When the going gets tough, the tough get going… Ever more diligently, God’s Word be sowing!
When it seems to you to be your darkest hour, it’s THEN that your attitude must NOT turn SOUR. Instead, keep trusting in God’s supernatural PLANS and POWER!
Do not fret; don’t be glum…believe that the best is yet to come!
P. A. Oltrogge
“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
“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, oh Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.” Psalm 138:8
“But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.” Acts 16:25-26
“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.” – Psalm 34:1
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24NKJV
Dear Lord Jesus,
You thought of the lowly, the forgotten, the oppressed… You thought of us all; and, through You, we are blessed.
You’re always the Good Shepherd, our Savior and friend. If any setbacks befall us, you help things to mend.
You’re closer than a brother; and we can draw near to You for Your assurance that there’s nothing to fear.
You loved the little children and do to this day. For the unborn, young, or old, You’ve taught us to pray.
And also our enemies, You’ve said, are in great need of prayers to be enlightened, that Your Word they might heed.
Obedient to Your Father, You went to Calvary’s hill. You prayed that cup might pass, but accepted Your Father’s will.
Yes, what a friend we have in Jesus, as the hymn goes… You died for all of mankind, and, praise God, You then arose.
P. A. Oltrogge
“He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, ‘O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.’” Matthew 26:39
“For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.” Colossians 1:19-20
“Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead.” Acts 10:40-41
What a Friend
What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! Oh, what peace we often forfeit–oh, what needless pain we bear. All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a Friend so faithful, who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness. Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge–take it to the Lord in prayer. Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer. In His arms, He’ll take and shield thee–thou wilt find a solace there.
Amen
Joseph Scriven/author Charles C. Converse/composer
“You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.” John 14:15-16
“…For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” from Hebrews 13:5
May this scripture encourage you today… Jesus never leaves you; Jesus never forsakes you…
And don’t miss today’s message by Dutch Sheets–a history lesson from the Bible, and a reminder for continued prayer yet regarding the U.S.A. and the election…found at: http://www.givehim15.com
Photo by Porch of the Lord… Sunset at the Pitons Anchorage, St. Lucia, Caribbean
“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint…” Luke 18:1 KJV
“Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart…” NASB
Thoughts from a guest contributor:
Pray always without being weary. Do not stop or give up. Do pray, even when you feel tired from or distressed about a problem. Do pray when you wake up or before you fall asleep.
Keep praying, always looking for the Holy Spirit in action all day. Keep God on your heart and thank Him throughout your day.
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If I were ever to discontinue this blog, I believe I’ve shared many excellent sites on Christian faith–the most important, in these times, would be Eagle Mountain International Church, which can be found on Sunday mornings at: http://www.govictory.com
Govictory runs all week 24/7. If you would want to listen to some reflections/prayers regarding the recent election and America’s future, as well as that of Israel, check out this past Sunday’s service at: http://www.emic.org
Oh say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
Through the years…
Many warriors have set aside the joys of life, to enter into battles that were born of strife. All gave their service, but some gave their all. With courage, they answered their country’s call.
We’re reminded of them on Memorial and Veteran’s Day. Death or injuries were the price that many did pay. As we go about our lives, we tend to forget… for our freedom and stability, they’re owed a huge debt.
Even if you feel your role of service was small, every role is important and an answer to your country’s call.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Every post is honorable in which a man can serve his country.” — George Washington
“The United States and the freedom for which it stands, the freedom for which they died, must endure and prosper. Their lives remind us that freedom is not bought cheaply. It has a cost; it imposes a burden. And just as they whom we commemorate were willing to sacrifice, so too must we–in a less final, less heroic way–be willing to give of ourselves.” Ronald Reagan, Arlington National Cemetery, May 31, 1982
A statement that’s sometimes made, which needs to be corrected…is “We are all God’s children.” Not true–but by those words, it seems to be suggested.
That we’re all created by God is a fact that’s certainly true. But to become a child of God requires something every person must personally do.
“But as many as received Him (Jesus), to them gave He the right or power…to become the children of God”–an offer that, when accepted, becomes your most blessed hour.
Jesus said to Nicodemus, a teacher of Israel, that a man must be born again. He had visited the Lord in the night, having seen the miracles He’d wrought among men.
And Jesus told a group of Pharisees plainly that they were of the devil, their father. If they were already God’s children, then why did He die for them or even bother?
No, He was sent to die for the sins of anyone living here on the earth. The firstborn among many brethren, Christ became Man through the virgin birth.
Obedient to His Father’s plan, Jesus paid the ransom for our restoration…to relationship with the Holy One–for those who believe, from out of every nation.
