Monthly Archives: June 2024

Forgiven and Forgotten…Merciful to our unrighteousness

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“As far as the east is from the west”

is how far God removes our sins.  We, also, will find rest…

in following the example of Jesus, God’s Son,

who forgave from the cross, knowing God loved everyone.

“Father forgive them, for they know not what they do”

was Jesus’ heartfelt prayer, despite what He was going through.

He came to seek and to save those who were lost…

and was willing to go to the cross to pay sin’s high cost.

“Their sins and lawless deeds, I’ll remember no more…”

are words of our God that we simply can’t ignore.

If the Almighty can forgive sins and then even forget,

then we should not be focusing on another person’s debt.

If we break one of God’s laws, we’ve broken them all;

this is stated in His Word, we have to realize and recall.

To judge a fellow, repentant believer is not for us to do,

but we’re to greet them, with love, as the Lord wants us to.

P. A. Oltrogge

“For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him: As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.  As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him.” Psalm 103:11-13

“And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left.  Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.’ And they divided His garments and cast lots.” Luke 23:33-34

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”  Matthew 6:14-15

“Judge not, that you be not judged.  For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.  And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?  Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?  Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:1-5

and see Matthew 18:21-35

“So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, ‘He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.'”  John 8:7

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.  And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”  Ephesians 4:31-32

“For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.  None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them.  For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”  Hebrews 8:10-12

“For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.  For He who said, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ also said, ‘Do not murder.’ Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.  So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty.  For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”  James 2:10-26

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!‘” John 1:29

Artwork: Pixabay

Put Any Wrongs Into the Lord’s Hands

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If someone in your life has wronged you or has been hurtful to you or cruel, recognize the way to keep that from becoming a further demonic tool.

Forsake any feelings of anger, hate, or bitterness if you want the Lord’s peace. Forgive who has wronged you and release them to Him, so your well-being won’t cease.

Give any pain to God. He heals the broken-hearted and has said He will draw near…when you draw near to Him, giving Him your cares on the matter, or any fear.

That other person, or persons, need the grace of God as much as anyone. Pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to convict them of all that was said by God’s Son.

Then, picture yourself walking on the shore of an ocean of love with the Lord. Let the sound of the gentle waves of His grace and peace heal you today, and be fully restored. 

P. A. Oltrogge

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15 NKJV

“We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 15:11 NLT

“I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.” Romans 1:7 NLT

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.  And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”  Ephesians 4:31-32 NKJV

Walk in Divine Health and Life (Live at Lakewood Church) by Joseph Prince

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As I post this, it is presently available on line to view the message by Joseph Prince on walking in divine health and life through partaking of the holy communion.

“For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ 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.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.” 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

In the message, Joseph Prince explains scripture, such as:

“Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.” 1 Corinthians 11:27-30

I hope/pray you’ll find time to listen to Joseph’s complete encouraging message. I’ll only briefly share a few of his points. He notes that “examining” ourselves means that we’re to examine whether we understand/discern that Jesus’ body was broken for our healing, in addition to His blood being shed for the forgiveness of all our sins. It means judging ourselves in the light of Jesus’ finished work, which brought/brings us into all of the wonderful blessings Jesus purchased for us.

During the message, some powerful testimonies are shared.

And Joseph speaks of how God uses what may seem weak or simple to confound the wise. He refers, at one point, to the story of the Gentile woman who sought the Lord’s help for her afflicted daughter–how God can use even a crumb, (something as simple as taking communion), to accomplish His will, which is your healing. It is a supernatural way…

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“Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.’

“But He answered her not a word.

“And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she cries out after us.’

“But He answered and said, ‘I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’

“Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Lord, help me!’

“But He answered and said, ‘It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.’

“And she said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.’

