Just a note to say sorry I misspelled “Faith” on tonight’s post, “A Focus on Faith and Foolishness”
I pray for Christmas blessings ahead for you…
P. A. Oltrogge
Misspelled FAITH
Reply
Monthly Archives: December 2025
A Focus on Faith and Foolishness
God chooses the foolish things to confound or shame the wise…yet some “wise men” had the wisdom to follow the Messiah’s star which was seen in the skies.
The ultimate in foolishness came through Adam and Eve’s failure to realize…that they had heaven on earth–but yielded to temptation, which proved to be terribly unwise.
Yet God isn’t any loser and had plans to redeem mankind. The first Adam would be surpassed by Jesus, the last Adam–the great Redeemer God had in mind.
We see in Genesis, God took a foolish act done by Joseph’s brothers…to fulfill Joseph’s great destiny. Through him, God saved the lives of so many others.
David committed adultery and devised other foolish plots regarding another man’s wife; but he repented thoroughly to God for having caused such strife.
It may seem foolish to some, that God’s Son was born and laid in a manger so low…but God knew He would be exalting Jesus as King since He would defeat every foe.
Such a lowly place to be born, for Jesus, was only the humble way that He would begin. One day, He would walk in even further humility to the cross, to redeem and free men from the death penalty for sin.
For Jesus to eat with sinners and tax collectors seemed foolish to some. The pharisees and sadducees didn’t understand His invitation for all to “Come!”
Foolishly, the disciples were concerned a second time when thousands needed to be fed. They’d forgotten the previous miraculous feeding of a multitude with so few fish and loaves of bread.
Peter was willing to do a foolish thing, by man’s way of thinking. He stepped out of a boat to walk on the water to Jesus–perhaps, with certainty, that He would save him from sinking.
Of course, when Jesus had been arrested, Peter was foolish to deny three times the Master. But, when the Lord was resurrected, having forgiven him, He asked him three times to feed His sheep thereafter.
The Bible declares that the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing…but to us, who are being saved, it is the power of God and that which we’re cherishing.
Jesus warned us to be wise and not be foolish–to have our lamps lit for His return. That is certainly an up-to-date lesson…one He wants all of those who love Him–and those who don’t yet–to learn.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.” …from the parable in Matthew 25:1-13
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us, who are being saved, it is the power of God. For it is written:
‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent, I will frustrate.’
“Where is the wise person? Where is the leader of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified; a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things–and the things that are not–to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God–that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.’” 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 NIV
“But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:20-22
“And so it is written, ‘The first man Adam became a living being.’ The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.” 1 Corinthians 15:45
“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
“Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous. Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:18-21
Scriptures: NKJV or as noted
A Walk Through Bethlehem
In the wintry month of December, during the Christmas season each year, a nearby church creatively causes the town of Bethlehem to appear.
Not as Bethlehem is seen today, but, instead, how it might have been–with people of different trades at work; and there’s even the sold-out inn.
Watching a person making pottery or someone doing basket weaving, or kneading dough for some bread makes you feel you are there and not make-believing.
An actual camel with a rider and some shepherds watching over their sheep…add to the atmosphere of old Bethlehem as the night turns dark and deep.
“Angels” in white, with golden sashes, and “wise men” in rich-looking attire, also walk among the visitors, who can warm up at a carefully-tended fire.
Hot cider or chocolate are provided, and Christmas carolers are heard…here and there on the “Bethlehem” grounds, reflecting the joy of God’s Word.
The highlight is the blessed manger scene—or the nativity, as it’s called—featuring Joseph, Mary, and the baby Jesus, with whom we’re most enthralled.
Little children, as well as adults, walk away with hearts that are fully amazed…at having taken a walk down Bethlehem’s streets—to ponder the Lord’s birth—God, our Father, be praised!
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, goodwill toward men!”
Luke 2:13-14
P. A. Oltrogge
“Then the angel said to them, Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” (from the message to the shepherds in Luke 2:10-12)
Of course, we pray for those in today’s Bethlehem, Israel, and the people of all nations…to recognize Jesus, their Savior, who really was born there…
The First Noel
The first Noel the angels did say
was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
in fields where they lay keeping their sheep,
on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
born is the King of Israel….
