're my favorite", I'm expressing my emotions.

In fact, they know that I say this to each and every one of them. Some have actually heard me say this to their siblings or cousins. We all know this is illogical, but so what? I really mean it, for it's true in a paradoxical way! Yes, it is! Just ask any grandparent with two or more grandchildren!  (OK, maybe not all grandparents are like this. Alas.)

And why is this? Because this is the way God made us! And this is the way Father God views His children. (Note: Father God has no grandchildren.) In fact, it says in scripture (the Bible), that He wants all people everywhere to be His children. (First Timothy 2:4 & Second Peter 3: 9) But some refuse! Alas! Don't refuse! Repent! You need a Father like this, and you know it!

Larry Carroll

O Wretched Man That I Am!

A long time ago, when I just started working, one of my coworkers said, "I don't go to church because there are too many hypocrites there!"

And we still hear this today! Is it true? Yes? Now why is that?

Well, there are some folks that are lukewarm "believers" who are "Christian in name only", cultural Christians who are not bothered by their sin.

But I believe that many of these "hypocrites" are people that are truly troubled by their failures. They really don't want to sin.  They really don't want to disgrace the name of the Lord Jesus! They really want to live holy lives and glorify the name of Jesus, but it seems like they just can't! Alas! Why? I believe they are living the life described in Romans Chapter 7 verses 15 thru 20:

15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 

16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good.

17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.

18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.

19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.

20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.

Well, what is going on here? And why is this happening?

Let me tell you about a lady named Mary (for that was her real name), who was a cultural Christian. God saved her in a meeting that her friend had invited her to. And the Spirit of God came on her, and she became sensitive to her behavior. And now her little transgressions really bothered her. We could see that she was quite upset about it. So, my dad and I prayed for her to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Well, she was released and almost immediately started exhibiting true joy. Hallelujah! (And she became Helen's friend.)

This illustrates the path described in Romans chapters 6, 7, and 8:

Romans chapter 6 describes our standing in the kingdom of God, and in how God's sees us. Note verse 11:

11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans chapter 7 describes our battle between the flesh and the spirit. Here the bad news is that our flesh is still very active and fighting against us. Note verse 15:

15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 

Chapter 8 describes our victory when the Holy Spirit fills us, anoints us, and truly frees us from continually losing the battle described in chapter 7. (But note that the flesh is still there. It is just not victorious anymore (unless we yield to some deception. OK, then what? Confess it and repent!)). Note verses 1 thru 3:

1.There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh,...

Let's compare this with Galatians Chapter 5 verses 16 thru 18:

16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh wars against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

This is saying the same thing as the three chapters in Romans: chapters 6, 7 and 8, but in a more condensed way.

So, believer, ask the Lord God to fill you fully with the Spirit of God! After that, thank the Lord for the deliverance He has brought to you!  Also, ask the Lord God to put a hunger for His word, the Bible, in you! You don't need to wait for this. Just start reading the Bible, and the hunger to continue will come! Where? Start in anyone of the Gospels.

Larry Carroll

Father God Loves Us

Almost all fathers and mothers love their sons and daughters. How much? To the moon and back! What does that mean? That means "more than can be measured". Another way to say this is "exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think". 

Many parents who have more than one child know they can and do love all of their children more than can be measured - equally well. Most of them know what I’m talking about, but not all do. Alas.

Now why do so many parents love all of their children equally well and some don't love them at all? Psychologists have studied this extensively and have published their results (again) extensively. And I won't quibble with what they have to say. 

Rather, I submit to you that one big reason is because these parents did or did not experience the love of their own parents, however flawed that might have been.

Now, good news! We can take this one step further, for all parents, and not only for parents, but for everyone!

It is written at the end of Romans chapter 8, verses 38 & 39:

38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,

39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

So, you see, absolutely nothing can or will separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We all need to experience this great love of God, and we all can experience His great love. And Father God wants us all to experience this great love: His love, which endures forever!

