“Is not My word like a fire?” says the Lord, “And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?” Jeremiah 23:29
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Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” Immediately the fig tree withered away.
And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither away so soon?”
So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done. And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” Matthew 21:18-22
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So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. 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 11:22-24
Sometimes there are more than one mountain…but we persevere in faith… The testimony of a person at my church was that a problem (mountain) resolved for him in continuing to speak to it, in Jesus’ name…
If an illness is a “mountain” presently to you, consider obtaining Andrew Wommack’s book, “God Wants You Well,” in the Store at: http://www.awmi.net
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 a 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
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'” John 14:6
“But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day.” Proverbs 4:18
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Be sure to take in today’s message and be reminded of the upcoming healing summit for notable miracles, which will take place this August 30th. Read of it at: http://www.givehim15.com
There is no registration needed to watch the FREE livestream. It will be available on YouTube, Facebook, and OasisWired.org at 7pm EST on Friday, August 30th.
…Of course, if you have a need, we know the Lord hears and answers prayer at any time, even now…
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 John 1:2
“And without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6
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It’s recorded that the apostle Paul received a vision—of a man putting forth a request, that Paul should come over to Macedonia, so that the people there could be blessed.
So Paul, and those with him, pursued the vision, setting sail on the Aegean Sea–landing at Neapolis, they went to Philippi, a leading city of Macedonia in which to be.
On the Sabbath, they went out to a riverside, where some women were who customarily prayed. Prayer and worship were woven as fabric in Lydia’s life, while selling fabrics of purple was her trade.
She listened to that which Paul spoke to them about Jesus Christ being the Lord—then took heed in her heart that it was through Jesus, that true relationship with God is restored.
Embracing what Paul said, she went from reverencing God to knowing Him in a personal way. God had opened her heart to respond to the good news, just as anyone can do today.
Then she and her entire household were baptized, representing their being washed from sin. With joy, she invited the missionaries to her home to stay, prevailing upon them to come in.
This woman, Lydia, who sold fabric of a royal color, had found peace at the riverside that day. Through the Prince of Peace, her Lord, Jesus Christ, she’d been welcomed into His royal family to stay.
P. A. Oltrogge
“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.” 1 Peter 2:9
A reference to baptism by Peter in Acts 2:38-39: “…Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God shall call to Himself.”
“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace..” Isaiah 9:6
(The poetic account is based on Acts 16:9-15 about Lydia from Thyatira)
Some references to purple’s use in the Bible:
“Moreover you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twisted linen and blue and purple and scarlet material; you shall make them with cherubim, the work of a skillful workman.” Exodus 26:1 (for the Tabernacle)
“And now send me a skilled man to work in gold, silver, brass and iron, and in purple, crimson, and violet fabrics, and who knows how to make engravings, to work with the skilled men whom I have in Judah and Jerusalem, whom David my father provided.” 2 Chronicles 2:7 (for Solomon’s Temple)
An untold number of people haven’t resolved the human heart’s cry…to connect with the living God, knowing where they’ll go whenever they die. And regarding their daily lives, they still have not found out, that Jesus really loves them–and following Him is what life is about.
Though television has much programming pertaining to the Lord, there are so many other programs that people are looking toward. The internet has become an avenue for Christianity and its sharing, but a “gift” politely offered can personally tell of Jesus’ caring.
As Christians, we can consider having an unrealized, significant impact…on the lives of many others by giving an informative Gospel tract. Telling others what Christ means to us can be done with those we know, but a tract can go with strangers on their way to places that we may not be able to go.
We can ask the Lord to lead us to hearts that He’s prepared—then it will be much easier for a Gospel tract to be shared. Sure, sometimes we may be turned down or be met with verbal rejection; but others will be interested in it, taking our offer for later reflection.
There have been stories where, by a tract, a path was definitely paved…for people to find their God. From suicidal or other wrong plans, some have even been saved. And further testimonies reported were that the Gospel became more clear…to those with some knowledge of Jesus, but it was their hearts that still needed to “hear.”
P. A. Oltrogge
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 NIV
We read of Lydia in the book of Acts, chapter 16: “The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.”
…words of Jesus… “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest.” John 4:35 NKJV
…to find various ones to share, scroll down and click on “Shop, Tracts” at: http://www.crossway.org
When I was a child and had an anxious thought, a loving parent’s presence was the first thing I sought.