“Then Jesus answered and said to her, ‘O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.’  And her daughter was healed from that very hour.” Matthew 15:21-28

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“But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—that, as it is written, ‘He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.'” 1 Corinthians 1:27-31

…to confound the wise…(KJV)

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Joseph’s book, Eating Your Way to Wholeness, is available at: http://www.josephprince.org

Also offered are:

Understand the Times CD sermon (audio & video-stream included)

The Benjamin Generation book

posted by: P. A. Oltrogge

It’s a Hard Subject

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…First, the wonderful subject is that:

“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. He who believes in Him is not condemned;

…regarding the hard subject:

“but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” John 3:16-21

It’s a hard subject; but the truth is, it’s real.
There is a thief who is out to kill, destroy, and steal–
a being who is fallen because of his pride–
a being who’s purposed to conceal and to hide
the true God in Jesus, the Lord over all–
that’s what Satan does because of his fall.

His ways are deceptive, and he wants you to think
there isn’t heaven or hell beyond this life’s brink.
He’s supportive of “gods” of other names–
or “No God at all” is another one of his claims.
Devotion to a religion or philosophy, he’s approved–
especially those endorsing that Jesus’ Lordship be removed.

He draws those he can to reject Christ’s light,
causing them darkness over any spiritual sight.
But you’re called to leave wrong things you’ve been taught
when you realize that, by Christ, your soul has been bought.
It’s simply a gift—but you must take and receive it.
Don’t listen to the naysayer, but simply believe it.

Of all time, the Bible is the best selling book–
if you think it’s inaccurate, then take a deeper look.
Please consider studies by Christians who aren’t slacking
in showing us the evidence that gives it absolute backing.
And to be the all-time best seller of books you can buy,
it must have the backing of Someone very high.

Be sober, be vigilant, the Bible warning is strong–
Jesus is The Way—any other way is wrong.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.’” John 14:6 NASB

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary, the devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith….” 1 Peter 5:8-9

“I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy: I came that they might have life and might have it abundantly.” Words of Jesus in John 10: 9-10 NASB

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12

“Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.'” John 3:5-8

We absolutely know that there is a deceiver, the devil, in this world. By simply turning on the news, we hear of lives and properties harmed or destroyed by his influence over people.  God, who is love, wants everyone who will, to receive the free gift of salvation, the forgiveness of sins, through His Son, Jesus Christ, and to experience His help, guidance, and peace. At http://www.levitt.com or http://www.levitt.tv is much information pertaining to the importance of Bible prophecy.

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Words of Jesus in John 14:27

Books:

The Holy Bible at http://www.christianbook.com (Click on “Bibles”)

The End: A Complete Overview of Bible Prophecy and the End of Days, by Mark Hitchcock, available at bookstores and being offered at http://www.levitt.com or http://www.levitt.tv

The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel; Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell; They Thought for Themselves: Ten Amazing Jews by Sid Roth; and various books at http://www.rhema.org; http://www.kcm.org; http://www.awmi.net and other sites previously mentioned on this blog.

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

A Word About NOW Faith

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“Nothing shall by any means hurt me!”  I have the victory now…

To the Word of God, to the Name of Jesus, to His blood, to my God-given authority, and to many previous testimonies, the devil must bow.

Jesus always leads me in triumph throughout any demonic test…

Therefore, it is unto me, according to His Word–I will receive God’s best! 

P. A. Oltrogge

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the Lord delivers him out of them all.” Psalm 34:19

“NOW faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”  Hebrews 11:1

“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

“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.” John 1:1-3

“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

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

“Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” Colossians 2:15

“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

“Then Mary said, ‘Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.”  Luke 1:38

“Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”  Matthew 6:10

“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

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Believe Again – Come out of Mere Survival

by Andrew Towe, shared from: http://www.elijahlist.com

I heard the Spirit of the Lord say, “Discern the time, like the sons of Issachar, for a significant shift began in the month of May. This shift shall continue throughout the summer months and extend into the fall. Behold, a NOW SEASON has come to you, and you must listen for My voice.

“In this season, I shall give you precise instructions on how to pivot and align yourself with the plans I have ordained for your life. Old labels and past disappointments shall be cast off and replaced with a fresh vision and renewed expectation. Do not allow your sight to be clouded by the hope that was lost, for I declare unto you: believe again!

