Author Archives: porchofthelord

The Name of the Lord Jesus

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“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10 NASB

Whenever there’s a “darkest hour,”

the name of Jesus is our strong tower.

When things are rough and are looking bleak,

it’s then that faith must confidently speak.

All things are possible with our God…

He makes flowers to rise through the stubborn sod.

God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear–

the message from Him is to be of good cheer!

We often want to be able to see the victory first,

but faith sees a good outcome when things seem at their worst.

Look past any image that speaks of defeat.

See (and say) it as God sees it–your victory’s complete!

P. A. Oltrogge

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 

“But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26 

“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.” …spoken by Jesus in John 16:33

“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

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith….” …from Hebrews 12:1-3

“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.’” …from Mark 11:20-26

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Acts 2:36

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:1-5

“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

“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)

Scriptures NKJV or as noted

Be blessed to watch Terri and George Pearsons this week, at “Today on TV,” “Freedom from Fear,” encouraging us to keep our eyes on Jesus, standing against any fear, at http://www.kcm.org

Uncovering the City of David

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For an update on Biblical archaeology in Jerusalem, you may want to visit http://www.emic.org

There, from Eagle Mountain International Church, is covered yesterday’s (January 22nd) message, “Uncovering the City of David.” Look for the “Latest Service” on the bottom right hand side of the website. The guest speaker shares information on Jerusalem’s history; and, with accompanying photos, he shares on the present uncovering of the actual Pool of Siloam. Pastor Terri Pearsons, at about 45 minutes into the service, speaks on the significance and importance of Israel and the Jewish people. The main message begins about one hour in. As always, you can enter into the worship at the beginning of the service.

The following is from the book of John, chapter 9:

A Work of God Near the Pool of Siloam

As told in John, chapter 9, Jesus’ disciples questioned Him one day, about a blind man they’d passed by who’d been born that way.

That he or his parents had sinned was their initial thought. Jesus said it was neither, but that a work of God should be wrought.

Then He spoke of doing God’s work before the coming night–and that while He was in the world, He was the world’s light.

After that, Jesus spit on the ground, to make some clay for the man, which He applied to his eyes, as the first step of God’s healing plan.

Then, washing in the pool of Siloam would turn out to be freeing. The man obeyed Jesus and washed there, and he came back seeing!

Those who’d known the man wondered if he could possibly be, the same beggar they had known, who’d been blind, but now could see.

When he said, “I am the one,” they questioned him as to how…such a thing could have happened, for his total blindness to “bow.”

Well, it bowed to “the man who is called Jesus,” was his immediate reply. “Where is He?” they asked; but he didn’t know, for Jesus had passed by.

Then he was brought before the Pharisees.  It was a Sabbath day. He told them, also, about the pool and Jesus having applied the clay.

Because Jesus had done this on a Sabbath, His divinity was dismissed. Keeping that law was a matter on which most of them would always insist.

Other Pharisees said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” So there was a division among them as they considered this in their minds.

Again, they questioned the formerly blind man, calling for his parents, too. The Pharisees doubted he’d been born blind and asked them if it was true.

They confirmed that he was their son who’d been blind from even day one. But how or by whom he’d been freed, they couldn’t say–“Just ask our son.”

They were afraid of being put out of the synagogue by giving laud to Christ. But their son said he only knew this–that Jesus’ healing touch had sufficed.

The synagogue leaders kept questioning him, to the extent that he, in turn, asked if they were wanting to be Jesus’ disciples–a notion which they spurned.

Calling him a disciple of Jesus, they said that they followed Moses of old. At that point, the man who’d been healed made statements that were bold:

“Well, here is an amazing thing, that you do not know where He is from, and yet He opened my eyes.  We know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing, and does His will, He hears him.  Since the beginning of time it has never been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind.  If this man were not from God, He could do nothing.”

That was enough for the Pharisees to berate him as being a sinful man. “Are you teaching us?” they said, and made him subject to a synagogue ban.

Jesus heard of this and then found him and asked him a question of His own. “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”  But of that title, he hadn’t known.

So he asked the Lord who that was, so that he could, therefore, believe. Jesus said the Son of Man was Himself.  (By God’s Spirit, He’d been conceived.)

“Lord, I believe,” were the heartfelt words of the man who had been born blind. Then he worshiped Jesus, who is the Son of Man and the Son of God combined!