Now think about the father in Luke chapter 15, who had two sons. I submit to you that he loved both sons immeasurably. Both sons had to learn this, and both sons learned it in different ways.

The younger son learned this through a dramatic demonstration of his father's love in Luke chapter 15:

22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him (the younger son), and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.

23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry;

24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.

But the older son needed to have his father's love patiently explained to him in Luke chapter 15:

31 “And he (father) said to him (older son), ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours.

This story, this parable, illustrates what Father God is like and how He loves us immeasurably! It also illustrates what people go through in their journeys through life. You don't want to do life the way the younger son did it. He went through much, much grief and pain to finally get to his father. The older son? Yes, he needed a gentle rebuke from his father. Yes, he needed to repent of his hate and his self-righteousness! You don't want to do life this way either.

Are you far from God the way the younger son was far from his father? Ask the Lord God to enable you to repent! He will do it!

Or is Father God letting you know you are guilty of self-righteousness? Ask the Lord God to enable you to repent! He will do it!

Do you love your family as Father God loves His? You can thank the Lord for putting that love in your heart! And thank Him for His peace as you sit around the table with those you love on Thanksgiving Day!

Larry Carroll

I Believe it Because it is Written in Scripture

"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." This is written in Romans chapter 8 verse 28.

Do I believe it? Yes, but not because circumstance tells me it's true. Because circumstance doesn't tell me it's true.

I believe it because it is written in Scripture. And I believe what's written in Scripture. Hopefully you do, too.

In 2nd Corinthians chapter 5 verse 7, it is written, "We walk by faith, not by sight". Our faith is based on what's written in the Scripture, our sight is based on circumstances.

Today, November 11th, is the anniversary of the death of my brother along with six other kids. Thomas Carroll was 14 years old at that time.

After 47 years, circumstance has yet to tell me this was a good thing. Oh, A few people got saved. Yes, that was good. Nevertheless, I lost my brother that day.

Larry Carroll

Finish Well

 

Retirees, and anyone close to retiring: Finish well!  Finish what well? Finish this life well!

OK, so how is this measured? And Who is it that's doing the measuring? Well let's see what the Bible has to say about finishing well.

In Matthew chapter 25 verse 21 we read that Jesus said Father God will be saying this "Well done good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your Lord", to those who finish well!

Well, the righteous will finish well, it says in Psalm 92 verses 12 to 15:

12 The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree,

He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

13 Those who are planted in the house of the Lord

Shall flourish in the courts of our God.

14 They shall still bear fruit in old age;

They shall be fresh and flourishing,

15 To declare that the Lord is upright;

He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.

Paul the apostle declared that he finished well.  It says in Second Timothy chapter 4 verses 6 to 8:

6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

A very sad example of one who did NOT finish well is King Solomon, son of King David, who married foreign wives. And they led him into idolatry.

How about you and me? Well, what should we do? OK, since for everyone it's different, then let's ask Him what He wants each of us to do personally to finish well.

I'm writing this primarily to warn people not to retire and then coast for the rest of their lives. But I must also warn people not to wait until they retire to get busy with the Lord's work. And yes, He is gracious and merciful, even here as He answers us. Don't be afraid to ask, no matter how old you are, no matter how messed up your life is.

Let me repeat - let's ASK Him what He wants each of us to do personally to finish well.

Larry Carroll

Tongues, A Blessing

 

Praying in tongues is such a blessing for me and to me. My favorite time and place, but not the only time or place, to pray in tongues is when I'm peddling on the exercycle in the cellar.  It's wonderful. I intersperse praying in tongues with praising the Lord and a lot of "Hallelujah"s.

Now some people think that praying or speaking in tongues is weird. Well, OK, they don't have to pray or speak in tongues. Salvation does not require it. It's not part of the Gospel, the Good News.

I use the word "praying" when there is no audience, and I use the word "speaking" when there is an audience. Praying in tongues is by some people called a prayer language. This is what I do.