A familiar carol that’s sung every Christmas is “The First Noel,”
about an angel coming from heaven, with the greatest news to tell.
The King of Israel and Savior of the world that day had been born.
He’d come to bring us God’s peace, though He would meet with scorn.
He aimed to please His Father in heaven, seeking only His will,
even to the point of death on a cross, in order that He would fulfill
His Father’s desire for us to have relationship with Him as well.
Of that greatest birth, the first Noel, He’s now appointed us to tell….
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel…born is the King of Israel!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe, wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.’
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
(From Luke 2 NKJV)
Years later, during His ministry as an adult, Jesus gave this commission:
“And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation. He who has believed (in Me) and has been baptized will be saved (from the penalty of God’s wrath and judgment); but he who has not believed will be condemned.’” Mark 16:15-16 AMP
And the Apostle, Paul, wrote to the Romans:
“Therefore there is now no condemnation (no guilty verdict, no punishment) for those who are in Christ Jesus (who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior).” Romans 8:1 AMP
Of the first Noel, the good news of great joy, rings every Christmas bell!
My Help Comes FROM THE LORD
“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
In these times of obvious good versus evil, we thank God for (and pray for) those who are standing strong against evil; and, as we feel led, we also do what we can, remembering the promise that 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!
Don’t Take Comfort in Fear
by Sarah Limardo, CBN
Over the weekend, my husband granted my seven-month-long wish to have a cat. Even though he doesn’t like cats, there’s something about me that just needs to love something furry and cute.
It seems like such a small thing, but I prayed for this kitten for months. I prayed that she would be happy and healthy, and that we could give her a good home she felt safe in. I was devoted to my pet before I even knew her.
I wanted a calico, and when I arrived at the pet store, there she was. She slept in her litter box and didn’t approach the cage door when I called. She stared at me, and something in my heart tugged. I loved her, so I brought her home and set her up with her own little space in the laundry room.
My cat wasn’t the happy cat I expected right off the bat. She’s happy, and thankfully doesn’t sleep in her litter box, but she seeks refuge behind the washing machine where we can’t reach her easily. I’ve resorted to climbing on top of the appliances to feed her, dropping one piece of food after another into her hungry jaws. I pet her head and she purrs, and stares at me when I pull my hand away, waiting for more. She’s an absolute sucker for affection, but she won’t come out to get it yet.
After a day and a half of trying to coax her out, I turned to my husband and said, “If only she knew it was okay to come out, she would see it’s warmer out here and she can have all the love she wants.”
God nudged me then. How many times had I resisted him while he patiently waited for me to step into his arms? How long had I left him calling to me while I stayed where I was comfortable and refused to step out into something better for me?
Revelation 3:20 says: “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” (NLT)
I understand the Father’s love a little better now. Of all the times I’ve hidden with my pain and past hurt, staying where I knew I would be safe, he’s been there with more love in his heart than I realized. And he gently coaxed me out, and still does to this day, to show me that with him there is nothing but warmth, love, and a happy and healthy life. He is always here as a friend and a loving father. He’s already come to me—I just need to step out and greet him.
As I try to get my kitten to understand that there is nothing to fear because I love her, God impresses the same truth on my heart. There is no fear in His love. He says, “For I hold you by your right hand—I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘don’t be afraid. I am here to help you” (Isaiah 41:13 NLT).
We shouldn’t be comfortable in our fear. God has so many good things for us, and we need only to step out and be vulnerable to a God who loves us more than we can imagine.
_________________________
Sarah Limardo’s career includes Multi-media Associate Producer for The 700 Club, a co-host on CBN’s Prayer Warriors Podcast, and a writer. She graduated from Regent University in 2015 with a BA in English and Creative Writing, and completed her MA in Strategic Communication in 2020. Sarah is passionate about storytelling in whatever form it may take. Whether it be devotionals, blog posts, short stories, or the novels growing dusty on her hard drive, she aims to share positive and inspirational messages through her writing.
Like a Shepherd
“Like a shepherd He will tend His flock,
In His arm He will gather the lambs,
And carry them in His bosom;
He will gently lead the nursing ewes.”
