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.”
“Therefore he sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city. 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?’
“So he answered, ‘Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ 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.” 2 Kings 6:14-16
When troubles surround, look to the beauty of a flower. Its magnificence reminds us of our creative God of power, who stands with us against those who would seek to defeat us. At the point of our need, God and angel armies meet us!
There are more who are with us than those who oppose– and our deliverer is the King. From the grave, He arose! There’s no other name under heaven higher on which to call. Jesus Christ is our Redeemer, Mighty God, and Lord of all!
P. A. Oltrogge
“The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my strength, in whom I will trust, my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” Psalm 18:2 KJV
“I sought the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears… The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.” Psalm 34:4, 7
“Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.” Psalm 103:20 KJV
“Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty, Who cover yourself with light as with a garment, Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain. He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters, Who makes the clouds His chariot, Who walks on the wings of the wind, Who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flame of fire.” Psalm 104:1-4
“Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.
“And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” Ephesians 1:15-23
“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them…let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. Thus is the stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone. Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” from Acts 4:8-12
“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
“And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” Revelation 19:16
Scriptures: NKJV or as noted
“So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” words of Jesus in Matthew 6:28-29
…we earnestly pray for those living in areas of war or persecution, Lord, trusting you to be their deliverer…
“The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever. The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” Psalm 29:10-11 NIV
Many Christian books have been written on the authority of the believer; but as one minister has said, always remember this, in being a receiver…
“The Authority of the SPEAKING Believer” is a more distinct book title for such. Death and life are in the power of the tongue. What we say, Proverbs says, matters much.
Jesus said to say unto this mountain, that it should be cast into the sea. Pray and also say, (from Mark 11:23-24)–we reign in life by our verbal decree.
Remember that David spoke words of faith in God as he faced Goliath, the giant. Not just a stone and a slingshot, but those words helped make things compliant.
Three Hebrew men spoke with faith, and were rescued from a terrible blaze. Joseph went from slave to ruler. “God meant it unto good,” was his faith-filled phrase.
Noah, who “walked with God,” built an ark for a flood, which God had said would be vast. His actions spoke of his certainty in believing God, even after much time had passed.
All the people in these examples were lauding God, as their specific stories tell. Your THANKS and WORSHIP to God become a shield of faith to quench the fiery darts of hell.
Think about whether you’ve been too quiet, only believing in your heart. Speak God’s Word and words of positive faith to cause any “mountains” of concern to depart.
P. A. Oltrogge
“…But the mouth of the upright will deliver them.” Proverbs 12:6
“With the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied; he will be satisfied with the product of his lips. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:20-21
“For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” Mark 11:23-24
“Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:47 (David’s words to Goliath.)
“You will also decree a thing, and it will be established for you; and light will shine on your ways.” Job 22:28
James 3:3-6 refers to a bit in the mouth of a horse or the small rudder on a ship determining their direction, in speaking of the tongue and our words.
“The mouth of a righteous man is a fountain of life.” Proverbs 10:11
“A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words….” Proverbs 12:14
“…Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.” Genesis 6:9
“By faith (with confidence in God and His word) Noah, being warned by God about events not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his family. By this (act of obedience) he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness which comes by faith.” Hebrews 11:7 AMP
“above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” Ephesians 6:16
“…I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.” 1 Corinthians 14:15
“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:7
“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it, with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2
Scriptures NKJV or as noted
Book recommendation (Mini-book for $3) at www.billyebrim.org under “Store,” …”The Authority of the Believer and How to Use It”
trusting in the name and shed blood of the Holy One…
If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation.
Through Him, we’re victorious in any situation.
Despite sins, mistakes, or things we’ve done wrong,
He is our success. In Him, we are strong.
P. A. Oltrogge
“For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:17
“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, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.” Ephesians 1:3-6
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” Ephesians 6:10
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
“For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 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.” Colossians 1:9-14
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.” Psalm 34:17-18
Don’t just know about Him only in your head, but be “born again” as Jesus has said. It isn’t just the date you were born on this earth that matters as much as your spiritual rebirth.