Well, what's it worth? What's the value of praying (or speaking) in tongues? Is it just to make me happy? No, it's much more valuable than that. In 1st Corinthians Chapter 14, we can read a lot about praying or speaking in tongues.

In verse 2, this is written, "For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries."  (My emphasis)

So, the Lord God knows what's being prayed but nobody else does.

Let me also say that sometimes really crazy, or really critical, or really hopeless, situations come up, and I don't know what to pray, or how to pray, because the situation is a great mystery. Then for me to pray in tongues right away is wonderful. (And it makes me happy. Just saying.  OK, it makes me hopeful, too.)

Now in verse 4, this is written, "He who speaks in a tongue edifies (builds) himself, but he who prophesies edifies (builds) the church." It does not say "He who speaks in a tongue puffs himself up proudly", because that is not true!  Praying in tongues builds us up in the Spirit!

Now in verse 5, this is written, "I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied;"

So, we see that both tongues and prophecy have great value in the Kingdom of God in its personal and corporate advance in this world!

Well then, if you want these spiritual gifts, just ask Father God for them!

In Matthew chapter 7 verse 11, this is written, "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"

Gifts of the Spirit are good things!

I asked for tongues in April 1969 and finally got the manifestation of this gift in August of that year while I was driving down a California freeway, paying attention to where I was going, and not struggling hard to pray in tongues.

Let me end with this: praying in tongues is such a blessing for me and to me.

Larry Carroll

What Is God Like

What is God like? People are usually asking about Father God when they ask this. People have all sorts of answers to the question of what is God like.

But Jesus answered that question by stating, "He that has seen me has seen the Father." This is found in John chapter 14 verse 9. We read what Jesus was like, and still is like, in the Gospels which are: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. We can read the Gospels for ourselves and find out what Jesus is like. And we should!

We also read that He is good! We read this in several places in the Psalms, "Oh give thanks unto the Lord for He is good! For His mercy endures forever."

Now I want to suggest that anyone of the elements of the fruit of the Spirit could be substituted in the phrase, "He is good." Why? Because Father God is the original source of the fruit of the Spirit! He is all of these things!

Therefore:

He is Love! (As is written in First John chapter 4.)

He is Joy!

He is Peace!

He is Patience!

He is Kindness!

He is Goodness!

He is Faithfulness!

He is Gentleness!

He is Self-control!

Now let me say this another way:

He is Loving! (And altogether lovely!)

He is Joyful!

He is Peaceful!

He is Patient!

He is Kind!

He is Good!

He is Faithful!

He is Gentle!

He is Self-controlled!

He doesn't change! He will always be this way!

So, He is not a cranky old man that is hard to please! Don't think that way! That's a lie of Satan!

Therefore, when a believer (you) is filled with, or baptized in, the Holy Spirit, this fruit is going to grow in the believer (you) and nothing is going to stop it (except the enemy's deception). Ask for this filling and see what happens! Expect some really good changes!

The phrase "enemy's deception" needs some comment. Let me just say we need to fight it by continuing to read and take in the scripture (the Bible) several times a week, or better yet daily.

Hallelujah!

Larry Carroll

He Pursues Us

Encouragement

You may have heard that the Lord God is called the Hound of Heaven. (No? Well, now you have.)

You know that you can run from Him, but you can’t hide! This should be obvious!

You know He loves you!

And maybe you know that Jesus is a Savior, and He can be, and wants to be, your Savior!

You know that your mom and dad, and maybe your grandma and grandpa, or maybe some friends (me included), are praying for you. Or, if they are gone, they did pray for you. 

You know that your mom and dad prayed or are praying in agreement with what the Lord God wants! This is very significant!  You know He wants you! This is very good, for He is Good!!  

So, rejoice!!!

Advice

Don't fight it! For some reason little kids have very little trouble responding positively, but older folks seem just naturally to want to go their own way, usually. This is not good, for the process needed to soften our hearts and change our minds can be rough.

