Monthly Archives: December 2016

Just say “No!”

Posted on by
Reply

I woke up this morning with an adverse thought
on something bad that could happen, if that thought could be “bought.”

I recognized it was from the devil, who always spreads fear,
so I boldly said, “No!” for him to clearly hear.

It was the “father of lies” versus the Greater One within.
Using my God-given authority, the devil cannot win.

I’ll stand firm in God’s promises, whatever the case,
always praising the Lord and giving the devil no place.

If negatives seem to persist, I’ll again say, “No!”
Then…”Yes, God, let Your daily, bountiful blessings flow!”

An authoritative “No!” wields power in the spiritual realm,
for it says, “Yes!” to God, keeping Him “at the helm.”

P. A. Oltrogge

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 NKJV

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 NKJV

“Jesus said to them, ‘If God was your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. You are of your father, the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.'” John 8:42-47 NKJV

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Words of Jesus in John 10:10 NASB

“”Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Words of Jesus in Luke 10:19 NKJV

“Be angry (at sin–at immorality, at injustice, at ungodly behavior), yet do not sin; do not let your anger (cause you shame, nor allow it to) last until the sun goes down. And do not give the devil an opportunity (to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness.)” Ephesians 4:26-27 AMP

“Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, The God of our salvation! Selah”. Psalm 68:19 NKJV

“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.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 NASB

“Surely goodness and loving kindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6 NASB

You may like to do an internet search for the Christian song, “I’m Trading my Sorrows,” which I was reminded of after writing the above poetry. It is a song which includes a great refrain on saying “Yes!” to God!

Psalm 150 NKJV Let All Things Praise the Lord

Praise the Lord!

Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty firmament!

Praise Him for His mighty acts;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!

Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet;
Praise Him with the lute and harp!
Praise Him with the timbrel and dance;
Praise Him with the stringed instruments and flutes!
Praise Him with the loud cymbals;
Praise Him with the clashing cymbals!

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord!

For your interest/inspiration–an account of victory:
http://sidroth.org/articles/something-extra/

Have you “seen” Jesus?

Posted on by
Reply

The Porch of the Lord

In Jerusalem, there was a devout man named Simeon, back in New Testament days,
Who’d been waiting for the promised Messiah, in order to give Him praise.

The Holy Spirit was upon Simeon and had revealed that he wouldn’t die
Until he would get to see that One, who was the object of his heart’s cry.

One day the Spirit led him to the Temple and there he saw a child,
Whom He knew, by the Spirit’s prompting, to be the One born undefiled.

Mary and Joseph were amazed to hear what Simeon then said about their boy–
Jesus would cause many in Israel to fall, but to many others He would bring joy.

Simeon warned that many would oppose Him–the deepest thoughts of hearts would be revealed; A sword would pierce Mary’s very soul–a reference to the cross,
to which He’d yield.

Simeon said Jesus was sent as a…

View original post 146 more words

A Blessed, Merry Christmas to You!

Posted on by
Reply

Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ!  And, after His death on a cross for us, He stiill lives today after a glorious resurrection, and desires for all to receive Him as their Savior and Redeemer… Glory to God in the highest!

“The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” Psalm 119:130 NKJV

“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.'” John 8:12 NKJV

Photo by Porch of the Lord

Photo by Porch of the Lord

Cherished “Christmas of my Childhood” Memories

Posted on by
Reply

The Porch of the Lord

We always met at our grade school on an often snowy Christmas Eve,
anticipating the gifts back home that we knew we would receive.

But thoughts, really, were on the Lord Jesus and the amazing story
that we would be telling of God sending us His Son amidst angelic glory.

We each had a part we had practiced for the yearly Christmas Eve service–
those who may have had a bigger role were sometimes a little bit nervous.

The atmosphere was one of warmth, though, but so respectful of the divine–
at my church very many years ago, these Christmas memories of mine.

We stepped outside the school and crossed over the connecting street
to the large decorated church sanctuary where everyone would meet.

To us children, the lights and nativity were always greatly impressive.
Beautifully-ornamented, tall Christmas trees made the night so festive.

Boys wearing new suits and ties…

View original post 506 more words

On an Evening Walk Outside of Bethlehem

Posted on by
1

I was taking an evening walk, when I saw some shepherds in a field.
Then I saw a light surround them–they trembled, their fear revealed.
The light grew brighter, and it became an even more glorious light.
Then I realized that we were all seeing an angel on that night

He came and stood before the shepherds–I was able to hear him some…
something about there being good news and that a Savior had come.
Next, to my absolute amazement, suddenly the night sky was filled
with what looked like an army of angels–a scene with which I was thrilled!

They shared a message of peace on earth, with their voices raised,
proclaiming now good will toward men and that God be praised!
They greatly were rejoicing, but then suddenly disappeared from sight–
Later, in town, the shepherds confirmed to me all that I’d seen that night.

