A place of refreshment, the porch of the Lord…
Pull up a chair, take in spiritual air.
Jesus always has time, and His is the power–
Receive there His touch in this end-time hour.
Like Mary, take time to sit at His feet;
Come to His porch for relief from life’s heat.
Only one thing is needful and truly can please–
His Word and His presence, felt on each breeze.
He offers living water, quenching everyone’s thirst;
And that’s yours there daily, by seeking Him first.
There’s joy on His porch, with your sisters and brothers,
As you find your needs met while caring about others.
The healing and peace which only Christ can bring
Are found there at all times—an everlasting spring.
Taste there His love, so generously poured;
Your “cup will run over” on the porch of the Lord.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, ‘Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.’ And Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things; But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.'” Luke 10:38-42 NKJV
Jesus Christ of Nazareth had taken His destined place
On a cruel cross upon a hill–for the task He’d been born to face.
His sinless life had made Him the chosen Lamb of God–
Though now He sits at God’s right hand and bears a Shepherd’s rod.
Three days after Christ’s burial, and just at the brink of dawn,
Some, in love, had come to the tomb and had found that His body was gone.
But the pain of their grief concerning His death had then given way
To amazing angelic tidings on that glorious Resurrection day! Jesus, the Man on the center cross, on the hill of crucifixion had been
The focus of God’s judgement upon all of mankind’s sin.
But now, with joy, the angels reminded that just as He had said, Jesus, God’s Son, had risen in victory, up from the dead!
His Father’s gracious plan of redemption for all people had been met;
And, therefore, all of their sins, a holy God could now forget!
There’s just one requirement remaining; and it’s your choice–
To believe in your heart He’s Savior, and confess it with your voice.
Angels rejoice in heaven over one sinner who’ll repent,
And put their faith in Jesus Christ–the One Whom God has sent.
P. A. Oltrogge
“…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….” Romans 3:23-24
“For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:10
“In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10 (NASB)
“For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, nowis the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2
“Therefore, I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong, because He poured out His soul unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”
Isaiah 53:12
Scriptures: NKJV or as noted
Resurrection references: Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20
Christ and the Rich Young Ruler by Pauline Voorhees Eikenberry
A rich young ruler, with eternal concerns, made a mental list–
Then sought out Christ to see if there was anything he’d missed.
In contemplating heaven, he hoped he’d done God’s will
By following His laws, from his youth, but wondered still.
He addressed Christ as a good teacher, but didn’t realize
That Christ wasn’t just a good teacher, but God before his very eyes.
He asked the Lord what he could do to aid him on eternity’s quest,
And Jesus confirmed that to keep the commandments is best.
The young man replied he’d done that from as early as he could recall–
Then Jesus told him of his need to follow Him and surrender all.
His wealth and possessions had become too strong of a hold
And kept him from seeing the purity of God’s desires–true gold.
With sadness, the ruler left because he couldn’t see the reward.
He hadn’t yet grasped the higher life offered through Christ, the Lord.
You see, making Christ your Lord doesn’t actually cost–in fact, it pays,
With dividends of God’s blessings throughout all your days.
The greatest blessing of all is getting to know God as you should–
A loving heavenly Father whose care and plans for you are good.
Then, committing your life and resources, in faith, as He leads
Will help you to reach exactly those He knows of who have needs.
God knows that when possessions become your highest treasure,
You’ll fail to find the things that He knows are of greater measure.
Christ looks for our faith and love for Him and where our loyalty lies;
Let’s not fail to see that investment in His Kingdom is certainly wise.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Now behold, one came and said to him, ‘Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?’ So He said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But, if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.’ He said to Him, ‘Which ones?’ Jesus said, ‘You shall not murder; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; honor your father and your mother; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ The young man said to him, ‘All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?’ 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.’ But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.”
“So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God.’” Mark 11:22
Raindrops in the air act as prisms, producing rainbow light; and the moon glow through the clouds disrupts the dark of night.
Mankind has lit up buildings, using electricity as an energy source; but Almighty God lit the many stars and set each planet on its course.
Imagine the power it takes to keep all those heavenly lights burning. As proof of the existence of God, His lights make us discerning.
The sound of mighty ocean waves, day or night, speak of His power, as do the majestic mountains and each uniquely-crafted flower.
Then, consider a newly-born baby or every individual’s special face…the mighty to very small animals, the seasons and their systematic pace.
To have faith in the power of God is easy to do by just looking around, at all of the creative beauty with which this world has been crowned.
P. A. Oltrogge
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.” Genesis 1:1-5
“Then God said, ‘Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth’; and it was so. Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. So the evening and the morning were the fourth day.” Genesis 1:14-19 (and all of Genesis 1)
“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” Romans 1:20 (Scriptures: NKJV)
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“As He (Jesus) rode along, people were spreading their coats on the road (as an act of homage before a king). As soon as He was approaching (Jerusalem), near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the entire multitude of the disciples (all those who were or claimed to be His followers) began praising God (adoring Him enthusiastically and joyfully) with loud voices for all the miracles and works of power that they had seen, shouting,
“Blessed (celebrated, praised) is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory (majesty, splendor) in the highest (heaven)!”
“Some of the Pharisees from the crowd said to Him, ‘Teacher, rebuke Your disciples (for shouting these Messianic praises).’ Jesus replied, ‘I tell you, if these (people) keep silent, the stones will cry out (in praise)!’” Luke 19:36-40 AMP
“For they willingly forget (the fact) that the heavens existed long ago by the word of God, and the earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world at that time was destroyed by being flooded with water.” 2 Peter 3:5-6 AMP
Looking for a trusted leader? Then, you need to look no more, for Jesus Christ is the leader every one of us is looking for.
