Monthly Archives: December 2023

The Jewish Observance of Chanukah

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Chanukah begins today, and is called the Festival of Lights. There are many in this world who must realize that the Jewish people have rights.

They have rights to life, liberty, happiness, and freedom from the fear of attacks. They have rights to the God-given land called Israel, which the Lord Himself backs.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
‘May they prosper who love you.
‘May peace be within your walls,
And prosperity within your palaces.’
For the sake of my brothers and my friends,
I will now say, ‘May peace be within you.’
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God
I will seek your good.” from Psalm 122

“Blessed be the Lord from Zion,
Who dwells in Jerusalem.
Praise the Lord!” Psalm 135:21

“Now the Lord had said to Abram:

“Get out of your country,
From your family
And from your father’s house,
To a land that I will show you.
I will make you a great nation;
I will bless you
And make your name great;
And you shall be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you;
And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:1-3

“Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, ‘To your descendants I will give this land.’ And there he built an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him.” Genesis 12:7

“And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in[ which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.” Genesis 17:7-8 (after God had just changed Abram’s name to Abraham)

To read more about details of Chanukah, one can visit http://www.jewishvoice.org

Below, is a prayer offered by them:

Lord, even during this wonderful Festival of Lights of Chanukah, we know we live in such dark days. May we continually remember that the darkness will NOT overcome the light. May we be faithful to pray the Light of the World, Jesus, into every dark corner of the globe. And Lord, would You shine the Light of the Gospel into the hearts of people everywhere, including and especially Your Jewish people. May those throughout the world who are walking in darkness truly see and receive the great Light of the world, Yeshua, this Chanukah season. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

…and a portion of a message from their website:

A Messianic Jewish Perspective on Chanukah:

Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) observed Chanukah; in John 10:22, we see Him attending the Feast of Dedication. As we consider the Shamash candle, we remember that Scripture presents Messiah as the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53) and the One who came to serve us by giving His life to ransom us from sin (Matthew 20:28). He is also the Light of the World, enabling those who walk in Him to no longer walk in spiritual darkness but in His light (John 8:12).

The iconic Chanukah candelabra spurs us to not only worship the Lord for the Chanukah miracles of Victory and light which He accomplished for Israel so long ago but also to praise Him for the miracles of new and eternal life He has given us through Messiah. May we earnestly rededicate our lives to Him in this beautiful season.

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“Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and to great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come—that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.” Acts 26:22-23

“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

Pick Up Your Sword

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But thou, O man of God….fight the good fight of faith.

from 1 Timothy 6:11-12

…the following illustrative, unique message is by Kenneth Copeland. And in today’s Give Him 15 message by Dutch Sheets, he says this, which echoes the message by Kenneth. “There is no more powerful prayer, or weapon against satan, than speaking God’s Word.”

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When you’re up against the wall, don’t start begging God to break through it for you. That’s not the way He works. He’ll give you the plan. He’ll give you the power. And He’ll guarantee the victory. But your hand, not His own, is the instrument He’s going to use to get the job done. You’re going to have to stretch forth your hand by speaking and acting on the Word, even when circumstances are against you.

God gave me a striking revelation of that over 20 years ago through a vision He gave me in Beaumont, Texas. I was preparing to minister in a service there, spending some time in prayer, when suddenly I saw myself standing in the pulpit of the church. Looking up, I saw a dragon—a horrible, ugly thing—poke his head through the front door of the church.

As he came into the church, his body expanded like a balloon, filling the whole room. He was snorting fire and smoke. When, in the vision, he turned it on me, he almost burned my clothes!

As I fell back onto the floor, I saw Jesus standing nearby with a sword in His hand. Why doesn’t He do something about this? I thought. Can’t He see I’m hurting?

But He didn’t move. He just stood by with a frown on His face. I could tell He was really put out with me. The Bible says God was not pleased with those who were overthrown in the wilderness (1 Corinthians 10:5). And He wasn’t pleased with me either as I lay there on my back in defeat.

Then Jesus held out the sword to me and pointed at the dragon. The look on His face said, Get up!