Isaiah 40:11
While shepherds watched their flock by night,
an angel appeared, and God’s glory shone bright.
The angel told the shepherds to not be afraid
since a proclamation of great joy was being made!
A Savior for all people was born, who was Christ the Lord!
And then more angels praised God for the Baby adored.
Straightway to Bethlehem the shepherds went
to see this One whom God had sent.
To everyone they saw, they made known what was told
of God’s gift, who was cut from the shepherd’s mold.
He would have a flock–the Good Shepherd He would be-
He would die for that flock, both for you and for me.
To rescue and die for the lambs–no greater love
could have been sent to us from above.
If you’re not yet His lamb, be aware there is danger–
we have need of the Good Shepherd, once a babe in a manger.
Just receive Him as Savior–then learn of His great care
in shepherding your life as you come to Him in prayer.
At Christ’s birth, we were blessed, and God’s message came then—
of “peace on earth and good will toward men!”
P. A. Oltrogge
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even 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
“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. I am the Good Shepherd; the Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” John 10:9-11
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14 (King James Version)
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Matthew 24:36
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8
May you have received Jesus Christ and His peace, thereby knowing that you are ready for the return of the Good Shepherd who loves you so dearly.
Out on an Evening Walk During Advent
I was out on an evening walk, taking in the Christmas lights;
I saw that some displays were only about Santa Claus at their sites…
But, really, we are celebrating the important and very One,
through Whom to us came Christmas–Jesus Christ, God’s Son.
As the Light of the World, He came to us as God’s precious gift,
sent down to earth to save sinners who, without Him…are adrift.
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, which is enduring…
He is Christ, the Lord, who is our eternal, strong mooring.
This One who walked and ministered along the Galilee shore…
invites us to trust Him as Savior and Shepherd–for He said, “I am the door.”
P. A. Oltrogge
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.’” John 8:12
“Then Jesus said to them again, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 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: 7-10
“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
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8
“Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” Galatians 4:3-5
…Jesus, the Reason for the Season
Two Significant Births
The Hebrew people had prayed for a deliverer to be their long-promised King. While living under Roman rule, they looked for the answer that God would bring.
Then it came to pass that two little babies were born in the same time span. The lives of each one of them would be major in God’s great redemptive plan.
One would be a prophet named John, the baptizer, and was the son of Zacharias, the priest. The other was Jesus, who would be the focus and celebration of God’s greatest Passover Feast.
John’s mother, Elizabeth, had longed for a child and rejoiced at the birth of her son. And Jesus’ mother, Mary, told the angel who came that God’s will for her should be done.
The angel, Gabriel, had first appeared to Zacharias and told him what to name his son…John, “The Lord is gracious,” a preparer of the way for the Messiah, God’s Anointed One.
When betrothed, Mary’s Joseph had gained assurance from God, by having been visited in a dream too. Mary stayed with her cousin, Elizabeth, for a time, before her own baby would become due.
These four parents realized, through faith, the significance of those entrusted to their care. A messenger of God, and Immanuel, “God With Us,” were birthed in answer to prayer.
P. A. Oltrogge
(from Luke 1 and Matthew 1:18-25)
“It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24
God’s words in the Garden of Eden, after Adam and Eve disobeyed Him, to the serpent (Satan) about a Redeemer: “And I will put enmity (open hostility) between you and the woman, And between your seed (offspring) and her Seed; He shall (fatally) bruise your head, And you shall (only) bruise His heel.” Genesis 3:15 AMP (the promise/prediction of Jesus’ birth, His redemption for us through the shedding of His blood on the cross, and His victory over Satan)
“…for the devil has sinned and violated God’s law from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.” from 1 John 3:8 AMP
“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 NKJV
Written of Jesus:
“And the angel said unto her, ‘Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest, and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father, David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.’ Then said Mary unto the angel, ‘How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?’ And the angel answered and said unto her, ‘The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible.’ And Mary said, ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.’ And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:30-38 KJV
Written of John:
“And his father, Zacharias, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying… ‘And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go on before the Lord to prepare His ways, to give to His people the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the Sunrise from on high shall visit us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.’” Luke 1:67 and 76-79 NASB
…poetry from Christmas on the Porch….
The Porch of the Lord 