They said they’d gone on, as well, to locate the One of whom they were told…
just a newborn baby in a manger, but the divine Child for them to behold!

P.A. Oltrogge

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying. ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'” Luke 2:13-14 KJV

“Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others–the armies of heaven–praising God and saying ‘Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.'” Luke 2:13-14 NLT

Like a Shepherd

Posted on by
Reply

The Porch of the Lord

“Like a shepherd He will tend His flock,
In His arm He will gather the lambs,
And carry them in His bosom;
He will gently lead the nursing ewes.”

Isaiah 40:11

While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
An angel appeared, and God’s glory shone bright.
The angel told the shepherds to not be afraid
Since a proclamation of great joy was being made!
A Savior for all people was born, who was Christ the Lord!
And then more angels praised God for the Baby adored.
Straightway to Bethlehem the shepherds went
To see this One Whom God had sent.
To everyone they saw, they made known what was told
Of God’s gift, Who was cut from the shepherd’s mold.
He would have a flock–the Good Shepherd He would be-
He would die for that flock, both for you and for me.
To rescue and die for the lambs–no greater…

View original post 206 more words

The Innkeeper

Posted on by
1

“And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.  This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.  So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.” Luke 2:1-5 NKJV
——————————–

A couple stopped at our Bethlehem inn, having come from quite a distance away. But due to the census, I had no rooms left at all in which any more people could stay.

The husband declared that his wife was ready, at any moment, to give birth. So I thought of the stable to offer them, hoping it might be of, at least, some worth.

There just was something about them, and my wife had sensed it, too. But because of the incoming crowds that day, there was nothing else we could do.

My wife took over some swaddling cloths and things she’d kept for a baby’s birth. She overheard the soon-to-be parents speak of their expected child’s great worth.

Later, in the inn, we thought that we heard the sound of a baby’s cry… That evening, we saw a group of shepherds there, who, for some reason, had stopped by.

We finally got some rest for the night–the inn was full with those who’d traveled far; and I turned and looked out the window, where I saw the most brilliant star….

It’s said you can entertain angels, without being fully aware… So I wondered if Someone greater than angels was connected with that special couple there.

P. A. Oltrogge

“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”  Luke 2:7 NKJV

Photo by Porch of the Lord

Photo by Porch of the Lord

Joseph’s Example

Posted on by
Reply

The Porch of the Lord

Joseph, a son of David, took Mary for his wife,
Believing she was carrying God’s very sacred life.
Joseph stood by her when others may have condemned.
Joseph believed God when they didn’t comprehend.
He was chosen by God, and it was to him that Mary and the Child were sent.
He became the protector of God’s great intent.
Joseph was quick to recognize that in dreams God often spoke,
With messages from His angel, and he obeyed when he awoke.
Joseph named the baby, Jesus, just as he’d been told,
For He would save His people from sins as said by the prophet of old.
In obedience, Joseph went to Egypt–“Out of Egypt did I call My Son.”
Joseph had them stay until God said their time there was done.
We see him obeying God in Bible scene after scene;
Being warned of God, he went to Nazareth, so…

View original post 288 more words

The Faith of Mary

Posted on by
Reply

The Porch of the Lord

Mary changed the course of this entire earth,
By accepting God’s plan for the virgin birth.
Her agreement with the angel’s words affirmed God’s will,
And the words that she spoke are often quoted still.
She declared herself to be God’s handmaid or servant;
In her, the Lord had found a heart that was fervent.
She had faith the Lord loved her and all of mankind;
She trusted in God’s heart and not her own mind.
She was just a young woman of a tender age,
But she stepped out in faith onto the world’s center stage.
Though startled at first by the angelic visitation,
Her faith in God was strong enough to take up her station.
Likewise, it’s wise today to ask the Lord to help us find
The plans and purposes for our lives that He has in mind.
By doing so, we ensure that we’re on His…

View original post 395 more words

The Perfect Gift

Posted on by
Reply

The Porch of the Lord

Photo by Jim Sorbie Photo by Jim Sorbie

…A seasonal poem telling a story of a Christmastime visit–northern relatives visiting family in the southern U.S…. They appreciate some brisk weather for a southern state as it reminds them of home.  They shop for gifts and then take in an outdoor Christmas lighting display at a local church, where their attention turns to the most perfect gift of all.

A special time, pure white snowflakes,
Drifting down upon the roofs–
Moonlight reflecting on glistening snow blankets,
Years ago sleighs and horses hoofs…

Yet further south where palm trees stand,
It’s not so cold this time of year.
But some nights can get brisk and that’s all the better
To spread the feeling of Christmas cheer…

We’ve shopped for gifts
For this time of giving and receiving,
And have wrapped them quickly before they were seen.
Each one will be perfect, we’re hoping, believing…

The bustle of shops seems…

View original post 175 more words