Love, with no definite expression of outward action or word,
Isn’t love at all–since, by our hearts, nothing is “heard.”
Kind words, loving service, time spent together, a gift, or a tender touch–
Without these things tangible, we can’t really feel love much.

Just like most plants need regular sunshine and water,
We need regular caring expression from friend, spouse, son, or daughter.
Mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters can affirm and encourage–
We all can, for this world holds much that can discourage.

Friends and family are meant to uplift us and be a fortress in life;
And when loving gestures abound, there will be little, if any, strife.
When love is firmly founded thereby, we’ll be ready to reach out
To those needing love from us whom we may meet on a daily route.

Jesus also said that we should love those who don’t love us back;
Sometimes, such love can move relationships onto the right track.
At times, we must look past the things in some that seem odd–
We may need to pray for the grace of the unconditional love of God.

For that love has been found to lead others to tangibly feel
The love of the heavenly Father in a way that is real.

P. A. Oltrogge

“And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:5

Jesus Christ is the church’s head,
The first begotten of the dead.
In His own blood, He washed you from sins,
And through faith in Him, new life begins.

He took the form of a servant at the Passover Feast,
Through washing of feet, He became the least.
So, too, for the brethren, lay your lives down,
Serving them and others before obtaining your crown.

His body was broken for you–of this bread, take and eat;
His blood was poured out to secure Satan’s defeat.
Christ suffered all for you to be whole,
And that blood paid for the redemption of your soul.

As often as they wish, or have the need,
Of this covenant meal, His sheep may freely feed.
Do this in remembrance of Him, in taking the bread–
The cup is the New Testament in His blood that was shed.

In this way, you do show the Lord’s death ’til He comes back.
Your well-being’s been bought, and there is no lack.

Some say it’s a benefit Christ didn’t obtain,
That He couldn’t have died for your sickness and pain.
He did surely die, most importantly, for your soul,
But restoration of blessings was a large part of His goal.

Caring for your body, His temple, is wise,
But of greatest need is to keep His promises of health before your eyes.
“He forgives all your sins, He heals all your diseases,” proclaims the Word.
“The generous man will be prosperous,” needs also to be heard.

For God’s resources are vast, and we’ve only just begun
To see what will happen through faith in His Son.

Do not be discouraged if you haven’t yet seen
The miracles you’ve prayed for or some souls to come clean.
For fields of souls are white for harvest just now,
And lack and sickness, too, in this harvest will bow!

P. A. Oltrogge

“…Christ also is the head of the church….” Ephesians 5:23

“And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.” Revelation 1:5

“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” 1 John 1:16

“Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget none of his benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities; Who heals all your diseases.” Psalm 103:2-3

“My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your sight; keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their whole body.” Proverbs 4:20-23

“Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:10-12

“The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered.” Proverbs 11:25

“Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” Luke 6:38

“…Behold I say to you, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest.” John 4:35

We pray, but then may experience struggles of various, unwanted kinds;
We can compare them to labor in childbirth, if they tend to trouble our minds.
It’s easy to tire, thinking nothing is happening–despite effort and some pain;
But there’s a birth ahead that’s coming–the struggles make that plain.
So if you have prayed for something, whatever your request,
Remember, despite waiting or struggle–there’s a “birth” ahead that’s blessed.
And all of the pain or problems that went before that birth
Will quickly be forgotten when we see God’s answers of great worth.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.”
Hebrews 10:35 (KJV)

“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.” Hebrews 10:35
(New International Version)

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23

Mark 11:22-26
Romans 5:3-5
James 1:2-4

It’s a well-known fact that it’s best to have command
Of the language that’s spoken in a foreign land.
We get around better and enjoy our stay
When no language barrier hinders us on our way.
Just so, in our daily lives, God wants us to speak
The language of His Word so that we’ll not be weak.
It will keep us strong and able in this journey that we walk,
For it’s here on this earth that we need “faith talk.”
As Christians, we’re not conformed to this world’s speech,
But a higher language is what we practice and preach.
God’s “Kingdom Language” helps us to move about
With confidence on how everything will turn out!

“But Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’” Luke 4:4 (New King James)

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23
_________________________________________

Our prayer language, too, goes beyond our comprehension,
Touching situations and things that we may fail to mention.
Thank you, Lord, for heavenly understanding;
Help us to be bold and circumstance-commanding!

“And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'” Acts 2:38

“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water.’ But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” John 7:38-39

“For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries.” 1 Corinthians 14:2

“Therefore let one who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. What is the outcome then? I shall pray with the spirit and I shall pray with the mind also; I shall sing with the spirit and I shall sing with the mind also.” 1 Corinthians 14:13-15

“And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27

Mark 16:17-18; Acts 1:8; Acts 4:31; Ephesians 6:10-20

P. A. Oltrogge