Conclusion:
“Then Jesus told him, ‘I entered this world to render judgment–to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.’  Some Pharisees who were standing by heard Him and asked, ‘Are you saying we’re blind?’  ‘If you were blind, you wouldn’t be guilty,’ Jesus replied.  ‘But you remain guilty because you claim you can see.’”

(Scriptures from John 9, NKJV and NLT)

P. A. Oltrogge

…additionally:

“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.’ Nicodemus said to Him, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?’ Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.'” John 3:1-8

You Are Righteous

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…not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.” Philippians 3:9

…by Kenneth Copeland

I don’t care how badly you may have messed things up yesterday or how many mistakes you have made, I want you to begin this day knowing you are righteous! Not because of anything you’ve done but because you’ve received, by faith in Jesus, the very righteousness of God.

Just look at the kinds of benefits the Word of God says that righteousness will bring:

“The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree” (Psalm 92:12).

“When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth” (Proverbs 11:10).

“The seed of the righteous shall be delivered” (Proverbs 11:21).

“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers” (1 Peter 3:12).

“For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield” (Psalms 5:12).

“The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles” (Psalms 34:17).

“I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread” (Psalms 37:25).

“The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever” (Psalms 37:29).

“The Lord loveth the righteous” (Psalms 146:8).

Don’t let the devil rob you of even one of these blessings by telling you you’re unworthy of them. Run him off. Shout out loud, “I am the righteousness of God!” Then step out in faith and enjoy the privileges God has prepared for you!

The above is reprinted with permission from Kenneth Copeland Ministries

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18 KJV

“For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:11-12 (and all of Psalm 103)

“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”  2 Corinthians 5:20-21

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned….” John 3:16-18

Another message on this same topic is posted today at the Joseph Prince website….

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:3-5

King of Creation

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Beautiful Savior, King of creation, Son of God and Son of Man. Truly I’d love Thee, truly I’d serve Thee, Light of my soul, my joy, my crown. 

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1

Our God, who formed the mountains, also created the many beautiful flowers. The magnificence of either one makes them displays of His mighty powers. Vibrant or pastel, colorful flowers bring us cheer. And they make the truth that there’s a Master Designer of them very clear.

Even greater evidence is when a human life comes into being. Then, at its birth, we know that it’s a work of God that we’re seeing. Planets and the stars, animals, the rainfall and the snow–so many things are evidence that there’s a wonderful God to come to know.

P. A. Oltrogge

“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” John 17:3

“In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:9-11

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 KJV

Under “Read the Bible” and, then, “Reading Plans,” are several Bible reading paths one can take at: http://www.biblegateway.com

A Pro-Life Message and Words of Jesus (John 16:21)

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…On this day of the annual March for Life:

“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

…from the March for Life website:

Even with the wonderful blessing of Roe v. Wade being overturned, which allows more freedom at the state level to enact pro-life laws, the necessary work to build a culture of life in the United States of America is not finished. Rather, it is focused differently. Sadly, the number of abortions annually is still well over 900,000 each year, and that number is expected to decrease only by roughly 200,000 each year in a post-Roe America. Many national legislative battles loom, including even keeping longstanding Hyde protections, which limit government funding for abortion on annual appropriation bills. The Hyde Amendment has saved over 2 million lives and is arguably the most impactful pro-life policy in our nation’s history, but now cannot be taken for granted.  Last, our most important work is changing hearts and minds. The goal of the national March for Life is to not only change laws at the state and federal level, but to change the culture to ultimately make abortion unthinkable.

With the role of the states being more important, we are also growing a strong state march for life initiative quickly, however, we will continue to march every January at the national level until a culture of life is restored in the United States of America.

Wonderful true story on adoption versus abortion:
http://www.ilivedonparkerave.com

Snow Poem

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There’s a quietness…the air is brisk;

and now it’s getting thick with snow

as I take a walk along the street,

with nowhere necessary today to go.

Heard in the distance are joyful shouts

of some children who are out at play.

Predictions are…the snow will be deep—

the schools have been called off today.

Cars are few out on the streets;

and those that are out are going slowly.

The beauty of the snowfall makes one think,

for the moment, only of its presence wholly.

“Have you entered the treasury of snow?”

That was a question God asked of Job.

“He gives snow like wool,” is from the Psalms.

The neighborhood seems to be in a “snow globe.”

Underneath my plush-lined boots,

the snow keeps crunching as I walk.

Heading back to my front porch,

I meet some neighbors and stop to talk.

They invite me to come inside for coffee,

where the fireplace in their home is glowing.

It’s a perfect time for fellowship

on a day set aside because it’s snowing.