I reached up to catch hold of the sword, and an instant before I touched it, Jesus turned it loose.

The sword stayed in midair of its own accord. I grabbed it and began to pull myself up. Not only did it hold firm, but it began to lift me!

I stood and touched the dragon’s chin with my sword and it split him from one end to the other. It laid him open right before my eyes. In amazement, I looked down at the sword. Why haven’t I used this before? I thought.

Don’t wait for God to slay the dragon in your life. You have the sword of the Spirit, the all-powerful Word of the living God, at your fingertips. Pick it up and use it today!

Reprinted with permission from Kenneth Copeland Ministries

“Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

“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; praying always with all supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints….”

Ephesians 6:10-18

“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

“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

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

(Kenneth has often reminded, if we encounter it: “Stop the fear!”)

“But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:11-12

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17

“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” Psalm 9:9 NIV

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:57 

“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

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…and another statement from Dutch’s message today: Hold on to what God says; keep saying it, and this will keep you on course. . . WHILE IT RELEASES HIS POWER!

…a note from P. A. Oltrogge: For many examples of victory over various situations, visit previously mentioned ministries from the Porch of the Lord, such as Kenneth Copeland’s and that of Dutch Sheets. This week Andrew Wommack is featuring “Healing is Here.” This will encourage and boost faith for health and healing if that is an area you might want or need to focus on. Click on “This week’s TV” at http://www.awmi.net

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”  3 John 1:2

Jesus’ precious drops of blood–shed for you

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We read of Jesus, before His trial and crucifixion, being with His disciples in the garden of Gethsemane:

Luke 22:41-44

“And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, ‘Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.’ Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”

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We see Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane…praying, as He was facing His destined, brutal coming adversity.

His agony was so great about what was soon ahead, that His sweat became like great drops of blood that were being shed.

But God had an angel appear to Him in the midst of His distress…to strengthen Him for the task whereby the whole world would be blessed.

Perhaps you are in a situation that is causing you to fear… Know that the Lord sends you an angel, though you may not see him appear.

Lord, thank you for angelic help and for bolstering us with your Word…and giving us a sense of YOUR presence and love, of which we can always be assured.

P. A. Oltrogge

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

“Are they (the angels) not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” Hebrews 1:14

“For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11 (and all of the Psalm)

“Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:1-2

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Matthew 1:23 KJV

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you…For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior….” Isaiah 43:2, 3 NKJV

“Only be thou strong and very courageous….” Joshua 1:7 KJV

“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16

“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

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always,  even to the end of the age.” Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20

“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” Ephesians 5:1-2

“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” John 15:9-10

(Scriptures: NKJV or as noted)

…praying for the followers and friends of this blog…

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Persevering Prayer

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You may want to be sure to take in the message by Dutch Sheets today on persevering prayer at http://www.givehim15.com

And, as always, yesterday’s service at Eagle Mountain International Church was a blessing. If you’re not able to view it in its entirety, you could scroll in to about 11:00 for a beautiful rendition of “Oh Come All Ye Faithful.” At about 31:50 is a segment sharing what EMIC and Kenneth Copeland Ministries are doing to help their contacts in Israel. The message by Pastor George Pearsons on “The Foretold King” that follows told of Simeon and Anna, who were looking for the birth of the Messiah, just as we, today, are in expectation of His return…

These things can be found under “Latest Service,” Dec. 3, at http://www.emic.org

…from Luke 2, when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to present Him to the Lord:

“Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout [carefully observing the divine Law], and looking for the Consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed).” Luke 2:25-26 AMP

“There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old, and had lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She did not leave the [area of the] temple, but was serving and worshiping night and day with fastings and prayers. She, too, came up at that very moment and began praising and giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all who were looking for the redemption and deliverance of Jerusalem.” Luke 2:36-38 AMP

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For prayer support, visit www.govictory.com (morning prayer M-F, 9:30 a.m. ET (8:30 a.m. CT), for viewing the program). To call, the number is 877-281-6297, where you can pray with and for others for their needs or submit a prayer request of your own. That number can also be reached throughout the day until 11:00 p.m. ET, (10:00 p.m. CT).