“Get your hopes up again, and watch as I come through for you. Do not fear breakdown, for this is your time of breakthrough. Stay rooted in prayer, and then step forth in action. Let no one stifle your progress, for I am with you, and I am moving on your behalf. Silence the demonic chatter that seeks to stifle your faith and trust in My hand.

“I have heard your cry, and I am responding. Cast off everything that hinders you in this season. Believe again! Expect again! Release the weight of past disappointments and missed opportunities. Allow Me to heal the wounds of battle and restore your joy. For you, warrior, have entered your NOW SEASON. Arise, come forth, for I am calling you!”

While running on the treadmill, I was praying in the Spirit and heard the Lord say, “Andrew, repent.” I did not understand. “What do You mean, Lord? I don’t know of any active sin that is in my life.” He said, “You have settled for where you have been and stayed content with mere survival. Your expectation of who I am and what I will do has been depleted. You have limited Me by seeing through the clouded lens of past seasons.” When I say that I jumped off the treadmill, I am not exaggerating. Right there, in the public gym, I knelt on my knees and repented. Some of you reading this have had your hopes dashed and your expectations limited, but God says to you, “Recognize that you have crossed into a NOW SEASON!” God has ordained this.

You Have Crossed into a Now Season

What is a NOW SEASON? It is somewhat different than a new season. Although it is new, the now is where faith becomes activated, and promises come to life. The NOW SEASON is when prophecies come into manifestation and suddenlies are released.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1, KJV)

The Bible tells of a blind man who recognized it was his NOW SEASON. His faith became activated, and he refused to be denied.

“And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.” (Mark 10:47–48, KJV)

Notice it says, “when he heard.” The word “when” signified the announcement of his NOW SEASON, and “he heard,” remember, faith comes by hearing (Rom. 10:17). Since we have entered this NOW SEASON, it is not the time to sit around and continue in the mundane. No! This arrival should activate us to pray even more earnestly.

What Are You Letting Speak through Your Mouth?

Blind Bartimaeus was begging for money “when he heard” that Jesus was coming. He intuitively knew this was his divine appointment and began to cry out in faith. Your faith has a voice and will speak. Doubt also has a voice. I would ask you, What are you letting speak through your mouth?

The people tried to quiet Bartimaeus; perhaps they looked down upon this beggar, but they did not know what he knew. It was his NOW SEASON. He refused to quit crying out, “Son of David, have mercy upon me.” By calling Jesus the Son of David, Bartimaeus was declaring Jesus as the Messiah, for it was prophesied that the Messiah would come from the line of David.

“And Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; He calleth thee. And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.” (Mark 10:49–50)

The very ones who tried to quiet Bartimaeus were forced to acknowledge that Jesus favored him, for He had called for Bartimaeus to come to Him. It was Bartimaeus’ NOW SEASON. Get ready for those who judged you to change their attitude about you! Take note that “they” called the blind man, speaking words of comfort to him.

“What Would You Have Me Do for You?”

“And he, casting away his garment, rose.” Don’t miss this! Bartimaeus took hold of his beggar mantle and cast it away from him. The beggar mantle represented his old season. You cannot walk into the NOW carrying the baggage of the past. Before you can rise to another level, you must first cast away the hindrances that would restrict your NOW.

“‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Jesus asked. ‘My Rabbi,’ the blind man said, ‘I want to see!'” (Mark 10:51, NLT).

Why would Jesus ask him a question with such a seemingly obvious answer? He was challenging Bartimaeus to stretch his faith to believe for more than just temporary provision. His story would have been much different if he had asked for what he had always asked for, which was money.

“And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus in the way.” (Mark 10:52, KJV).

Not only did Bartimaeus receive his sight, but he was made whole. The Lord is asking you, “What would you have Me do for you?” It’s time to embrace your NOW SEASON!