When they took me into their arms, I found the very best place to snuggle; their loving embrace would relieve me completely of my struggle.
There’s still a child within today that sometimes is unsure; and turning to our heavenly Father is what makes us be secure.
His arms are open wide for us–He says to cast our cares…upon Himself, and that’s because great love is what He shares.
Many are the words of faithfulness and comfort He provides. In His arms of shelter, we find the place where lifelong love abides.
Though I can’t see Him face to face, He says He’ll make my ears…to hear His voice, which will always bear a message to relieve my fears…
“Fear not, for IAM 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
And if I have a day where it seems like I’m just drifting about, perhaps I need to stop and ask the Lord to help me sort things out.
What should I do each moment–each day that would be best? I know if I stop and listen, I’ll hear a nudge towards the path most blessed.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.'” Matthew 11:28-29 NLT
“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered…” Luke 12:7
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it.” Luke 12:31-33 NLT
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me….” John 10:27 NASB
“…For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:5 NLT
“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
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:31-32
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“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
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
“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
“There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.” Hebrews 4:9
“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 4:15-16
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you….” James 4:8
“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
“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11
“I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy, For You have considered my trouble; You have known my soul in adversities…” Psalm 31:7
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:18 NLT
“As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God.” Psalm 42:1 NLT
“Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Psalm 55:22 NASB
“Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah” Psalm 62:8
“He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.” Psalm 103:12-13 NLT
“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
For an insightful series on fellowship with God: See Faith School, Week 11, “By Faith, Enoch” http://www.faithschool.org
“Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, ‘Who is on the Lord’s side?’” …from Exodus 32:26 KJV
The one true God is on OUR side, for JESUS’ BLOOD has been applied.
No good thing will be denied… for we are standing on the GOOD LORD’S side.
The devil’s power has been defied through JESUS’ BLOOD-BOUGHT OVERRIDE.
Heaven’s windows have been opened wide… As we give, every blessing will be supplied.
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is our faithful guide and Prince of Peace–in His peace, we abide.
Sins and sicknesses have been cast aside. By His stripes, Christ healed His church–His bride.
If the trustworthiness of God’s Word is being denied, we know and say, instead, that God has never lied.
God’s angels support us, traveling far and wide, hearkening to His Word, which is their constant guide.
For the persecuted, we pray that God will turn the tide, bringing daring help and angels to come alongside.
The world hated Jesus, and He Himself warned that believers, by the world, would also be scorned.
For the enemies of the Gospel, who’ve been deceived, we pray they’ll find the King, on whom they must believe.
From the Lord’s hand, the born-again believer can’t be snatched… Eternal life is ours by Jesus’ name and blood, which are unmatched!
P. A. Oltrogge
“And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” …spoken by Jesus in John 10:28-30
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11 KJV or Psalm 34:10
“‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,’ Says the Lord of hosts, ‘If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.’” Malachi 3:10
“…it is impossible for God to lie….” (from Hebrews 6:18)
“Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalm 103:1-5
“The Lord executes righteousness and judgment and justice for all who are oppressed.” Psalm 103:6
“Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.” Psalm 103:20
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” …spoken by Jesus in John 15:18-19
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” …spoken by Jesus in Matthew 3:43-45
“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and are in him that is true, even in his Son, Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” 1 John 5:20 KJV
“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11
“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised…”) Hebrews 10:23 KJV
The poem above was inspired by poetic words written by Trina Hankins in Mark Hankins’ book, “The Spirit of Faith” available at: http://www.markhankins.org
For more on healing, view Sid Roth’s interview of Becky Dvorak at: http://www.sidroth.org
“The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.” Psalm 121:8
I give no place to the torment of fear–
Only faith in Jesus is welcome here!
I close the door on letting fear come inside.
