with thanks to God, that He’s making things right.
For God, there is nothing that is too hard.
Rely on that truth in any regard.
Pray and obey, as the Lord leads;
meditate on His Word, from which wisdom proceeds.
It may take some time to see right come about…
Just remember He’s faithful and reject any doubt.
There are times in our lives that seem dark and bad,
but keep trusting God, our Father. He’s the very best Dad!
P. A. Oltrogge
But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. Galatians 4:4-7 NLT
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…” Matthew 6:9-10 KJV
“The Lord’s loving kindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is Thy faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 NASB
Dutch Sheets decrees this verse today in his message about a time of prayer and repentance, which will occur tomorrow, on behalf of the United States. As Christians, we can see the error of “leadership” in many areas in our beloved nation and want to join in with those who are requesting God’s mercy and His enlightening to the many who need to turn to His Word and way.
“But Jesus told him, ‘Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God,’” (Luke 9:62 NLT) and Jesus said “The fields are already white for harvest” (John 4:35) and 1 Corinthians 9:10speaks of plowing in hope….
When things transpire in ways that we can’t fully understand, we need to keep faith in the goodness of God and the things which He has planned.
Sometimes we become focused on bad news or a loss, instead of meditating on Jesus’ victory over satan through the cross.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. Fully trust in Jesus, and don’t be unnerved by the devil’s grandstanding.
He wants you to contemplate disasters that he has brought about–thereby building up unbelief and causing you to doubt.
And to fuel your fears, he’ll get you to dwell on those things that seem fearful. He doesn’t want you to “count it all joy” or, with the joy of the Lord, to be cheerful.
Joseph of the Old Testament was stalwart in keeping faith in God, whose hand was kept upon him throughout the difficult pathways he trod.
God sent an angel to the apostle Paul, who was on a ship that was in a fierce storm, to reassure him and the others on board when troubles continued to form.
Jesus kept faith in His Father while carrying out what He’d asked Him to do. For the joy ahead that He “saw,” He trusted God’s guidance to help Him through.
Just as a farmer, despite a rain shower, may continue to work in the field, let’s plow on through, with faith in God, knowing the profit which that will yield.
And if circumstantial “rains” get too rough, we’ll find shelter in Jesus’ name. It’s the high tower for the safety of those for whom He came….
all those who believe in and have put their faith firmly and forever in Him! As we follow the Light of the World, our own lights in this world will not grow dim.
P. A. Oltrogge
“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 NKJV
“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. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 14:10-12 NKJV
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4 NKJV
“…Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 (Sometimes we may weep with those who weep (Romans 12:14-16); but, always, our Abba, Father, sustains us.)
“Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’” Galatians 4:6 NIV
“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’” Romans 8:15 NKJV
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 NKJV
“But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’” Matthew 14:27 NKJV
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV
“When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature. For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.
“You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.” Colossians 2:11-15 NLT
“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
“For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy.” Psalm 61:3 NKJV
A Psalm of David: 1 Praise the Lord, who is my rock. He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle. 2 He is my loving ally and my fortress, my tower of safety, my rescuer. He is my shield, and I take refuge in him. He makes the nations submit to me.” Psalm 144:1-2 NLT
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10 NKJV
“While He (Jesus) was still speaking, they came from the house of the synagogue official (Jairus), saying, ‘Your daughter has died, why trouble the Teacher anymore?’ But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, ‘Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.’” (from Mark 5:35-36 NASB)
“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” Genesis 50:20 NKJV (spoken by Joseph, to his brothers)
“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 (and believers are lights to the world, as stated in Matthew 5:14-16)
Former United States Ambassador to Israel, David M. Friedman, who served under President Trump, was featured as the guest speaker today at Eagle Mountain International Church in Ft. Worth, TX. The entire service is always good to watch; but if you are not able to do so, he gives his message following an introduction by Pastors Terri and George Pearsons, in which they also refer to Saturday’s observance of Holocaust Remembrance Day. Their introduction begins at about 43, if you scroll in. Just before that, (around 39), a beautiful song on Jerusalem was sung by their daughter, Aubrey Mitchell.
You can find this, titled, “Do Not Negotiate God’s Covenants,” under “Latest Service” at http://www.emic.org
Recently I went out for lunch at a restaurant with one who’s a special friend. We talked about menu items that looked good and what we wanted to spend.
There was also offered a large brunch buffet, of which one could partake. But we opted for menu entrees, unaware of the time that those would take.
For some reason, our chosen meals from the menu took well over half an hour. We were seated right by the grand buffet and soon began losing willpower.
Here was all of this delicious food; each person came by with a full plate. Yet despite its nearness, we couldn’t partake, but simply were left to wait.
