God Fulfills His Promises

“Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.” Luke 1:45 …as spoken by Elizabeth to Mary

Father in heaven,

I’m looking to You for the fulfillment of Your perfect will being done, for it’s in trusting You, dear God, that I know that the victory is won.

You will orchestrate the solution for that about which I’m praying…as I declare and decree Your promises, which are Goliath-slaying.

I can take authority over all the power of the enemy–every demonic tactic, and thank You ahead for a good outcome–Your wisdom and power are fantastic.

And then, I can proclaim it’s finished through Jesus Christ, Your Son…who taught us to pray for Your kingdom to come and for Your will on earth to be done.

P. A. Oltrogge

“In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9-10

“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.” Luke 10:19

“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

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14

“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith….” Hebrews 12:2

“And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.” Luke 1:45 KJV

and Ephesians 1:18-23; Ephesians 2:4-10; Isaiah 41:10

“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:10-11

The Lord’s Magnificent Rainbow

“I have placed My rainbow in the clouds….”

Lord, how I love to see the rainbow.
It seems one of the closest things
to You directly speaking to us upon earth
of Your faithfulness–the reminder it brings.

And who but You could have created its design,
with pastels or bright colors displayed,
in a beautiful arch in the heavens,
following the life-giving rains that You’ve made.

It’s always magnificent–the sight of a rainbow;
and a double one is especially thrilling.
Though it usually doesn’t last for a very long time,
it reminds of a covenant You’re still fulfilling.

Though the rainbow fades, leaving only a memory,
it speaks, too, of Your love, that doesn’t fade–
for You gave your Son, Jesus, as Savior for us all.
Those who believe, find the greatest covenant You’ve made.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Then God said, ‘I am giving you a sign of my covenant with you and with all living creatures, for all generations to come. I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth. When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, and I will remember my covenant with you and with all living creatures. Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life. When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth.’ Then God said to Noah, ‘Yes, this rainbow is the sign of the covenant I am confirming with all the creatures on earth.’” Genesis 9:14-17 NLT

“He covers the heavens with clouds, provides rain for the earth, and makes the grass grow in mountain pastures.” Psalm 147:8 NLT

(The Lord will restore His people) Ask the Lord for rain in the spring, for he makes the storm clouds. And he will send showers of rain so every field becomes a lush pasture.” Zechariah 10:11 NLT

“Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.” Hosea 6:3 NLT

“(Patience and Endurance) Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen.” James 5:7 NLT

…written of Jesus: “And he said to them, ‘This is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice for many.’” Mark 14:24 NLT

“In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant between God and his people–an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it.’” 1 Corinthians 11:25 NLT

“But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises.” Hebrews 8:6 NLT

Turn Back

“While He was on the way to Jerusalem, He was passing between Samaria and Galilee. As He entered a village, ten leprous men who stood at a distance met Him; and they raised their voices, saying, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!’ When He saw them, He said to them, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they were going, they were cleansed. Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice, and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered and said, ‘Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine–where are they? Was no one found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?’ And He said to him, ‘Stand up and go; your faith has made you well.'” Luke 17:11-19

When I think of the healing of the ten leprous men, and how only one man turned back, in thanks to God, out of the ten…

I’m reminded of how I often take for granted God’s care, when I should “turn back” to the place of blessing and thank the Lord there.

Joining you in thanking God today for all of our blessings–for our salvation through Christ Jesus, (Ephesians 1:3-14), the Lord’s many provisions, for opportunities to pray for and serve others, and for friends and family; also for answers to prayer that we can yet anticipate (Hebrews 11:1, Psalm 27:13) and for His comfort and joy.

And thank you for taking the time to visit here on the Porch of the Lord.

“Let them also offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and tell of His works with joyful singing.” Psalm 106:22

Keep Voicing Faith

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

“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

Book recommendation (Mini-book for $2) at http://www.billyebrim.org under “Store,” …”The Authority of the Believer and How to Use It”

The True Meaning of Christmas, Remembered

Here, at the Porch of the Lord, as Christmas nears…

Christmas on the Porch joyously reappears…

With a variety of Christmastime reflections on Jesus, the Messiah’s, birth–

to read this book, or share it with others, can be a gift of eternal worth.