And no matter how old you are, or what you have done, or whether you have walked away from Him already, He hasn't stopped loving you and pursuing you. He will never stop pursuing you, because He will never stop loving you. So, I strongly recommend that you just respond by saying, "Yes, Lord." And see what happens!

Let me say this again, He loves you!!!

Hallelujah!

I rejoice that He is continuing to pursue me, even right now!

Larry Carroll

Today, 18 September 2025, is our 60th Wedding Anniversary.

I'm happy to say that our marriage is a covenantal relationship, rather than a contractual relationship.

I would describe (not define) a covenantal relationship as: for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part. (Yeah, all of that. There is much sacrifice and forgiveness in a good marriage, but it is worth it. And there is also much joy and celebration, too. Remember, sometimes you are the one being forgiven!  We are all imperfect people.)

I would describe (not define) a contractual relationship as one which can be terminated for poor performance.

The Lord Jesus established a covenantal relationship with both of us (saved us) and empowered us to maintain this covenantal relationship that binds Helen and me together. For this we are most grateful.

Well, what do we have with this covenantal relationship? We have a relationship where Helen and I still love each other.  And we even like each other, (almost always)!  We also have a wonderful family who still loves us. For both of these we are most grateful to the Lord Jesus for His faithfulness in enabling us to keep going and not give up!

And you can too, with His enabling power!  Ask Him to intervene, and save your marriage by His grace!

Larry Carroll

 The Bible stories that we learned as young children such as:

    David and Goliath

    Jesus born in a manger

    Daniel in the lion’s den

Are all good, but we need so much more. The Bible warns us about drifting away from the faith that has been revealed to us in the Lord Jesus. Hebrews chapter two asks "How can we escape if we neglect so great a salvation as this!?"

I've been there.  Saved (Yes, saved from Hell!) at age 6, learned about taking my faith (that is, my relationship with the Lord God) seriously as a teenager, and filled with (baptized in) the Holy Spirit as a young man, I still got so distracted that I let the Word of God (the Bible) slip.  I was drifting away from Christ, and I didn't even know it!  Oh, I was still going to church, but that means I only got a limited feeding once a week.  Not enough!

Well, I was fortunate that somebody confronted me about this, more than once.

I know other people are offended by church goers and cast off their relationship with the Lord God. They say the church is full of hypocrites.  Hey, I think everyone has been offended by church goers, and by believers even.  And I know some people have been offended by ME!  

Hey, the real question is: have you been offended by Jesus Christ? No, you haven't!

We need to continually read the scripture, the Bible, a few times weekly if not daily, to get through this life.

We need to read the Bible for ourselves!

Now don't you go saying you can't understand all those old English words.  There are SO MANY new translations.  In fact, I don't regularly read the old King James Version of the Bible.

And don't say you can't find a Bible, for if you have an Apple or Android phone, you can easily find an on-line Bible.  I'll suggest two: BibleGateway.com and BlueLetterBible.com.  These both have apps you can find in your phone's Apple App store or Google Play store.  I like BlueLetterBible since the BLB app has no ads.

But WHY read the Bible regularly?

Because:

1. It’s like no other book; it’s inspired by the Spirit of God.

2. Although all of these reasons are important, #2 is the most important reason:

It will lead us to Jesus, to know about Him, and then to know Him personally. Start in one of the first four books of the New Testament, called the Gospels. Start in any one of them.

3. It will comfort us when we are down. The Psalms are good for this, but this can take time. Pray the Psalms.

4. It will change us!  We will become, little by little, more and more like Jesus!  And that is Good!

This will keep us from drifting away from the Lord God.

I want you to read the Bible for yourself. Please!

Larry Carroll

Larry Carroll

This morning, I read an article (from BibleGateway.com) by A W Tozer, in which he decried the tendency of many believers to share only the good parts of living as a believer in Christ. He called it salesmanship.