It’s under the shadow of the Almighty that I abide…
P. A. Oltrogge
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” Psalm 91:1-2 (…and all of Psalm 91)
“The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.” Psalm 121:7-8
“For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:32-33
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3
“Fear not, for IAM 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 Jesus cried out and said, ‘He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me.'” John 12:44
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:6-8
“…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
“My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.” 1 John 2:1-2
“Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:17-19
“Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:1-5
“And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.” 1 John 5:20
“Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.” Deuteronomy 28:6 (See all of Deuteronomy 28 for blessings through obedience versus disobedience to God)
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.” Psalm 110:10
“In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge.” Proverbs 14:26
“By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.” Proverbs 22:4
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6
Scriptures: NKJV or as noted
Father, thank You for ministries, such as Samaritan’s Purse and others, which go forth to help people who haven’t experienced the security expressed in this post–who are having to rebuild after devastation. Help believers worldwide to grow in confidence in You and your Word, which promises goodness and mercy to them all the days of their lives… in Jesus’ name, Amen
The book, “A Mighty Tempest” may no longer be in print (my copy of the book is from 1992). But it tells the story of Michelle Hamilton, of Australia, who, in the midst of a remote island vacation that she and her mother, Rachelle, had taken, clung to a capsized canoe (bunca), for three days and two nights off of the Philippine coast, drifting for a hundred miles.
Having received permission to share, the following is a brief excerpt from Michelle’s book, about the night of her encounter, of visibly seeing God’s mighty protective angels. Her entire testimony can be found on You Tube and in the archives of this blog, where it’s titled, “Lost at Sea.” Her testimony IS better called “Saved at Sea,” as there, she cried out to and found God, who she recalled something of from an occasional visit to a Sunday school as a child.She dedicates her message to Jesus, the One who the wind and waves of the sea obey….
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Without warning, I sensed something near me. Swiveling around in every direction, I was confronted with only the dense blackness of the night. Suddenly surrounding me was an aura of magnetic, vibrating forces that electrically charged the air around me, so much so that I could tangibly feel it! Terrified, I tried to shrink into obscurity under the surface of the ocean. Up to my neck in water, with the acid taste of abject fear in my mouth, I waited, instinctively knowing I was about to experience a spiritual encounter.
Suddenly, before my eyes the vibrating energy took form, an effervescent movement massing together like molecules of light and materializing into the visible images of three angels, not more than five feet from my bunca. Absolutely stunned, I was unable to move. I wanted to swim away from these intimidating spiritual beings. Closing my eyes, I tried to eliminate this vision, truly hoping that when I opened my eyes again, the angels would be gone and I would realize that this was just an apparition, a figment of my haunted mind.
Opening my eyes again, I was assaulted with the truth: It was no apparition–I was in the presence of three angels. Angels from God, sent from heaven to protect me. I’d heard of people having heavenly visitations before, but I had dismissed these people as having overactive imaginations. Would my friends do the same to me? I experienced an eerie sensation as if the meeting of physical and spiritual beings was forbidden. Pure, blinding white light emanated from these three angels which stood together on the surface of the ocean. Towering above the surface, they appeared to be about nine feet tall. Coming from the area of their shoulders was the rounded protrusion of clearly defined feathery wings. With my mouth open in awe and fear, I looked on at these angels that stood on the ocean in a very stoic stance until the white aura of light from them diffused and disappeared. After several minutes, the visual sight of the three angels had dissolved, yet I continued to feel surrounded by what I can only describe as an electromagnetic force.
A tingling sensation rippled up and down my back as I felt a fourth angel directly behind me. Like a cloak, it spread its wings and wrapped them around my body, totally enveloping me. Looking down, I could see the clearly defined, but translucent, wings of the angel, looking very much like those of an enormously large bird. I was completely swathed in a protective covering. The angels were my defensive shield against the murderous ocean. I consciously knew their God-given mission was to keep a vigil throughout the night and guard me from the jaws of death.
Although initially it was a chilling sensation to be in such close proximity to supernatural beings, the eerie feeling soon dissipated, and for the first time since the ordeal began, I felt safe! I felt an overwhelming sense of relief and comfort to know that God was watching over me. The thundering seas continued to pound my body mercilessly, and yet I felt cocooned by the angelic covering God had provided. As if encased in a glass screen box, I viewed the stormy tempest around me with a calm instilled in me that went beyond all human comprehension.
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…the excerpt above is posted by P. A. Oltrogge
“Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.” Psalm 91:9-12
“Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His word.” Psalm 103:20
“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
“The voice of the Lord is over the waters; The God of glory thunders; The Lord is over many waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; The voice of the Lord is full of majesty.” Psalm 29:3-4
The Porch of the Lord 