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.”
The Bible is widely spoken of, yet many people haven’t actually “heard” of much that’s written within its pages. Lord, wake them to Your Word.
For it’s written that it’s the scriptures that make us “wise unto salvation.” Lord, we pray, You’d wake people to Your Word throughout ours and every nation.
Send laborers across the paths of those whose hearts You will have prepared to be ready to receive the Gospel invitation, which those laborers will share.
We thank You, Father, for Your great love and for the Holy Spirit’s power to draw souls to Jesus, our Savior and Good Shepherd, in this important hour.
P. A. Oltrogge
“And he (Jesus) said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Mark 4:9 KJV
“And continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
“And that from a child thou hast learned the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
2 Timothy 3:14-16 KJV
“Therefore, said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.” Luke 10:2 KJV
“And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.” Acts 16:13-14 NKJV
Eye to Eye, Facing the Consequences of Dividing Israel
(Book, by William Koenig, available at Amazon)
The following description is from FlashPoint, where the book is also available: http://www.fparmy.com
What happens when nations turn their backs on Israel?
In Eye to Eye, respected White House correspondent and international analyst William Koenig presents a compelling examination of the relationship between U.S. foreign policy toward Israel and significant events that have impacted America. Through years of research, documentation, and firsthand observations, Koenig explores a fascinating pattern between efforts to pressure or divide Israel and subsequent economic, political, and natural crises affecting the United States.
Drawing from Scripture, historical records, and contemporary events, Eye to Eye challenges readers to consider God’s covenant with Israel and the importance of standing with His chosen nation.
Whether you’re passionate about biblical prophecy, current events, world affairs, or understanding Israel’s role in God’s plan, this eye-opening book provides valuable insight into one of the most important issues facing our generation.
In this book, you’ll discover the biblical foundation for God’s covenant with Israel; historical examples connecting U.S. policy decisions and national events; the significance of Israel in end-times prophecy; insight into current geopolitical developments through a biblical lens; why standing with Israel matters now more than ever.
At FlashPoint, we believe understanding Israel’s place in God’s plan is essential for believers seeking to navigate today’s rapidly changing world. Eye to Eye is a powerful resource that will strengthen your understanding of Scripture, deepen your faith, and equip you to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
Stand with Israel. Understand the times. Strengthen your faith.
“Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’” Luke 2:10
“Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.’” John 4:21-23
“Oh, come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the Lord is the great God, And the great King above all gods. In His hand are the deep places of the earth; The heights of the hills are His also. The sea is His, for He made it; And His hands formed the dry land.
Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker. For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture, And the sheep of His hand.”
Psalm 95:1-7
“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” Hebrews 1:1-4
The prophet, Micah, wrote of God’s mercy and His desire to cast all sins into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7:19) In Micah 5:2, he prophesied the birth of the Savior in Bethlehem Ephrathah, “…The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.”
From the New Testament:
“The woman said to Him, ‘I know that Messiah is coming’ (who is called Christ). ‘When He comes, He will tell us all things.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I who speak to you am He.’” John 4:25-26
“Jesus said…’I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:6
“…giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
“For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.”
Colossians 1:12-20
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who 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
As the sea washes, Jesus’ blood washes away the sins of those who receive Him, the gift of God. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”
“If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”
John 15:4-7
Most often, my thought about abiding in the Vine has been time spent with the Lord through His Word. In a recent devotional by Andrew Wommack, though, he shared the importance of prayer regarding abiding in the Vine. Andrew noted the amount of time Jesus spent in prayer, which was the power behind His ministry. Quote below:
Jesus said in John 15:5 that without Him, we can do nothing. There are many things that we should do in addition to prayer, but there is nothing that we can effectively do without prayer. Prayer is one of the main ways of abiding in Him (John 15:7). Therefore, our request should be like the disciples, ‘Lord, teach us to pray.’
We should come expecting to receive answers to prayer. The Father is ready and willing to answer our prayers. Just ask and you shall receive. (Andrew Wommack)
And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him,
‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples’. Luke 11:1
Every day when, or even before, we greet the first rays of the morning sun, we can pray that God’s perfect will, for that particular day, will be done.
“Thy will be done, in earth, as it is in heaven,” Jesus said to pray. In your own life, that will ensure that you’ll be walking on the right pathway.
“Not My will, but Thine be done,” Jesus prayed—another way of saying, that you trust the Father’s wisdom in any matter about which you’re praying.
And for your nation’s government, trust this same prayer to have effect, ultimately, in making the kind of wise decisions that God would select.
Of course, not everything that may follow our prayers can be called God’s will, for there’s an enemy, in this world, who is out to steal, destroy, and kill.
But that’s exactly why our prayers are needed, because of the spiritual warfare. We’re told that the whole armor of God is the equipment that we’re to wear.
And keeping our thoughts on Jesus–looking to Him–should always increase, for the Bible promises that that’s the way to have and maintain God’s perfect peace.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee; because he trusteth in Thee.” Isaiah 26:3 KJV
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” …from Ephesians 6
“I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 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. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” John 10:9-11
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; notastheworldgives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27
“For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.” Colossians 1:19-20
“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 NKJV
So grateful, as we watch the fireworks being displayed, that this is a land founded by people who prayed…
So many of Amerca’s founders recognized that this world’s true King— is Jesus, the Christ—Lord above everything.