It brought to mind an old song I heard almost 60 years ago, sung by a ladies trio, which said “It’s not an easy road“ living as a believer. Some people in the audience didn’t like that. I can see now that there are two sides to this issue:

1. As believers, we are encouraged to cast all our cares upon the Lord God, the Lord Jesus. This is wonderful, and such a blessing!  Yes, He is a Savior!

2. However, as believers, it truly is not easy having our faith tested, and having our faith mocked, even persecuted.

It was not easy for Abraham to obey God’s command to offer Isaac as a burnt offering, or for Daniel to continue praying to the Lord God, knowing he'd be thrown into the lions' den for doing it.

So I see that it truly is not an easy road; the cost of discipleship is heavy (but worth it!)

However, the cost of living without the Spirit of God within us, without the Spirit of God guiding us, without the Lord bringing us into His kingdom, without His peace now, is eternal ruin!

Larry Carroll

Larry Carroll

 A pilot in training has a goal: someday to fly solo, that is, to fly alone. This is as it should be.

In life it's the opposite, we start out flying alone, but our goal should be to fly with 'our instructor', our Shepherd, our Savior, our Maker, our God!

But why?  Because He loves us so very much and doesn't want us to end up crashing into a mountain, which we will surely do if we fly alone!

Blessings!

Larry Carroll

Covenants

    My marriage is a covenant relationship.  And hopefully, if you are married, yours is, too.

But what does that mean?  It means that my wife and I are fully committed to each other, "for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part."  Yes, fully committed even though there have been compromises and sacrifices that she made and that I made.  These go both ways.

This covenant is modeled after the covenant that the Lord Jesus makes with His bride, the body of Christ, a.k.a. His church, those who have embraced Him as Lord and Savior.  He said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."  He is fully committed to us!

Oh, but there is one thing: forgiveness.  In Matthew chapter 6, we read in verses 14 & 15: “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Does it really mean that? Doesn't Titus 3:5 say "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us."?  Yes, absolutely!  So isn't forgiving a work of righteousness?  If you think that through your own efforts you can forgive, tell me how successful you have been in the past.  We all can recall how past abuses have come up in our memory, especially when we are trying to fall asleep, and we find that "I just can't forgive!".

This is out of context I admit, but it is written in Mark 2, "Who can forgive sin, but God alone?"  I believe it.

Now this is really important.  Don't just skim over this: We need the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit, to come into our "hearts", our innermost beings, to empower us to forgive.  Now when we know we need to forgive, but know we don't have the power in us to do it, we have to go after that power to forgive, earnestly.  We choose to forgive even though we hate it.  Keep choosing to forgive until you receive the power to forgive.

In Matthew chapter 18, Jesus told a parable that illustrates all of this, the parable of the unforgiving servant. This is from verses 21 through 35.

Servant #1 owed A LOT of money to the master. He begged for time, but instead, the master forgave him the whole thing! (So, yes, not by works of righteousness which we have done He saved us!)

Servant #2 owed servant #1 A LITTLE bit of money. He begged for time, but instead, servant #1 threw him into debtor's prison (ie, did not forgive him).

When the master heard this he was furious!

This is how Jesus ends the parable:32 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. 35 “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”

 

So you have to forgive, but you can't forgive.  What to do?  Choose to cry out to the LORD to fill you to overflowing with His Holy Spirit.  He alone has the power to forgive, and He wants you to have it!  Ask!  Ask for the filling (or baptism) of the Spirit, and ask for the ability to forgive now!

We serve a wonderful, loving God.  Expect a blessing.

Larry Carroll

To Die Is Gain

 

Here is an interesting verse, Philippians chapter 1, verse 21:

"For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain."  TO DIE IS GAIN!  Imagine that!  OK, why is that?

Well, part of the reason is spelled out very clearly in Psalm chapter 16, verse 11:

"You will show me the path of life;

In Your presence is fullness of joy;

At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

IN YOUR PRESENCE IS FULLNESS OF JOY!!  In Father God's presence is fullness of joy!