P. A. Oltrogge

Scripture references:
Job 38:22
Psalm 147:16

…and for any concerns today:

“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 NKJV

God Meant it unto Good–Joseph, part seven

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from Genesis 46-50

Having been assured by the Lord, Jacob arose, with his descendants, to make the journey with their property and livestock to Egypt, God’s ordained place. And to Goshen, the final destination, Joseph headed in his chariot for their reunion, where he wept on his father’s neck upon seeing his face.

He wept there a long time; and Jacob spoke of the peace he would have now in death, due to seeing that his beloved Joseph was, wonderfully, still alive. In acknowledgement of God’s love, Joseph likely thought of all he could now offer, which was worth all the adversities with which he’d had to strive.

So Joseph took five of his brothers to appear before Pharaoh, where they stated their desire to sojourn as shepherds in Goshen, a choice part of Pharaoh’s land. Pharaoh’s answer, to Joseph, was that Egypt was at their disposal–and that if some of them were capable, then put his own livestock under their command.

Joseph presented also his father to Pharaoh, who inquired as to his age, which Jacob shared; and he blessed this Pharaoh who had exalted his son. Then Joseph settled his father and brothers and gave them a possession in the land, and provided them food–all of which his obedience to God had won.

“I never expected to see your face; and behold, God has let me see your children as well,” Jacob said to Joseph; and he blessed his children in this true Bible story. After Jacob’s death, Joseph’s brothers needed reassurance of his forgiveness, which he freely gave, comforting them kindly–and it was to God that Joseph gave all of the glory!

“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” Genesis 50:20 KJV

P. A. Oltrogge

To view a drama of the Bible’s account of “Joseph,” visit http://www.sight-sound.com

(Click on Sight & Sound TV)

God Meant it unto Good–Joseph, part six

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“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” Genesis 50:20 KJV

from Genesis 45, 46

Joseph could no longer control his emotions, and he ordered his servants to leave. Things on his heart for his brothers, he now was ready to share. His feelings over the years came out as he loudly wept. Then he began to tell his brothers who really was standing before them there.

“I am your brother, Joseph,” he said; and he asked again if their father was alive. But they couldn’t answer, for they were taken aback. He told them not to be grieved or angry with themselves for what they’d done to him years before–for God had His purposes behind their attack.

He said he was to go before them into Egypt to become lord over it, preserving the lives of many, for great deliverance from a famine’s blight. He asked them to come closer–to know that it really was the voice of their brother, Joseph, and that this “lord” was actually him in their sight.

So, God’s plan was ongoing; and now Joseph wanted them all to come to Goshen, for there would be five more years of famine before its cessation. He fell on his brother, Benjamin’s neck and wept. Then he kissed also all of his brothers, and there was weeping and conversing in celebration.

When Pharaoh heard that Joseph’s brothers had come, both he and his servants were pleased; and he then instructed Joseph on what to do. He said they should take Egyptian wagons on their journey back to their father in Canaan. Pharaoh would give them much before he was through.

He didn’t want them to be concerned about bringing all their goods, because the best of all the land would be theirs by Pharaoh’s decree. So Joseph provided greatly for their journey; and, in many things, gave more to Benjamin, who he was so happy again to be able to see.

Then the brothers traveled back to Canaan, bringing the wagons and donkeys loaded with gifts from their brother, Joseph, who was alive and not dead. When they told Jacob he was still alive, he was at first stunned and couldn’t believe it. But he finally believed because of the gifts and having heard of all that Joseph had said.

The spirit of their father, Jacob, was revived that day; and he rejoiced that Joseph was alive–and so highly esteemed, by an act of God’s own hand. Jacob made an offering unto God and received visions from Him in the night; and the things relayed in them would be exactly as God had planned.

P. A. Oltrogge

The story of Joseph will conclude in the next post.

God Meant it unto Good–Joseph, part five

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“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” Genesis 50:20 KJV

from Genesis 44:

When it came time for their departure, Joseph commanded that the brothers’ sacks should be filled–with food and their money, too. But he had his steward put his silver cup into the sack of Benjamin, because he wanted to further test their integrity and what they would do.

At first light of day, the men were sent away with their donkeys and had just gone out of the city, when Joseph sent his steward in pursuit. He told them that Joseph’s silver cup had been stolen; and he needed to search their bags–to find out which of them had taken it as loot.

“Far be it from your servants to do such a thing,” they told him, and again restated their honesty and integrity in coming to Pharaoh’s land. So they lowered their sacks to show their innocence, but were shocked when the cup was found in Benjamin’s, which they couldn’t understand.