It’s simply a gift–so easy to claim, by praying to receive that gift in His Name. No other Name but Jesus forgives sin; just open your heart and ask Him to come in.
Make sure that you’ve done this in your own heart. It’s faith there that counts–churchgoing’s just a start. Please don’t let pride or tradition keep you or those you care about from a love that’s so deep.
Don’t look to unbiblical, deceptive ways of thinking, for they’re no foundation–but sand that is sinking. And though it is good to think in positive ways, such thoughts without Christ won’t really give you better days.
God’s set before us such an easy choice– your salvation through Jesus will make angels rejoice! And you won’t need to be concerned about daily bread– you’ll be all right always if you’ll stay spiritually fed.
Another simple thing is to give ten percent– God will return back to you far more than you sent. For others are in need and churches/ministries must reach more human beings with this Gospel we preach.
Jesus, Bread of Life, our Friend and our Guide– thank you, as well, for your promises to provide.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; this man came to Him by night, and said to Him, ‘Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.’ Nicodemus said to Him, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?’ Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going, so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.’” John 3:1-8 (from John 3:1-21)
“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 1:12-12 KJV
“Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10 “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, ‘Rulers and elders of the people, if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man, as to how this man has been made well, let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ, the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by this name this man stands here before you in good health. He is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, but which became the very cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved.’” Acts 4:8-12
…the blessing that is in giving:
“Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings [you have withheld]. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing Me, this whole nation! Bring all the tithes (the tenth) into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you [so great] a blessing until there is no more room to receive it. Then I will rebuke the devourer (insects, plague) for your sake and he will not destroy the fruits of the ground, nor will your vine in the field drop its grapes [before harvest],” says the Lord of hosts. Malachi 3:8-11 AMP “But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” Luke 11:42 KJV
“Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:37-39
“And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:18
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
A very brief synopsis from the account in the book of Ezra….
By the edict of Cyrus, who became ruler of the Persian empire, the Lord let all the exiles go free–to return to their own land in Jerusalem, where Solomon’s Temple had once stood grandly for all to see.
“Building a house for God in Jerusalem,” Cyrus said, was his task, which he passed on to them that day. He also gave back to the people the Temple treasures that King Nebuchadnezzar had taken away.
Led by Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, and by Jeshua, the priest, they enthusiastically set out. Upon arrival in Jerusalem, they located the Temple’s original site, where nothing but some rubble was scattered about.
When the Assyrians had captured the Israelites in the north, they had then settled some newcomers in the land. These were Samaritans, who hadn’t wanted the Jews to come back there again, or ever see them take command.
But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and others built an altar and offered sacrifices to the God of Israel, as the law of Moses said that they should. This was of greatest importance before the Temple would ultimately be rebuilt with stone and cedar wood.
The cedar would be shipped from Lebanon, as it had been done for King Solomon many years before. Then, according to their ability, the people gave gold, silver, priestly garments, and other offerings to this project to restore.
The Levites were appointed to oversee the work; but everyone, even the priests, helped to lay the foundation. They then sang, “The Lord is good and His love for Israel is eternal”–a song of God’s love for their nation.
Problems developed in dealing with the Samaritans, who, at first, offered to help with all they had to do. They claimed to worship the same God; but Zerubbabel refused their help, for he knew that simply wasn’t true.
The people of Judah had been exiled to Babylon as God’s punishment for their waywardness previously this way–when they’d mixed with others who worshiped false “gods”–so they weren’t about again to go astray.
At Zerubbabel’s refusal, the Samaritans became angry, stirred up trouble, and work on the Temple ceased. This lasted fifteen years, until prophecies and encouragement from God’s prophets, Zechariah and Haggai, were at that time released.