Can we experience this now?  Yes, but there are numerous distractions, alas.  But yes!

OK, speaking for myself, this may sound a bit strange but;

My family loves me and I love each of them (to the moon and back!! You know what I mean?) When I die my family will miss me, but I won't miss them, because I'll be overcome/overwhelmed by the wonderful, joyful presence of Father God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit!  I hope you can understand what I am saying here.

Here's a quote from A. W. Tozer:

"...we have such a short time to prepare for such a long time. By that I mean we have now to prepare for then. We have an hour to prepare for eternity. To fail to prepare is an act of moral folly. For anyone to have a day given to prepare, it is an act of inexcusable folly to let anything hinder that preparation. If we find ourselves in a spiritual rut, nothing in the world should hinder us. Nothing in this world is worth it. If we believe in eternity, if we believe in God, if we believe in the eternal existence of the soul, then there is nothing important enough to cause us to commit such an act of moral folly."

From his book, "Rut, Rot or Revival: The Condition of the Church, 87-88.

Hallelujah!

Larry Carroll

A LIE!

 

Very recently, a LIE entered my mind: no one loves me because I am unlovable.

Why is that a lie?  Well, two reasons: (1) it’s not true that no one loves me and (2) it’s not true that I am unlovable.

Why is that?  The reason is that the Lord God is transforming believers (and unbelievers, too!) into His image.

So therefore, there are people in this world that have the Spirit of God in them, and have been transformed such that they can love, even me!  And, I am being transformed (sanctified) such that the Lord God is breaking off unpleasant parts of my personality.

 Philippians chapter 1 verse 6 says He who has started a good work in me will continue it until the day of Jesus Christ.   See, He won't quit!

And He's doing the same for you!

Jesus is a Savior!! He really is!!

Larry Carroll

Fully God And Fully Man

 

Jesus was fully God and fully Man.

However, there is disagreement about whether Jesus did miracles as God or as Man.

For if Jesus did miracles as God that’s loving and wonderful, but if Jesus did miracles as Man, then other people can, too.

So, Elijah was a man just like us, and in the Bible, in First Kings chapter 17, he prevailed upon the Lord to raise a boy from the dead.  Elisha also did the same in Second Kings chapter 4.

In the book of Acts chapter 9, we read that Peter called on the Lord God to raise Dorcas from the dead, and she came back from the dead.

Also, Peter and John in Jerusalem in Acts chapter 3, and Paul and Barnabas in Lystra in Acts chapter 14, spoke healing to crippled men who were then instantly healed.

This doesn’t prove anything about Jesus. No, it doesn’t, however, we see a clear pattern set, which includes us!  Hallelujah!

Larry Carroll

He Cares For Us

He invites us to cast all our care on Him, for He cares for us.

He invites us to come boldly to His throne of grace, for He cares for us.

He assures us that we don't need to be anxious about anything, for He cares for us.

He says He forgives ALL our iniquities, and heals ALL our diseases, for He cares for us,

Why does He care for us?  Because He IS Love!  So He can identify as Father to us!  Do you understand?

And Father demonstrated His amazing love for us by sending Jesus Christ, who is the express image of Father.  Jesus said, "He who has seen Me has seen the Father."

Larry Carroll

Abide In Me (Jesus)

 

Gospel of John chapter 15, verse 7:

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.   (Read the whole chapter.)

This may sound like abiding in Christ, and having His words abiding us, is a means to an end.

But no, it’s a wonderful end in itself. It’s where we want to be. For in His presence is fullness of joy, as written in Psalm 16 verse 11.  He loves us!  And He wants us to love Him back.  How?  Cry out to Him to save you and to draw you close to Himself!

Larry Carroll

 1. Jesus loves me, this I know;
For the Bible tells me so;
Little ones to Him belong;
They are weak, but He is strong.
(This is true for you!)

2. I love Jesus, does He know?
Have I ever told Him so?
Jesus loves to hear me say;
That I love Him every day!
(Is this true for you?)