So distraught were they, knowing that this would kill their father, that they tore their clothes in despair before returning to the city. Upon arrival again at Joseph’s house, they fell to the ground before him; and Joseph began to accuse them, without showing them any pity.

Then Judah approached Joseph, who was threatening to take Benjamin as his slave and let the others go back to their father in peace. Judah explained, in desperation, the entire story regarding their brother, Benjamin–and his brother, Joseph–who, he said, was deceased.

Repeatedly, he emphasized that he had promised his aged father that his youngest son would be protected and brought back to him for sure. So Joseph saw their sincerity and how his brothers had changed. They showed remorse for their jealousy and motives that were pure.

P. A. Oltrogge

Judah even offered himself as a substitute for punishment so that Benjamin could be free to return to his father. Many years later, Judah’s descendant, Jesus Christ, offered himself as a substitute for our punishment so that we could be free to return to relationship with our heavenly Father.

The story of Joseph will be continued in the next post.

God Meant it unto Good–Joseph, part four

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“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” Genesis 50:20

from Genesis 42, 43

It came to pass that Joseph’s brothers found that the famine had reached Canaan as well, and Jacob had heard that Egypt had grain. So he instructed his sons to go there and buy; but he held back Benjamin, for he didn’t want harm to befall him, causing more pain.

When they had reached Egypt, they bowed down before Joseph, who was prominently in charge, with their faces to the ground. From the dreams of his youth, this fulfillment of them was taking place before Joseph’s eyes–his, the main sheaf, and theirs gathering around.

Joseph recognized his brothers immediately; but he disguised himself to them and spoke harshly, by interpreter, accusing them of having a spy’s intent. The brothers declared that they were honest men, sons of one man, though their youngest brother had been kept back and had not been sent.

At that, Joseph reemphasized that he was sure that they were spies who had come to look at the undefended parts of Egypt’s land. Then he put them to a test of their truthfulness, saying that they needed to go home and bring their youngest brother back, by his command.

Then Joseph put his brothers all together in prison for the span of three days, after which he released all but one–Simeon, whom he bound. Joseph had heard their discussion. They didn’t know he’d understood what they’d said of how the evil they’d done to Joseph had now come around.

Joseph turned away from them and wept. He ordered his servants to restore their money into their sacks of grain for the journey back–not wanting to take his father’s money; and he gave other supplies. But his brothers were distressed later on when they found the money in each sack.

They worried that, in addition to being accused of being spies, they now would be accused of being thieves. Their concern increased…that God had done this to them because of their sin against Joseph. They didn’t know that Joseph ruled in Egypt and was not a slave, nor was he deceased.

Arriving home, Reuben and Judah tried to reason with their father, that they needed to have Benjamin along on their next journey, as Joseph had said. Jacob resisted this strongly until finally giving in. He told his sons to take extra gifts along for this ruler, with double the money, before moving ahead.

They then returned to Egypt, this time with Benjamin along. When Joseph saw Benjamin, he ordered his steward to make ready a noon meal–and to bring the men to Joseph’s home. The brothers, however, feared that Joseph was going to accuse and ask them, “Why did you steal?”

So the brothers approached Joseph’s house steward about their fears, saying they’d come to Egypt only to buy food, with no ill intention. They didn’t know how the money, which they’d found on their way home, had turned up again in their sacks–and were dreading Joseph’s contention.

At that, Joseph’s steward told them to be at ease and not be afraid, saying that their God and the God of their father had provided that treasure–and Egypt had gotten their payments. This caused them relief, while preparing the gifts they’d brought, which they hoped would bring Joseph pleasure.

When Joseph returned to his house, the brothers presented their gifts and bowed to the ground before him. Then Joseph began to make request–of their own welfare, but also their father’s–if he was alive and well. When his brothers said that he was, it was news that, to Joseph, was blessed.

Then, seeing Benjamin, he asked if he was the youngest, of whom they’d spoken before; and he said, “May God be gracious to you, my son.” But Joseph hurried out and sought a place to weep in a private room of his home. It was much to take in; so, by his emotions, he was overcome.

After washing his face, Joseph regained composure and went out to join his brothers for the meal. By their ages, he’d arranged his brothers’ seating. This caused them to be amazed as they dined before Joseph, who was at his own table. But to Benjamin, five times as many portions were served at this meeting.

P. A. Oltrogge

The story of Joseph will be continued in the next post.