A floral post for you…

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…I often send flower photos to family/friends…perhaps those who follow the Porch of the Lord blog may enjoy some as well. Today’s photo features some from the hydrangea bushes blooming currently… Among so many things made, flowers, certainly, are an expression from God.

Blessings upon you…

P. A. Oltrogge

“Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” Words of Jesus in Luke 12:27

“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…

“And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.” from John 1:14-18 NKJV

Peace, Our Protection

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by Kim Potter, http://www.anewthingministries.com

God hasn’t taken His hand of blessing off this nation or its people, but it can sure feel like it some days. 

When we turn on the TV, or social media, we are confronted with yet another crisis going on in our nation. Thanks to today’s technology, we have hourly exposure to crime, ungodly laws being put in place, rioting and war. In this constant barrage of negative news, it is challenging to remain in peace. Challenging, but not impossible. 

While thinking on this, I remembered a statement I heard recently. It was, “if you protect your peace, your peace will protect you.” I pondered this statement for a few days. While I knew in my heart it was true, I went in search of a scripture to confirm it. I did not have to look very far. 

Philippians 4:7 says, And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

I found some interesting things as I studied the word keep.

In the Strong’s Concordance, this word means; to be a watcher in advance, to mount guard as a sentinel (post spies at gates); to hem in, protect, keep (with a garrison). 

It further means; to guard, protect by a military guard, either to prevent hostile invasion, or to keep the inhabitants of a besieged city from flight. 

I have known peace is an aggressive weapon for years, today I discovered it is also a guard and a protector. However, before that peace can be your guard and protector, it must first be cultivated in your life…into your heart and mind. 

Peace is not something I sense on most people, even Christians. I believe this would be different if we realized the true power of peace, His peace. Jesus said in John 14:27, Peace, I leave with you, MY peace, I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

Do you see what He is saying? He gave us HIS peace. The same peace that carried and protected Him through crowds who wished to stone Him. The same peace that carried Him through the Cross. The same peace that carried Him, that garrisoned about Him, through Hell. The same peace that led Him out to rise again. That peace is the peace He has given you and me. A peace that rules and reigns, if we will allow it to. A peace that protects and guards. 

So, how do we cultivate this peace in our life? The answer is found in Isaiah 26:3. 

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You because he trusts in you. 

We can’t keep our mind on the problem, or on the news and walk in peace. We must keep our mind on God, His Word and His promises. Then and only then will we walk in peace. 

Once we have peace, we must protect it. We can’t allow things or people to come in and steal our peace. And trust me, the enemy will do everything in his power to steal your peace. However, he can’t touch it if you don’t allow him to. Jesus gave it to you, it is yours. Yours to keep or yours to let slip away. 

As you cultivate and protect peace in your life – that same peace will protect you.

While we may not be able to change the facts that invade our daily lives, we can change our reaction to it. We can change how it affects us and our family. We can also change the atmosphere that surrounds us. We do that by cultivating and protecting the peace Jesus gave us. 

Just as scripture says, peace will watch out for you and warn you in advance. It will garrison about you and protect you. It will help you to stand your ground when things try to invade your atmosphere. 

How do we walk this out in our daily lives? We can when we choose to keep our minds firmly upon God and His Word. When we don’t lend our ears or our eyes to the negativity of the media. Instead, we choose to think on God and think on His Word. As we do that, we will stay firmly planted in His plan and in His peace. Today, it is my prayer that you walk into His peace. That you will protect that peace once you are walking in it. And that His peace will therefore protect you – all the days of your life. 

What Powers Your “Faith Train”?

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photo/John Seb Barber

Come into the Lord’s presence with thanksgiving in your heart and enter His courts with praise. Trust in Him at all times to direct your paths, as you acknowledge Him in all of your ways.

Don’t allow praise and thanks to be your faith train’s “caboose,” because the “engine” of your faith is praise! Waiting to thank Him until you “see” (the answer to your prayer) will only bring about delays.