It is true for me.
Larry Carroll

He Is With Me, Even In A Traffic Jam

Like most everyone, I really truly don’t like sitting in traffic jams, especially ones where there is no end in sight.

However, I have learned that if Paul and Silas can sing praises to the LORD in the Philippian jail at midnight after being beaten severely, then I can do that too, in a traffic jam.  So I did.

Why, because the Lord God was there with me.  He said He would never leave me nor forsake me.

This is consistent with the scripture that says, “Rejoice in the LORD always…” Phil 4:4.

Larry Carroll

I Will Bless The LORD

 In the Bible, the account of Paul and Silas in the Philippian jail, and their response to it all, teaches us a vital lesson, which is explicitly stated in Psalm 34:

I will bless the LORD at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

They did not wait for deliverance to bless and praise the LORD, they sang praises and worshipped right there in their pain!

And so should we.  And so can we, as we are empowered by the Spirit!  Just choose to do it, for He is worthy, and He is right there in the midst of it all.

But there is more to this.  The parable of the soils which Jesus taught, Matthew 13, Mark 4, and Luke 8, shows us that we can be distracted from praising the LORD, not only by pain and difficulties but also by riches and pleasures.

I will bless the LORD at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Just choose to do it, for He is worthy, and He is right there in the midst of it all.  He never left you in your troubles and He is right there rejoicing with you in your pleasures!

Blessings,

Larry Carroll

Do Not Fret Because Of Evildoers

In the Old Testament, we see again and again how the LORD brings beauty from ashes, how He brings victory when circumstances look really bad.  He was a savior then and He's still a savior today.

So for example, it looked pretty bad for Joseph in the book of Genesis on more than one occasion, yet he ended up as the number two man in the mighty Egyptian Empire.

Same thing for Daniel, in the book of Daniel.  The Lord God saved him from the lions and then his enemies were destroyed.  He ended up as the number two man in the Persian Empire.

Same thing for Mordecai, in the book of Esther.  The Lord God saved him on the day Haman planned on hanging him.  And he also ended up as the number two man in the mighty Persian Empire.

Same thing for David, in the book of First Samuel.  The Lord God saved him repeatedly from King Saul.  And he ended up as the King of Israel.

Now we also see, again in the Old Testament, that the Lord God does not look kindly on unrepentant, wicked evildoers.  Here are some verses that describe their end.  Yes, if they repent there is forgiveness, as we see in the account of Saul/Paul in the book of Acts.  But if they don't repent... as they say, it's not pretty.

Psalm 37

1 Do not fret because of evildoers,

Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.

9 For evildoers shall be cut off;

But those who wait on the Lord,

They shall inherit the earth.

10 For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more;

Indeed, you will look carefully for his place,

But it shall be no more.

35 I have seen the wicked in great power,

And spreading himself like a native green tree.

36 Yet he passed away, and behold, he was no more;

Indeed I sought him, but he could not be found.

Psalm 63

11 But the king shall rejoice in God;

Everyone who swears by Him shall glory;

But the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped.

Now Hebrews 13 verse 8 says "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."   So, be anxious for nothing!!  Praying really is where we start in fighting evil.

Larry Carroll

Simple Gospel Message

I have a John 3:16 sign in my front yard.  Why?  To share the Gospel in a simple way.  Here it is below and with some other verses that do the same thing.

But first, let me ask, why did Father God sacrifice His Son, Jesus, for you and me?  He wants to establish a relationship, a good relationship, with each of us!  Even if you have ignored Him in the past!

NLT Version  ---------------------

1. John 3:16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."

2. John 14:6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."

3. Romans 5:8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

4. Second Corinthians 5:21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

5A. Ephesians 2:8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 
5B. Ephesians 2:9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 

6A. Titus 3:5  he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.
6B. Titus 3:6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.

7. Revelation 3:20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends."

I repeat: why did Father God sacrifice His Son, Jesus, for you and me?  He wants to establish a relationship, a good relationship, with each of us!  Even if you have ignored Him in the past!