Kingdoms of this world arise, and there are those that fall; but Christ and His eternal kingdom reign preeminently over them all.
We can read of the rulers of history, both the bad or the good; but it’s the Lordship of Jesus Christ that must be fully understood.
Sent from His Father, God, Jesus came to us as a servant, sharing God’s love on earth in a manner that was selfless and fervent.
He emptied Himself of His position, to live and die as a man, winning redemption for all who’ll believe, in fulfillment of God’s plan.
He spoke of His Father’s goodness, and He told us how to live. He said that we were to love others, to serve them, and to forgive.
Jesus said that if we followed Him, we’d actually find what’s best. He taught the importance of prayer, and that, thereby, we’d be blessed.
Looking for a trusted leader? He can be contacted from any nation. “If anyone is in Christ, they’ve become a new creation.”
Receive, for yourself, Jesus’ leadership, the ruler who shall reign forever. What a true and faithful King He is. Will He fail us or forsake us? Never!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:5-8 NASB
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone 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 will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?’” Matthew 16:24-25 NKJV
“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: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13 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
“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.” John 16:23-24 NKJV
“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.” Matthew 6:9-13 KJV
“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 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.” Romans 8:38-39 NKJV
“Love never fails….” 1 Corinthians 13:8 NKJV
“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.’” Hebrews 13:5 NKJV
“Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.’” Revelation 11:15 NKJV
“And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, ‘Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns.’”
“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True….”
“And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” Revelation 19:6, 11, and 16 NKJV
“Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’
“So he said to them, ‘Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.’
“And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, ‘Peace to you!’ Then He said to Thomas, ‘Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.’
“And Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’
“Jesus said to him, ‘Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’” John 20:24-29 NKJV
Why is faith needed–because, like Thomas, we, too, can sometimes doubt,
so we need to continually go to God’s Word to push wrong thinking out.
Without faith, it’s impossible to please God–it’s a detriment to us as well.
How can we doubt God’s integrity, who’s provided heaven and escape from hell?
The truth about this…is that there’s a deceiver, who actively bombards with lies,
which is the reason God says to be vigilant in keeping His Word before our eyes.
And words of faith are like a refreshing breeze in the midst of a bad situation.
“Have faith in God,” Jesus said, which are His words to the people of every nation.
“For with God, nothing shall be impossible,” is another important Biblical quote.
We can even “walk on the water,” at His direction, boldly stepping out of the boat.
Though called “the questioning apostle” or “doubting Thomas,” his doubt didn’t stay.
He went on to serve in God’s kingdom, leading others to follow Christ and The Way.
So, just like Thomas, we can walk on in faith, despite doubts that have assailed us.
Fixing our eyes upon Jesus, we’ll be able to say, “God’s Word has never failed us!”
P. A. Oltrogge
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV
The above image of Jesus used by permission of Bob Berran
Thomas’s influence for Christianity has been historically noted in Kerala and other areas of India.
“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And beingfully persuaded that what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.” Romans 4:20-22
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I don’t want to doubt Your Word, Lord; forgive me when I do.
Strengthen my faith to firmly believe that all of Your promises are true.
As You prayed for Your disciple, Peter…that his faith wouldn’t fail,
Pray for me, Lord Jesus, that fully-persuaded faith will prevail.
P. A. Oltrogge
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And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed,, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” Luke 22:31-32 NKJV
“What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.” Romans 8:31-34 NLT
“Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25 NKJV
“My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1 NKJV
The following is from the founder of Danita’s Children in Haiti: For a video of Danita Estrella Watts’s story or to donate… go to: http://www.danitaschildren.org
To be honest, writing a letter like this is never easy for me. Asking for financial support has always been one of the hardest parts of ministry. I would much rather write to you about victories than about needs. Although there are many victories I can share with you, I also believe that part of my responsibility is to honestly share when the ministry is facing a significant challenge and invite those who love this work to pray with us.
Today, I am writing with that kind of transparency.
The ongoing crisis in Haiti has created extraordinary financial pressures unlike anything we have experienced before. Despite the instability surrounding us, our commitment has not changed. Every day our team continues caring for vulnerable children, operating the only pediatric hospital in northeastern Haiti, feeding hungry children, educating students, providing a safe home for children who have nowhere else to go, and sharing the hope of Christ with every person we serve. The needs have continued to grow, while the cost of simply operating has increased dramatically. This is due to a couple of major challenges, one of them being inflation. The cost of food and supplies has increased.
To continue these vital programs without interruption, we are trusting God to provide an additional $250,000 over the coming weeks. These funds will allow us to meet critical operational needs, care for the children entrusted to us, provide life-saving medical care, and continue serving the people of Haiti during one of the most difficult seasons in the nation’s history.
Fuel = Our solar panel system has been an incredible blessing, significantly reducing our dependence on our diesel generator. However, to keep our campus running, we still rely on the generator for approximately six hours each day to recharge our battery system. This power is essential. It provides electricity throughout our campus, running water, and ensures that life-saving equipment, including oxygen, remains available for the children we serve. The monthly cost of fuel to operate the generator is $7,700.
Food = As food prices continue to rise, the cost of sustaining this vital ministry has increased significantly. Our monthly food budget is approximately $17,500, allowing us to serve nearly 16,000 meals each month. For many of the children we serve, these meals are more than nourishment—they provide stability, hope, and the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive.
Children’s Hospital = Over 20 hospitals in Haiti have closed within the past year, two of those being the largest in the country. Due to the closures, our demand has increased. Your gift will help us continue to run our emergency room and laboratory, provide medicine and oxygen, fight malnutrition, and much more.
Would you prayerfully ask the Lord if He would have you help us meet this need?
“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
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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
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
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
The Porch of the Lord 