I don’t share on this topic a lot, but perhaps I should. God, your Father, doesn’t want you to be in lack, for He is good.
Those Christians who faithfully give to God His ten percent…don’t have to worry, as many people do, about where all of their money went.
They’re well-supplied through provision from the good Lord. Their needs are met consistently, with no true need that they can’t afford.
Often God gives back to them in surprisingly unusual ways. He pours out blessings, as He says–giving to His Kingdom doesn’t cost, but, instead, it pays!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Malachi 3:10 KJV
“And my God will liberally supply (fill until full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 AMP
“I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lends; And his descendants are blessed.” Psalm 37:25-26 NKJV
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The Power of the Tithe, by Bill Winston, is a book available in the Store at: http://www.billwinston.org
Tithing Today, by Keith Moore, can be found under Word Supply, and can be read on line, without purchase, at: http://www.faithlife.org
At that website, you can also read a chapter of the Bible, M-F, under Daily Bible Reading
Please pray for my friend of almost 45 years, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. When I met with him in Washington a couple of weeks ago, I could see the strain of dealing with the war and the many threats facing Israel. He needs special strength and wisdom from God. And I want to tell you how deeply appreciative he is of all that you are doing to help his country in this crisis hour.
Please pray for him and the leaders of Israel in these difficult days. One of the reasons “Bibi” is so hated by so many people is his unflinching moral clarity and his willingness to identify evil when so many prefer to pretend it doesn’t exist. Decisions are being made in Jerusalem right now that will have a dramatic effect on the future…
Today I’m asking you to send a special gift for the suffering people of Israel. There are thousands who are still homeless…thousands mourning the loss of a loved one…thousands struggling to just get enough food to eat. A ceasefire does not mean the end of cold, hunger, despair, worry, or grief. They need our help right now.
Your support of the Jerusalem Prayer Team today allows us to comfort the people of Israel who have survived the terrorist attacks, to continue to purchase and deliver food, medicine, clothing, and other necessities of life for the poor Holocaust survivors and refugees of Ukraine, to continue to operate the Friends of Zion Museum, to stand up and speak out for Israel, and to meet urgent humanitarian needs among the poor Jewish people living in Israel. Thank you so much for being part of this vital worldwide prayer movement.
Let’s consider just a few Bible accounts that give some tender words (followed by His caring action) that Jesus said:
A widow, out of Nain, came in contact with Jesus on her only son’s burial day. “DON’T CRY” were the compassionate words that she heard Jesus say.
News came to Jairus of his ailing daughter that would cause him to grieve; but Jesus encouraged him, “DON’T BE AFRAID ANY LONGER–ONLY BELIEVE.”
When a leper asked if Jesus was willing to cleanse him of that blight… Jesus said, “I AM WILLING,” and He touched him, delivering him out of his plight.
Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, so hear Him regarding your cares:
“Don’t cry”
“Don’t be afraid any longer–only believe!”
and “I am willing”
…are words that Jesus, our compassionate Lord, still shares.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 NKJV
“When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. ‘Don’t cry!’ he said. Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. ‘Young man,’ he said, ‘I tell you, get up.’ Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk! And Jesus gave him back to his mother.” …from Luke 7:11-17 NLT
“While He was still speaking, they came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, ‘Your daughter has died; why trouble the Teacher any more?’ But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, ‘Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.’” Mark 5:35-36 …and Jesus raised her up (through verse 43) NASB-Ryrie
“And behold, a leper came to Him, and bowed down to Him, saying, ‘Lord, if you are willing, You can make me clean.’ And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, ‘I am willing, be cleansed.’ And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” …from Matthew 8:1-4 NASB-Ryrie
“The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.” Psalm 29:11 NKJV
“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits–who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion….” Psalm 103:2-4 NIV
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” John 10:14
At Pentecost, your Spirit came, with the sound of a rushing mighty wind. The Comforter comes to believers yet today, a promise you’ll never rescind.
Often, your presence is apparent through a reassuring, inner voice. When problems threaten to overwhelm, you encourage us still to rejoice.
You’re blessed by the praises of your people…bless the Lord, oh my soul. I’m thankful you’ve said that on you, dear Lord, all of my cares, I can roll.
It’s good to abide in your presence, for there’s fullness of joy therein. Thank you for provision and healing, as well as for forgiving our sin.
We praise you for your creative ability, for the beauty of bird and flower, the mountains and other majestic things that speak to us of your power.
We’re so blessed you desire to visit with us, as you did first with Adam and Eve. All that you require of us to meet with you, Father, is to believe in your Son and receive.
P. A. Oltrogge
“‘Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him, the Father, God, has set His seal.’ Therefore they said to Him, ‘What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?’ Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.’” John 6:27-29 NASB
“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” Words of Jesus in John 14:16-17 KJV
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:26-27 KJV
“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:2-4 NKJV
“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 NKJV
“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them. And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” Hebrews 10:16-17 KJV
By: Kenneth Copeland
The Bible tells us that under Levitical law, an animal had to be offered every year to atone for the sins of the people. That word atone means “to cover” and it’s used continually throughout the Old Testament.
But let me tell you something exciting. It’s never used in the New Testament. The Greek word used to describe what Jesus did for us on the cross is a different word altogether. It doesn’t just mean “to cover”—it means “to remit; to do completely away with something.”
Do you know what that means? It means there is no longer a sin problem. Jesus solved it!
When you made Him your Lord, He didn’t just cover your sins, He put you into right-standing with God and re-created you by the Spirit of God as if sin had never existed.