NKJ Version  ---------------------

1. John 3:16 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.

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

3. Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

4. Second Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

5A. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God
5B. Ephesians 2:9 Not of works, lest anyone should boast. 

6A. Titus 3:5 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,
6B. Titus 3:6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

7. Revelation 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me."

I repeat yet again: why did Father God sacrifice His Son, Jesus, for you and me?  He wants to establish a relationship, a good relationship, with each of us!  Even if you have ignored Him in the past!

Thank you, Father, thank you, Jesus, thank you Holy Spirit, for redeeming my life from destruction and making me part of Your family!

Blessings,
Larry Carroll

Verses That Encourage Me

 

Scripture List

Verses that encourage me

Hebrews 13:

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.   (He doesn't change! What He has done, He still does, and will continue to do.)

Proverbs 4:

20 My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings.

21 Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart;

22 For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh.

(Your words are life and health!)

Psalm 34:

1 I will bless the Lord at all times;

His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

2 My soul shall make its boast in the Lord;

The humble shall hear of it and be glad.

3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,

And let us exalt His name together.

4 I sought the Lord, and He heard me,

And delivered me from all my fears.              (All means all.)

5 They looked to Him and were radiant,

And their faces were not ashamed.

6 This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him,

And saved him out of all his troubles.                (All means all.)

7 The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him,

And delivers them.

8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good;

Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

Second Corinthians 5:

7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.    (Hallelujah!  Your word is the Truth, LORD! What You say is more true than our circumstances.)

Matthew 7:

7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 

 9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 

10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? 

11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!   (Much More!)

Psalm 103:

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul;

And all that is within me, bless His holy name!  (All means all.)

2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,

And forget not all His benefits:                        (All means all.)

3 Who forgives all your iniquities,                   (All means all.  Thank You, Jesus!  Hallelujah!)

Who heals all your diseases,                          (All means all.)

4 Who redeems your life from destruction,

Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,

5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things,

So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Isaiah 53:

4 Surely He has borne our griefs

And carried our sorrows;

Yet we esteemed Him stricken,

Smitten by God, and afflicted.

5 But He was wounded for our transgressions,

He was bruised for our iniquities;

The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,

And by His stripes we are healed.

Matthew 8:

16 When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick,                 (All means all.)

17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: “He Himself took our infirmities And bore our sicknesses.”

First Peter 2:

21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

22 “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”;

23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;

24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness - by whose stripes you were healed. 

Psalm 16:

11 You will show me the path of life;

In Your presence is fullness of joy;

At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Nehemiah 8:

10 Then he said to them, " Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. "

Hebrews 13:

5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He, Himself has said, " I will never leave you nor forsake you. "

6 So we may boldly say: " The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.  What can man do to me? "

7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Philippians 1:

6 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 4:

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!      (Always includes now.  I will rejoice now!)

5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

First Peter 5:

6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,

7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.     (All means all.)

Hebrews 4:

14 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.

15 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.     (All means all.)

16 Let us, therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Luke 10:

19 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.          (All means all.)

Lamentations 3:

22 Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.

23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

24 " The Lord is my portion, " says my soul, " Therefore I hope in Him! "

Jeremiah 29:

11 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.

12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.

13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.    (The Pearl of Great Price!)

14 I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity;

Jeremiah 32:

17 ‘Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.

26 Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, saying,

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

(Nothing, Absolutely Nothing!!)

Isaiah 40:

31 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 41:

10 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 54:

17 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.

John 14:

12 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.

13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.

John 15:

7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.

8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

John 16:

23 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.

24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.  (This means in Your presence!)

First Thessalonians 5:

16 Rejoice always,   (Rejoice evermore)

17 Pray without ceasing,

18 In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Hebrews 13:

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Romans 8:

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?     (No one!)

32 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?

33 Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.

34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36 As it is written: " For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. " 

37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,

39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Hallelujah!!