Zerubbabel and Jeshua knew this was their approval to begin again, as far as they could see. When challenged again by those who opposed it, King Darius researched the edict of Cyrus–then also gave his generous endorsement decree.
So Solomon’s Temple was finally resurrected. Though not as magnificent, it was welcomed after so many years. The people came to it for Passover, and the priests and Levites resumed duties, after it was dedicated to God with joyful cheers.
If you’ve a project for God that’s somehow stalled, be strong, and remember this story to help keep things going. Not all may support or understand what God has put in your heart, but it’s God’s vision that needs to keep growing.
P. A. Oltrogge
Gentile neighbors were to help the Jewish people through their donations before they left (Ezra 1:4-6) Two groups of the people went. The first group returned with Zerubbabel and restored the Temple. The second group returned with Ezra, who instructed the people in godliness. Fifteen years is an approximate number of years the work ceased after it was started. Jeshua is also written as Joshua, son of Jozadak.
Postscript: In ventures in your own life, it’s best to be sure that any potential partners who say that your God and theirs are the same–actually do know the one true God and Messiah–Jesus Christ being His Name.
Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the Temple for dedication to the Lord. (Luke 2:22) Later, He was found in the Temple (Luke 2:46) and He taught in its courts. (Matthew 21:14-15; Matthew 21:23; Matthew 26:55; Mark 11:11; Mark 12:35; Luke 2:46; Luke 19:47; Luke 21:37-38; John 7:14,28; John 8:2,20) His presence was its glory. Jesus also ministered to the descendants of the early Samaritans spoken of in the poem, and gave us the beloved story of “the good Samaritan.” The apostles also preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Samaritans. (Acts 8:25)
…in today’s post by Dutch Sheets at his “givehim15” website, he uses this Bible account to warn us against being discouraged by trouble in the news, etc, in our mission to see the rebuilding of America, back to Biblical values, through prayer for revival…
“And He was saying to her, ‘Let the children be satisfied first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.’” (Mark 7:27) These were Jesus’ words to a Syrophoenician woman, regarding the healing of her daughter… Here He was referring to healing as “the children’s bread.” She was not Jewish (“the children”) but persisted in faith, to ask for His help, which He gave.
We read in the Bible’s book of Acts that in the course of Peter’s travels, he arrived at the town of Lydda to visit with some of the saints.
There He came upon a man named Aeneas, who’d been bedridden for eight years with paralysis and its constraints.
The account tells us that Peter spoke with sure faith, saying, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you: arise, and make your bed.”
At Peter’s words, the paralyzed man immediately arose; and all who lived at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord, having seen that healing is the children’s bread.
In another instance, in Joppa, there was a disciple named Tabitha, or Dorcas, who abounded with charity for others and deeds that were kind.
Just at that time, she had fallen sick and died–a loss which was felt deeply, for she had made garments for many; and by such acts of service she was defined.
Some of the disciples heard that Peter was in nearby Lydda, so they sent two men to him to entreat him to come and not delay.
He agreed to come with the men and there, in an upper room of the house where her body was lying, Peter sent out those who wept. He knelt and prayed–then turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, arise,” at which point, death couldn’t stay.
She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. He gave her his hand and raised her up, then called those who’d been there to return. Peter presented her alive to all of them, who were so grateful and amazed.
The raising of Dorcas became known all over Joppa and many there believed, too, on the Lord and that the Name of Jesus, of whom Peter preached, was greatly to be praised.
P. A. Oltrogge
A poetic summary from Acts 9:32-43 Also refer to Acts 10 on the inclusion of the Gentiles in the Gospel, and Acts 11:18 “And when they heard this, they quieted down, and glorified God, saying, ‘Well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life.’”