I thought about that, in a spiritual sense, especially in countries very blessed. Christian churches abound, yet are passed up–by people who choose Sundays to just rest.
God is offering His buffet of goodness and blessings, and the Bible teaches us to hear His voice. But some are waiting and hungering still–due to simply making the wrong choice.
“Oh taste and see that the Lord is good…” These words from the Bible are for you! God wants you to join others in receiving “the Blessing” through Jesus, who is His Son, so Faithful and True.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him.” Psalm 34:8-9
“And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more, as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25
“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.” Revelation 19:11
A local Christian church, where you can worship with other believers, is God’s pathway to many blessings; however, here are some online church services if you are new to following Jesus or if you simply want to receive more from Him:
The delicate beauty of this Queen Anne’s Lace was designed by the Lord, who gives amazing grace… Those who make Jesus their Lord, gain the gift of salvation; and angels are assigned to minister to them in every nation.
When Joseph, betrothed to the virgin Mary, learned that she was pregnant, a situation troubling for him to understand,
an angel in a dream revealed to him that the child had been conceived by the Holy Spirit, for the Savior’s birth, which God had planned.
At Jesus’ birth, in Bethlehem, then, the skies were filled with rejoicing angels of great number,
appearing to shepherds, keeping watch over their flock, amid people’s nighttime slumber.
Again, in a dream, an angel spoke to Joseph, to flee to Egypt to escape Herod’s attack,
until he would tell him, at a later time, when and where it would be safe for them to come back.
As an adult, and after His baptism by John, Jesus experienced a time of temptation.
He fasted in the wilderness and withstood the devil’s taunts. Then angels ministered to Him after its duration.
Much later, at prayer in Gethsemane’s garden, Jesus began to feel very great distress
about fulfilling His Father’s will at the cross. So His Father sent an angel there to bless,
strengthen, and comfort Him…as the time for His trial and crucifixion had begun to loom.
Perhaps the angel reminded Jesus that He would be raised up—in victory over the tomb.
Scripture states that Jesus endured the cross because, ahead, He could see the joy—
He would be loved as our Redeemer…from the devil’s works, which He had come to destroy.
Upon His resurrection, heaven sent angels to greet early mourners at the tomb’s site,
to tell them that Jesus had been raised from the dead, dispelling any sorrow they’d had or fright.
Then, we read in Acts, of when Simon Peter, the Lord’s disciple, had been wrongfully jailed,
that God sent an angel to work a jailbreak, proving that Peter’s brethren’s prayers hadn’t failed.
And the apostle, Paul, was on a ship to Rome, sailing in a turbulent storm at sea—
when an angel appeared to him with a message, that no loss of life would there be.
Angels are noted throughout scripture. They minister to the heirs of salvation.
As believers, we are recipients of their aid, and they serve throughout every nation.
I thank the Lord for their service, for their presence as we walk life’s many trails.
I can think of times past when I sensed their protection. Through faith, prayer, and their help, God’s Kingdom never fails.
P. A. Oltrogge
References: Matthew 1:18-24; Matthew 2; Luke 2:1-20; Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:9-12; Luke 22:41-44; Hebrews 12:2; 1 John 3:8; Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:11-13; Acts 12; Acts 27:23-25; Hebrews 1:13-14
“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 NKJV
“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 NKJV
“Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ, the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.’” Luke 2:10-12 NKJV
“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.” Matthew 18:10-11 NKJV
“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 NKJV
”He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8 NKJV
“Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” Hebrews 1:13-14 NKJV
“For He shall give His angels charge over you , to keep you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11 NKJV
“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts! Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all you stars of light!” Psalm 148:1-3 NKJV
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Please visit today’s message regarding the angels at: www.givehim15.com
Another encouraging devotional message today is at: www.josephprince.org
Jesus told the story of a man left half dead, having fallen among thieves, who stripped and beat him, Jesus said.
There was no one to help the man until a priest came by; but he saw him and continued on, not caring if the man would die.
After that, another, called a Levite, came upon the site, but he, too, hurried on, with no regard to this man’s plight.
Then came a certain Samaritan, who, despite his journey’s goal, forgot his own plans and took steps to see that this man would be made whole.
He bandaged up the man’s wounds, applying oil and wine–“Every life is important,” he must have thought, “What if it were mine?”
He took the man to an inn and cared for him the rest of the day; the next morning he paid the innkeeper to do so, in order to be on his way.
“If more than that is needed,” he said, “I’ll repay you when I come back.” His compassion was deep, and he needed to see that he’d recovered from the attack.