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty; and it’s through God’s beloved Son that men are truly free.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’” John 8:31-32 NKJV
“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” words of Jesus in John 8:36 NKJV
“…no man can say that Jesus is the Lord but by the Holy Ghost.” 1 Corinthians 12:3 KJV
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, and to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” spoken by Jesus in Luke 4:18-19 KJV
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” spoken by Jesus in John 3:16-17 KJV
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Explore books at Amazon by Senator Tim Scott, the latest being: One Nation Always Under God
Be blessed to use in prayer and hear the song, “America’s Anthem,” by Rachel Shafer under “Store” at: www.timsheets.org
(Click on Digital Download for “America’s Anthem”)
Raised on a farm in the beautiful U.S.A., we depended on God and took time to pray.
Farm animals and crops, like soybeans or corn, were tended to daily from the early morn.
The crops were abundant in the fertile soil, and the joy of the Lord gave ease to any toil.
Fresh fruits and vegetables were always canned from the family garden that was yearly planned.
Still, there was time in summer to swim at a pool— a sharing neighbor kept our whole family cool.
A trip uptown for the Fourth of July parade was patriotic fun, with fireworks later displayed.
And competing in family softball, out on the lawn, was enjoyed by all before summer would be gone.
Sundays were blessed, praising Jesus, our King; and during the week, of Him, we still would sing.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. The more that people come to know Him… the more we’ll be in one accord, with brotherly love being outpoured!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.” Psalm 33:12
“…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
“This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us.” 1 John 3:23
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133:1 (Scriptures NASB)
“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation! Selah”. Psalm 68:19 NKJV
Jesus asked that of Saul; and we ask today, why oppose Christians who just want to pray?
And why should a book as greatly hailed as the Bible oftentimes be assailed?
How have the ten commandments done harm to people from any town, city, or farm?
And why does it cause some to be on edge simply because “under God” is in a pledge?
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” A nation is sound when faith in Him is restored.
Why balk at the belief of intelligent design? The right scientific research and the Bible do align.
Surely, all should see the need to refrain from torturing the unborn with brutal pain.
Why does abortion become a cause some fight for–can’t they see its harmful flaws?
The fruit of the womb is God’s “reward;” that person in the womb is designed by the Lord.
He asked of Saul, and believers ask today… why keep God’s amazing grace and love away?
Why do some resist a Name so renowned and One who is coming back, rightly crowned?
The world has heard of His virgin birth– He is Christ, the King, of incalculable worth.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
“As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’
“And he said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’
“Then the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’” Acts 9:1-5 NKJV
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.” Psalm 33:12 KJV
“The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” Psalm 24:1 KJV
“Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.” Psalm 127:3 KJV
“Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle.” Revelation 14:14 NKJV
“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:
Revolution: The Birth of the Greatest Nation in the History of the World by Eric Metaxas wherever books are sold.
You may also want to consider a book by Dutch Sheets, Chuck Pierce, and Tim Sheets, Releasing the Prophetic Destiny of a Nation on praying for all fifty states in America. Find it under the bookstore at: http://www.givehim15.com
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and from Elijah List, a prayer by Dan McCollam
A Modernized Adaptation of the First Continental Congress Prayer:
“O Lord, our heavenly Father, high and mighty King of Kings and Lord of Lords, You look from Your throne over all the earth and reign with supreme authority over every nation and every government.
“Look with mercy upon these United States. We have come to You for refuge and have placed ourselves under Your gracious care. We desire to depend on You alone. To You we appeal for what is right, and to You we look for the favor and strength that only You can give.
“Heavenly Father, take us under Your loving care. Give our leaders wisdom in their decisions and courage in the responsibilities You have entrusted to them.
“Frustrate the plans of those who pursue evil. Convict them of what is right. And where there is conflict, let Your justice and truth move hearts toward peace and cause violence to cease.
“Be present with those who govern our nation. Direct their decisions and establish this nation on the firm foundation of truth and righteousness. May conflict come to an end, and may order, harmony, and peace be restored. Let truth, justice, faith, and godliness flourish among our people.
“Preserve the health of our bodies and the strength of our minds. Pour out the blessings You know are best for us in this life and prepare us for the everlasting glory of the life to come.
“We ask all these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Savior. Amen.”
“I am the rose of Sharon, the lily of the valleys.” Song of Solomon 2:1
“Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.” Luke 12:27
The variety of flowers God created are such a feast for our eyes– And, besides their beauty, most have a pleasing fragrance that will arise.
No wonder Jesus said that we should consider the lilies of the field– Their essence is a tribute to His Father’s care to which they yield.
Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross arose, as a pleasing fragrance, to the Father’s throne– An aroma so pleasing that Christ now, as the rose of Sharon, is known.
Yes, like a rose, that was crushed and associated with thorns upon His head, Jesus paid for our redemption through scourges and His sacred veins that bled.
All who are in Christ give sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him, as well, To remind those who are saved of heaven, and to warn those unaware of hell.
So consider how the lilies are clothed, and therefore put on the Lord Jesus Christ, For His sacrifice on your behalf is the one that the Bible says sufficed.
P. A. Oltrogge
“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.” Romans 13:14
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” Ephesians 5:1-2
“But thanks be to God, Who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things?” 2 Corinthians 2:14-16
“You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good, and healing all who were oppressed by the devil; for God was with Him. And we are witnesses of all the things He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. And they also put Him to death by hanging Him on a cross. God raised Him up on the third day, and granted that He should become visible, not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen beforehand by God, that is, to us, who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. And He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead. Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.” Acts 10:38-43
The Porch of the Lord 