But if you’re like many believers, you haven’t fully grasped that magnificent truth. You’re caught up in what I call a sin consciousness. You keep thinking of yourself as sin stained instead of blood washed.
“Well, after all, Brother Copeland, I’m just an old sinner saved by grace.”
No, you’re not. You were an old sinner, but grace changed you forever into the very righteousness of God. You are now His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus! As far as God is concerned, your past life is forgotten. It died the death of the Cross.
Think about that. Let it sink into your consciousness until you can rise up boldly and receive the freedom from sin that’s yours in Christ Jesus. Receive the righteousness that only the Lamb of God can give.
Scripture reading: Hebrews 9:11-26
Reprinted with permission from Kenneth Copeland Ministries
I’ve come across your path today, and I may not know your name, but though we’re not acquainted, I’d like to speak of Jesus just the same. He knows the details of your life–anything you’re going through; yes, even if you don’t know Him, He knows all about you.
I’ve found Him to be a faithful God, Who I know in a personal way. He desires to help each person intimately–all we have to do is pray. For those who’ve put their trust in Him, guidance becomes very sure; His will is good and perfect, coming from a heart that’s loving and pure.
If you’re facing worries, never despair–the name of Jesusis a strong tower— to run into for help and wisdom, which flow richly from that Name’s power. And at the name of Jesus, one day, every knee will bow; but God’s Spirit is moving every day, seeking all who will honor Him now.
P. A. Oltrogge
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10 (NASB)
“Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and 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 (NASB)
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
…the Word of God says not to be anxious, so we remember to apply that in our daily lives. Yet, we’re still to pray for situations where His intervention is greatly needed…
Remind us to pray daily for those where there’s war… that they won’t have to live with such danger any more.
At this very moment, please protect those souls, who are serving courageously in military roles.
By Your Spirit, convert people who have evil intent… revealing to them the Lord Jesus, whom You have sent.
Thank You for having sent Your Son, as the Savior for our sins… Now, for anyone who receives Him, a brand new life begins.
in His (Jesus’) name, we pray…
P. A. Oltrogge
“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
“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
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.” Psalm 100:1-3 NIV
Dear Porch blog readers:
For a special Sunday musical blessing, go to Eagle Mountain International Church’s website: http://www.emic.org
There, scroll over to the right of the screen and then down to the bottom, where you’ll see “Latest Service,” (Championship Faith) of February 16, 2025. The entire service is always a blessing; but if you are pressed for time, scroll in to about 56 or so to hear briefly the history of the gospel song, “Oh Happy Day!” and then the Eagle Mountain choir’s rendition of the song…
Be blessed…
P. A. Oltrogge
“…We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 NIV
“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” Colossians 1:19-20 NIV
“But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV
Verse 10 goes on to say, “But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.” So, while the text is referring to wisdom from and things revealed through the Holy Spirit, the 9th verse does make one think of the almost hard-to-comprehend beauty, glory, and peace of our heavenly home and destination. Thus, these thoughts:
Eye hath not seen, nor ear yet heard, neither our hearts, says God’s Holy Word, have envisioned the things which the Lord has in store for all those who will meet Him on heaven’s shore. A river like crystal and a Main Street of gold are just some of the beauty that we will behold. But, then, best of all, at last we will view— our Savior, Jesus Christ, Faithful and True. Though we face trials down here on this earth, they’re nothing compared to heaven’s great worth. You’re more than a conqueror—He gives you His grace, both now and in eternity’s unfathomable place.
P. A. Oltrogge
“And I saw heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True; and in righteousness He judges and wages war.” Revelation 19:11 NASB
“The foundation stones of the city wall were adorned with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation stone was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. And I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God, the Almighty, and the Lamb, are its temple. And the city has no need of the sun, or of the moon to shine upon it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb.” Revelation 21:19-23 NASB
“And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.” Revelation 22:1 KJV
“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2 KJV
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.” Romans 8:18-19 NKJV
“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39 NKJV
I know that my Redeemer lives! What comfort this sweet sentence gives! He lives, he lives, who once was dead; he lives, my everliving head!
He lives triumphant from the grave; he lives eternally to save; he lives all-glorious in the sky; he lives exalted there on high.
He lives to bless me with his love; he lives to plead for me above; he lives my hungry soul to feed; he lives to help in time of need.
He lives to grant me rich supply; he lives to guide me with his eye; he lives to comfort me when faint; he lives to hear my soul’s complaint.
He lives to silence all my fears; he lives to wipe away my tears; he lives to calm my troubled heart; he lives all blessings to impart.
He lives, my kind, wise, heav’nly friend; he lives and loves me to the end; he lives, and while he lives, I’ll sing; he lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.
He lives and grants me daily breath; he lives, and I shall conquer death; he lives my mansion to prepare; he lives to bring me safely there.
He lives, all glory to his name! He lives, my Savior, still the same. Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives: I know that my Redeemer lives!
Samuel Medley, Author; J. Hatton, Composer
…and we share the love of the Lord through contributing to ministries such as http://www.samaritanspurse.org; http://www.cbn.com, or others of which you’re aware, creating a little bit of heaven on earth for those who need help…
After the rain, the sun will come out… Of the Lord’s faithfulness, we must not doubt.
Rain is most often a life-giving thing… May the “rains” of life be faith-strengthening.
P. A. Oltrogge
“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.”
“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23 RSV
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from the hand of the enemy….” Psalm 107:1-2
“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” Psalm 107:8-9
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” James 1:2-3 NASB
“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart….” Luke 18:1
Jesus said: “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.” …from Matthew 7:24-29
The Porch of the Lord 