Jesus finished the story and asked who’d been the man’s neighbor of the three. A lawyer answered, “The one who showed mercy to him”–and, likewise, so should we…
not pass up opportunities to help any who need our care; but instead, on a daily basis, of such times, may we be quickly aware.
(postscript to the above…)
Before Jesus told of this story, the same lawyer had put Him to a test–“What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He may have thought that he knew this best.
Jesus pointed him to the Law—to love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind; and then to love your neighbor as yourself—these two, really, are intertwined.
If someone says they love God, whom they’ve not actually seen with their eyes, yet is merciless or hates his brother whom he’s seen, the Bible says that he lies.
Jesus emphasized that loving God was the great and foremost command. But, again, He said, that these two laws always go hand in hand.
By this, Jesus taught of God’s perfect plan– Love God and love your fellow man.
But there’s only been one who has ever fulfilled God’s laws in a perfect way–Jesus Christ, Himself, who has been our example, Teacher, Savior and Lord, from then until this present day.
P. A. Oltrogge
1 John 4:20, 21 “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.”
Matthew 22:37-40 “And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.’”
Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.”
From Luke 10:25-37 From John 13:13-15
opportunities to minister through appropriately named: www.samaritanspurse.org
The following was received yesterday from Franklin Graham, President of Samaritan’s Purse:
Dear Friend:
Today I was in Jerusalem to dedicate 14 new ambulances to the glory of Almighty God and for the use of Magen David Adom, the emergency medical services organization for Israel. Magen David Adom has lost 19 of its personnel since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, and we honored the fallen in a ceremony attended by hundreds, including the mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Lion.
When I heard that Hamas terrorists destroyed 14 of Israel’s ambulances on Oct. 7, I immediately told our Samaritan’s Purse team that we would replace every one that was lost. The mostly volunteer force of Magen David Adom put themselves at great risk to help others. I felt we needed to support them in any way we can.
The father of one brave soldier and Magen David Adom member killed in this war spoke today. He said his daughter, Lior, had a big heart, full of compassion. “Every time an ambulance goes on a mission, it will be like Lior and her friends are still helping and saving lives,” he said. “These ambulances will save many lives and will be a living memory of our fallen loved ones.”
We will also be providing seven additional ambulances, which will have armor plating, to Magen David Adom and setting up new emergency response stations in communities at risk. This supports what Samaritan’s Purse has already been doing in Israel, including providing food, medical trauma kits, and children’s gift boxes. We pray that these vehicles will bring comfort to the people of Israel. Pray also for our teams and partners who continue to provide relief to those in need.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6
The Lord’s great heart of compassion is at work always–at times, behind the scenes.
He answers prayer for salvation, guidance, protection, healing, and provision well beyond our means.
Let’s not limit Him by doubting that He can do more than we could ever ask or think.
Jesus came to establish the new covenant. Now, through Him, we have that blessed link.
“The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works,” the Bible’s stated.
God’s desire is to love, through His Son, to even greater measure, every person He’s created.
“If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, you shall be free indeed,” Jesus said, all because of that compassionate heart.
When you take Jesus as Savior, you can forget the past, knowing God’s given to you a fresh start.
Even if there are times when you don’t recognize that He’s working in your life right then,
He encourages you to always keep the faith. He’ll bring things to pass, though you may not know when.
Jesus told us of God as His heavenly Father. Those in Christ are children of God. Therefore…
as part of His beloved family, we can expect all of the good things that He has in store.
P. A. Oltrogge
And likewise, we want to extend loving compassion to others, through caring prayer and action…
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 NKJV
“…to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:19-21 NKJV
“The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.” Psalm 145:9 NKJV
“In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’” 1 Corinthians 11:25
“…to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.” Hebrews 12:24 NKJV
“If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36 KJV
“But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” Psalm 86:15 KJV
“Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” Psalm 62:8 NASB
“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference.” Jude 21-22 KJV
Psalm 78:38; 111:4; 145:8; Matthew 9:36; 14:14; 15:32; Mark 1:41; 5:19; 6:34; 8:2; Luke 10:33; 15:20; John 3:16; 1 John 3:17
As Eagle Mountain International Church will be having a time of prayer and fasting, beginning on February 5th, they recently had David Barton give a captivating message on the history of America’s national fasts. He is the founder of WallBuilders…
WallBuilders is dedicated to teaching America’s forgotten history and heroes, emphasizing the moral, Christian, and constitutional foundation on which our nation was built.
David’s message was given Sunday, January 21, on “Rodeo Sunday,” and can be found about an hour in at: www.emic.org
For his book, “The American Story,” and further information on WallBuilders, visit: www.WallBuilders.com
The Porch of the Lord 