“I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God,” Jesus said. They’re still words that speak of “Family” to those who’ll believe that He rose from the dead.
No, we can’t all be called God’s children until we’ve put faith in His Son. That’s the defining moment when a new life, as God’s child, has begun.
P. A. Oltrogge
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name….” John 1:12
“There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, ‘Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'” John 3:1-3
“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.” John 3:16…and see all of John 3
“Jesus said to her, ‘Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’” John 20:17
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV
“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:29
“Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources for he is a liar and the father of it. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.'” John 8:42-47
“Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 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.’ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” Romans 8:12-17
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Christian minister Kenneth E. Hagin quote: Yes, God is the Creator of all mankind, but a man must be born again to become His child. He is God to the world, but Father only to the new creation man…
“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
Scriptures: New King James Version, or as noted
Rather than my sharing a link, which sometimes may fail, you may want to search for Mario Murillo Ministries, to take in some of his tent meeting messages by video…
It’s nothing but God’s mercy and nothing but His grace that can take over for my faith, in running the Christian race. When I’ve exercised my faith, but find there is no trace of a faith that will endure–then I just need the solid base… of Christ as my life’s Savior, who’ll extend His hand of grace.
If troubles overwhelm, we need to sense the Lord’s embrace. So think of “grace” through any circumstance; and in every case, Christ’s love will lift you from discouragement–there is no disgrace. Sinking, by fear of wind upon the water, Peter then looked to Jesus’ face. “Lord, I believe–help my unbelief,” is understood by God’s heart of grace.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’ And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ So he said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’ And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly You are the Son of God.’” Matthew 14:25-34 NKJV
…from the account of Jesus healing a boy with a mute spirit:
“…’But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.’ Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’ Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, ‘Lord, I believe;help my unbelief!‘ When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, ‘Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!’ Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, ‘He is dead.’ But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose.” Mark 9:22-24 NKJV
“Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.” 2 John 1:3NKJV
“I will lift up my eyes to the hills– From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2
Lord, you are the source of my help on any given day. You made the heavens and the earth–On you, my hope will stay.
I will look even to the hills–On their horizon, I’ll always see, through the eye of faith, my Savior, heading down with help for me.
P. A. Oltrogge
“He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. 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 121:3-8 NKJV
“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 NKJV (and entire Psalm)
“Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God who is our salvation. God is to us a God of deliverances; and to God the Lord belong escapes from death.” Psalm 68:19, 20 NASB
“Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:47 (words of David to the Philistine, Goliath)
“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint…” words of Jesus, in Luke 18:1 KJV
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21 NKJV
“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 NKJV
…our help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth–in whom we’ve placed our faith and who we look to, pray to, and offer our praise. Jesus is Lord!
“A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.” John 16:21
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10… and “Thou shalt not kill.” Exodus 20:13
The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy–
those who the Master designed to bring joy.
Over 63 million abortions since Roe v Wade–
all have gone against what God forbade.
Life, sweet life, was changed, instead, to death,
in defiance of the Creator, who gives us breath.
Through prayer, some children escaped that fate,
by a mother’s change of heart before it was too late.
May those who continue to promote pro-choice
think of their own births, which gave them a voice.
They can be glad their mothers saw things through
to give to them the life that their Creator said was due.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you…” from Jeremiah 1:5
“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.” Psalm 139:13-16
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” Proverbs 6:16-19 NIV
“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.” Acts 17:24-27 NIV
Scriptures: NKJV or as noted
This last Sunday, Kenneth Copeland, of Eagle Mountain International Church, reminded of the great worth and importance of children in God’s eyes, and to keep that in mind when voting…which candidates/party have/has aligned more with God’s values…
“At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’
“Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matthew 18:1-6
Many of you may have seen this previously; but for those who may have not, here again is a wonderful true story on adoption versus abortion: http://www.ilivedonparkerave.com
Please pray for the suffering people of Israel, especially those who are grieving after the deadliest single day in northern Israel in months. Seven people were killed in Hezbollah attacks, and even as their loved ones are trying to deal with that great loss, new attacks rain down every day. Israel is at war, and we need to be praying fervently for those in the danger zone.
We are reaching out to the families of those still being held hostage. I will be leaving for Israel in 2 days to stand as your voice of hope. We are working to provide food, clothing, medical supplies and to renovate bomb shelters and add bomb shelters to children’s schools in northern Israel. None of this is possible without the help of friends like you. We must raise $130,000 immediately to meet these urgent needs. So far 773 friends have given $76,577 toward this goal so we still need to raise $53,423.
The Porch of the Lord 