“At all times,” your Father in heaven desires to have fellowship with you. You were created to bring Him that pleasure. He’s the trustworthy Engineer and Conductor of your life. Friendship with Him is your greatest treasure.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving. And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” Psalm 100:4 

“I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1 

“Trust in Him at all times, you people. Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah” Psalm 62:8 

“For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.” Psalm 96:4

“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. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7 

“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

“Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts.” Psalm 145:3-4

“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

This poem was written after hearing a message on the effects of praise at: http://www.awmi.net

See archived post for link to photographer…

And, as we consider the many prayer needs out there in our world, may we do what we can to help in various situations, but increase and accentuate our praise to God for His help and intervention…

From Out of the Miry Clay

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“He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay; and He set my feet upon a rock, making my footsteps firm.” Psalm 40:2

…the following is a little contemplation on what I envision the Lord might say to someone who just placed their faith in Him…

To My mind, your life without Me was like being in miry clay; but I kept My hope that you’d respond to My love one day.

Where you had been didn’t matter so much, for I knew that you were in need of My touch.

Ever so gently I drew you away–I knew this would happen if you would just pray.

By the power of My Spirit you opened your heart, and now, through My grace, you have gotten a new start.

That person you were has actually died; a new life’s begun due to “Christ crucified.”

So rejoice in My love as I do in yours. Share it with others despite troubles or wars,

for I have room for so many through heaven’s open doors. And from out of heaven’s windows, My love surely pours–

down to the miry clay–or wherever it may…find people and lead them out to My way.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.’” John 14:6

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

“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

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Galatians 2:20

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”  2 Corinthians 5:17

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” Habakkuk 2:14

“He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge. His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.” Psalm 91:4

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” Matthew 23:37

Be willing to come to Christ and be blessed….

“‘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.
If you are willing and obedient,
You shall eat the good of the land….’” Isaiah 1:18-19

“And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come. Again, he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding.” But they made light of it and went their ways….’” Matthew 22:1-5

“…choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” from Joshua 24:15 AMP

“Salvation belongs to the Lord.
Your blessing is upon Your people. Selah” Psalm 3:8

Scriptures NKJV, or as noted

Blindness “Wall” Falls at Jericho

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While Jesus, His disciples, and a great multitude were going out of Jericho, a beggar was there sitting by the side of the road.

He was Bartimaeus; and though blind, his hearing was fine to have heard of how Jesus’ healing ministry had flowed.

So, when, that day, Bartimaeus heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, Himself, who was passing by…

“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” became his earnest and heartfelt cry.

Many, among the crowd, told him to be quiet, as if, for him, there could be nothing in store.

But his plea of “Son of David, have mercy on me!” he kept shouting out all the more.

So Jesus heard Bartimaeus, then stood still, and commanded that he be called.

The persistence and “prayer” of Bartimaeus had caused the pace of Jesus’ journey temporarily to be stalled.

Bartimaeus was now beckoned, instead, with words of encouragement, “Rise, be of good cheer; He is calling you.”

Throwing aside his garment, he got up and came to Jesus, who asked, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Victory was breaking through…

At that point, Bartimaeus said, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight!”

“Go your way, your faith has made you well,” Jesus said; and immediately his world turned from darkness to light.

Walls had fallen down at Jericho through faith in God in an earlier, historical Biblical story.

And a “wall” of blindness fell at Jericho for Bartimaeus, when by faith in God’s mercy, he saw the Lord’s glory.

The account closes with Bartimaeus following Jesus down that outer Jericho road…

He had been confident of mercy and grace through Jesus Christ—from whom God’s marvelous light had flowed….

and still does today!

P. A. Oltrogge

(Based on the account from Mark 10…and referenced is the story of Joshua and the walls of Jericho in Joshua 6)

“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days.” Hebrews 11:30 NKJV

“But you are a chosen generation, 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.” 1 Peter 2:9 NKJV

“My son, give attention to my words;
Incline your ear to my sayings.
Do not let them depart from your eyes;
Keep them in the midst of your heart;
For they are life to those who find them,
And health to all their flesh.”

Proverbs 4:20-22