“But He was pierced through for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5
“And 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 ill in order that what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, saying, ‘He Himself took our infirmities, and carried away our diseases.’” Matthew 8:16,17
Other examples of Peter and the other apostles extending healing in Jesus’ Name: Acts 3:1-10, 16 and Acts 5:12-16; Acts 14:8-10; Acts 19:11-12; Acts 20:9-10; Acts 28:3-5 (Paul suffered no harm himself); Acts 28:7-9
Check out ministries previously mentioned on this blog that teach on healing, such as: http://www.awmi.net
I’ve come across your path today, and I may not know your name, but though we’re not acquainted, I’d like to speak of Jesus just the same. He knows the details of your life–anything you’re going through; yes, even if you don’t know Him, He knows all about you.
I’ve found Him to be a faithful God, Who I know in a personal way. He desires to help each person intimately–all we have to do is pray. For those who’ve put their trust in Him, guidance becomes very sure; His will is good and perfect, coming from a heart that’s loving and pure.
If you’re facing worries, never despair–the name of Jesusis a strong tower— to run into for help and wisdom, which flow richly from that Name’s power. And at the name of Jesus, one day, every knee will bow; but God’s Spirit is moving every day, seeking all who will honor Him now.
P. A. Oltrogge
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10 (NASB)
“Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 (NASB)
For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7
Thank You, Lord, for orchestrating my day… I’m trusting You, then, to help me find my way.
Your Word states that You’re perfecting things for me. Though I’m to walk by faith, I can KNOW that I’ll see. .
P. A. Oltrogge
“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, oh Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.” Psalm 138:8 NKJV
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 KJV
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” 1 John 5:14-15 NKJV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
…praying today for those without power and for those who work to restore it
Lord, help me to have a thankful heart, even if things seem to have gone wrong, For it’s only by trusting in Your love, that the faith in my heart will remain strong.
Help me to see what’s been good, and how You have touched my days; Then, in thinking upon such things, my words will be given to praise.
Help me to thank You, in faith, for any specific blessing I might desire. Let thankfulness be my “prayer” always, for it’s that which will lift me higher.
And I should thank You in front of problems–there’s benefit and healing in laughter—believing in Your solutions before they’re seen, not waiting to have joy ’til after.
Keep me from forgetting to count blessings, or of thinking only of my own concerns; for it’s in considering the various needs of others, that any discontent turns.
Remind me to look to Your finished work and Your victory for us through the cross. As the Israelites looked at the serpent on a pole, only then were they kept from loss.
Thank You for giving me the example, of earnestly seeking Your Father’s will, so that I may do the same with my own life, seeking His plan to follow and fulfill.
Yes, even if I’ve gone through something hard or have come to a difficult place, help me to thank You for being there with Your presence, Your love, and Your grace.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” Psalm 100:4 NKJV
“Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.” Hebrews 13:15 NASB
“I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord.” Psalm 116:17 RSV
“A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.” Proverbs 15:13 NKJV
“All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.” Proverbs 15:15 NKJV
“A merry heart does good, like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.” Proverbs 17:22 NKJV
“The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 NKJV
“And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Make a fiery serpent (of bronze) and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live.’” Numbers 21:8 AMP
Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out. 23 But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. 24 And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!”
Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 But He said to them, “Where is your faith?”
And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!” Luke 8:22-25 NKJV
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“Now why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like: 48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when there was a flood, the river burst against that house and yet it could not shake it, because it had been well built. 49 But the one who has heard and has not acted accordingly is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation; and the river burst against it and it immediately collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great.” Luke 6:46-49 NASB
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“For if by the offense of the one, death reigned through the one, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:17 NASB
Reign through the “rain”…is a message made clear
by Jesus, the Master, who said not to fear.
Rely on God’s Word in the midst of a storm
to stop fearful thoughts before they can form.
Having done all we can, we’re told to “stand,”
trusting God will come through with His victorious right hand.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and havingdoneall, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13 RSV
“…fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 RSV
“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, for ever. Amen” …from Matthew 6 KJV
God bless/strengthen you in any circumstance in which you are standing on His promises in faith….I’m praying for those who follow this blog…
The Porch of the Lord 