P. A. Oltrogge

Available through http://www.christianbook.com, http://www.barnesandnoble.com, and http://www.amazon.com

Greeting of Grace

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

For any seeking online worship, you could visit one of the following: http://www.emic.org, http://www.lohchurch.org, http://www.josephprince.org or http://www.faithchurch.com

During the week, there is encouraging programming 24/7 at http://www.govictory.com

To join in prayer specifically for America at this time: http://www.dutchsheets.org

Triumphing through Christ

“Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re right.”

So keep your thoughts/words on Christ as Victor in any faith fight.

The first line of this poem has been attributed to Henry Ford.

The second line is gleaned from the Bible, the word of the Lord.

The battle is the Lord’s, but the victory is ours!

Our part is to pray and not lose heart, ever mindful of God’s powers.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV

“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

“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart….” Luke 18:1 NKJV

“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 NkJV (David, to the Philistine, Goliath)

Psalm 17:1-2; Romans 8:37; Ephesians 3:19-21; Hebrews 10:35; Hebrews 11:1

Book recommendation, “Never Run at Your Giants With Your Mouth Shut,” which is part of a package of books, that includes “The Spirit of Faith,” and “The Love Book” at http://www.markhankins.org

With Worship, Looking Forward

“Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” Psalm 29:2

…what the Lord might say to many of His children…

If you’ve made some mistakes, I won’t forsake you.
Don’t let anxious thoughts overtake you.

Instead, cast all your anxieties and cares upon Me,
and worship Me, for that’s truly “key.”

Some things are best forgotten, in order to find
what lies ahead–I always have your well-being in mind.

P. A. Oltrogge

“…He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:6-7

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended, but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14

“Be exalted, O Lord, in Your own strength! We will sing and praise Your power.” Psalm 21:13

Scriptures NKJV

From Drugs to Divine Direction

Sergio Alvarado grew up in Juarez, Mexico, under very difficult childhood circumstances and fell into a life of drug use himself. His life changed course through a true conversion to Christ; and though he thought of never going back to Juarez, the Lord now has him ministering there with great compassion.

Presently, he is undertaking the building of an orphanage that you may feel led to help with through a financial gift and/or through prayer. For a gift of twenty dollars, which will help with that mission, you can receive his book on the story of his life. Below is the link, with a few videos and information on obtaining the book.

http://www.AlvaradoMinistriesInternational.org

The Light of the Gospel of the Glory of Christ

From an account in Matthew 9:27-31

When someone’s not qualified to lead another, we say it’s “the blind leading the blind.” The Bible gives an account of such an occurrence, but of a very positive kind.

One day two blind men were following Jesus, knowing that the vision which they sought…could surely be realized through His miracles, which they had heard
He’d wrought.

“Have mercy on us, Son of David!” was their heartfelt, earnest cry for His touch.
When He entered into the house, they may have wondered if He’d even heard
them much.

But they were bold to enter the house then, where, at the time, Jesus was staying–
They were ready to receive the healing, for which they’d both been praying.

“Do you believe that I’m able to do this?” Jesus questioned the pair;
They answered Him, “Yes, Lord,” for they knew–that He’d done great miracles everywhere.

So Jesus touched their eyes, saying that according to their faith it was done;
Then their eyes were opened to see perfectly—a new life for each had begun.

Though they’d been blind, they’d helped each other, on a pathway of which they felt sure. Their faith in Jesus and readiness to receive brought about their miraculous cure.

Though Jesus charged them to let no one know, they couldn’t help sharing their story–of how Jesus Christ had given them sight, and they gave to Him all of the glory.

There have been testimonies in these days, too, of people receiving their sight–
I praise God to hear of it and for His heart to heal those who face any health fight.

There’s darkness of an even greater kind, that seeks to keep people from following Christ’s way; In such cases, they need someone who’s spiritually-sighted, to lead them to the Light of day.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”  John 8:12

“While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.”  John 9:5

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.” Matthew 5:14-15

“In whose case, the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”  2 Corinthians 4:4

“Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:38

“But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day.” Proverbs 4:18

For miracle testimonies of today, just to name a few ministries, refer to:
http://www.cbn.com
http://www.awmi.net
http://www.oralroberts.com