Advent of a Rose

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….today marks the beginning of Advent for this year….

Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming
from tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse’s lineage coming
as men of old have sung.
It came, a flower bright,
amid the cold of winter
when half spent was the night.

Isaiah ‘twas foretold it,
this Rose I have in mind.
With Mary we behold it,
the virgin mother kind.
To show God’s love aright,
she bore to men a Savior
when half spent was the night.

This Flower, whose fragrance tender
with sweetness fills the air,
dispels with glorious splendor
the darkness everywhere.
True man, yet very God,
from sin and death He saves us
and lightens every load.

This hymn originally appeared in 1599,
Translated from German by Theodore Baker 1894

“There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.” Isaiah 11:1

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14 

“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

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 2:15

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30

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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.

He was born to die for us, which He accomplished, and rose again….

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” John 1:1-5

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.’ John 1:14

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?'” John 11:25-26

“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” Ephesians 5:1-2

“I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forever more. Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” Revelation 1:18 KJV

Scriptures NKJV or as noted

It’s Snowing!

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“Have you entered the treasury of snow…?” Job 38:22

“He gives snow like wool…” Psalm 147:16

Like a fine diamond falling down from the sky…

is each unique snowflake that passes by.

God’s the divine artist behind their design…

Of His creativity, they’re a sure sign.

Children especially love it when He sends them down…

Usually they come softly, without a sound.

But then we hear the children out at play,

rejoicing and shouting that “It’s snowing today!”

It’s a picture of sparkling beauty in the moonlight’s glow…

when the ground has been covered with a blanket of snow.

Snowflakes have been captured with a camera lens…

the little fine diamonds that our Creator sends.

P. A. Oltrogge

Snowflake glowing on dark textured background. Macro photo of real snow crystal: big stellar dendrite with glossy, flat surface, thin, complex arms and tiny bubbles of frozen rime across the crystal.

“In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. He was [continually existing] in the beginning [co-eternally] with God. All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has come into being. In Him was life [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the Light of men.” John 1:1-4 AMP

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17 NKJV

“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18 NKJV

“Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is greater than their names.” Hebrews 1:1-4 NLT

...the poem, above, was written to showcase the beauty in a snowflake’s design, pointing to the Lord, and the joys many of us recall of the enjoyment of snow as children, or even for those who ski or simply love its beauty…

(photo attribution, top, unknown, but appreciated…Bottom photo by Alexey Kljatov-Pixels
Real Snowflake 2018-12-26)

Anticipation/Celebration of the Birth of Jesus, Our Savior

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“For with God nothing will be impossible.”  Luke 1:37 (said to Mary, by the angel Gabriel) 

Those who revered God anticipated a Savior, as foretold by the prophets of old. Today, we anticipate celebrating Jesus’ birth in these days of the winter’s cold.

And we anticipate the return of the Lord, as He Himself prophesied. Until that day, we’re to be about God’s business, with His Holy Spirit as our guide.

It’s a time to consider the needs of others–those for whom Christ came. Because of His birth in Bethlehem, the world has never been the same.

It’s a time to reflect on God’s goodness–all He has done and will do. So we praise Him in the midst of the darkness, for His love keeps shining through.

P. A. Oltrogge

“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

“Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’” Mark 9:23

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him, who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” 1 Peter 2: 9-10 

“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”  Romans 5:1-5 NLT

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.” Philippians 2:14-16

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17 

“In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:9-11

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

Regarding the winter’s cold, we’re reminded to pray for and help those ministries (previously mentioned on the blog or others of which you’re aware) that are reaching out to those who need assistance to make it through winter in the midst of war or other adversity, as we’re able.  

“The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 

For the book, The Return, by Richard Roberts, on signs of the end times and what to expect, refer to the bookstore at: http://www.richardroberts.org

Today’s message on relating to God, our good Father, in prayer is helpful guidance at http://www.givehim15.com

Photo/Porch of the Lord