And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
6 The Lord executes righteousness And justice for all who are oppressed. 7 He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel. 8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. 9 He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; 12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him. 14 For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. 16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, And its place remembers it no more. 17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children, 18 To such as keep His covenant, And to those who remember His commandments to do them.
19 The Lord has established His throne in heaven, And His kingdom rules over all.
20 Bless the Lord, you His angels, Who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word. 21 Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, You ministers of His, who do His pleasure. 22 Bless the Lord, all His works, In all places of His dominion.
If the subject of UFO’s is of interest to you, an “Origins” program regarding that, “The UFO Phenomenon,” with Ray Heiple and Gary Bates, can be explored at:
It’s a presentation on the subject, with Biblical slants through scripture.
Also found there is a program which discusses the validity of the thought that man could have evolved from apes, “Monkey Business,” with Ray Heiple and Bruce Malone.
Still available for viewing are some broadcasts from the series, “Marvels of our Creator.”
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.’”
Does this world seem like a desert–parched and offering little shade? Thank God, we have an oasis, when our minds on Christ are stayed.
It’s there, we find “living water,” through God’s Holy Spirit and His Word. Why struggle, as if in a desert, when the “rain” of God has occurred?
It’s said that very little water can cause desert seeds to flourish. Likewise, you can be revived–just one word from God can nourish.
Troubles can bombard our minds through circumstances or daily news, so turn to the life-giving Word of God, the blessed oasis that’s yours to use.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in Thee.” Isaiah 26:3 KJV
“Jesus answered and said to her, ‘If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.’” John 4:10 NASB
“Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.” Psalm 119:50 NLT
“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 NKJV
Mama duck paced anxiously to and fro on the edge of our pool. Her five babies clustered together and swam like Olympic hopefuls, unable to discover their way out.
Finally, when it seemed like they would not be able to escape on their own, we tried to scoop them out with our pool net. However, when we approached, Mama flew off. After a thirty minute struggle, all five babies huddled together on the grass. Where is Mom? Do I call DPS (Duck Protective Services) to report a mother who abandoned her children?
Sure enough, after huddling together for a while, they ended up back in the pool. We were ready for bed, and it was ready to storm. The thought of leaving them alone with thunder and lightning was disheartening.
“Lord, how can I pray? Can I believe for your protection over them?” Instantly, the scripture from Matthew 23:37 came to mind. “O, Jerusalem…how often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.” Also, “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me.” (Psalm 27:10)
So I committed those little ones to Him and resisted worry as much as possible. My husband woke me up the next morning with the news. “The mother duck is here, and the babies are all out of the pool.”
With so much in the news to threaten our peace, this scenario affords a glimpse into the heart of God. It is not the size of our circumstance, but the size of our God we need to consider. Snuggle in–His wings are big enough to cover you.
J. Vetter
“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 will I trust.’
Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings, you shall take refuge. His truth shall be your shield and buckler.”
Psalm 91:1-4 NKJV
“For the Lord Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth.” Psalm 47:2 NKJV
Today’s story (an actual account) at http://www.givehim15.com is inspirational on prayer and is a blessing to read.
May God help those who are discouraged about their prayers…to yet trust Him. “Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart….” Luke 18:1
We continue to pray for dire situations we hear of through news reports from around the globe…and pray for many to come to know Jesus, the Lamb of God.
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!'” John 1:29
“Again therefore Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.’” John 8:12
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
Keep your eyes upon the victory, though the miracle shore seems far. That’s what you need to do when you’re at “where you are.”
Don’t let your eye of faith become for you, instead, an eye of fear. Nearby winds and waves distract–especially when victory is near.
A double-minded person is, himself, like a wave of the sea–driven and tossed by the wind, giving attention to adversity.
So focus on the victory “lighthouse” that’s beaming out for you. Give it greatly your attention, and the Lord will see you through.
That lighthouse, you recognize, is God’s unfailing Word. It’s the light unto your pathway, and on which you’ve believed after having heard.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” Hebrews 11:1-2 NIV
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17 NKJV
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” James 1:2-8 NKJV
“My son, give attention to My words; incline your ear to My sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes. Keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4:20-22 NKJV
“Your Word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 NLT
“Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
“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, ‘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 14:22-33 NKJV
“You will keep him in perfectpeace, whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3
I couldn’t help but think of God’s “glad” flowers to go with all the verses listed below on gladness. I’ve read that the name, gladiolus, comes from the Latin word, meaning sword, which can remind of the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God…Ephesians 6:17.
Don’t dwell upon what’s bad, sad, or what you might have had; but rejoice in the Lord always, every moment, being glad. There’s fullness of joy in His presence, so give to Him your praise–of which He is so worthy–He will never leave you, but is with you always.
Jesus died on the cross for our redemption and rose victorious from the dead. That was done out of love for you, that His precious blood was shed. Expect the best–He’s given you eternal life, the moment you received Him. He daily loads you with benefits. It gives Him joy that you’ve believed Him.
Counting your blessings, thanking Him, brings an atmosphere of gladness; and you can leave your burdens with the Lord, forsaking any sadness. He knows your every circumstance, both the rough things and the mild. Keep walking by faith and looking to Him–you’re God’s beloved child.
Don’t let discouragement or disappointment cause your spirit to faint. A strong spirit sustains us in life, so be strong in the Lord, dear saint. Keep on expecting the best–God is able to do beyond what you can ask or think. Cast off any fear and “walk on the water.” Jesus, your Lord, won’t let you sink.
P. A. Oltrogge
“…For He (Jesus) Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5
“…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?’” Matthew 14:29-31
“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
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4
“…Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing! You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.” Psalm 30:11
“I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy, For You have considered my trouble; You have known my soul in adversities…” Psalm 31:7
“Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart.” Psalm 32:11
“My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad.” Psalm 34:2
“Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor My righteous cause; And let them say continually, ‘Let the Lord be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.’” Psalm 35:27
“Let all those who seek You, rejoice and be glad in You; Let such as love Your salvation say continually, ‘The Lord be magnified!'” Psalm 40:16
“There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.” Psalm 46:4
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22
“Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy! For you shall judge the people righteously, and govern the nations on earth.” Psalm 67:4
“The Lord reigns; Let the earth rejoice; Let the multitude of isles be glad!” Psalm 97:1
“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord.’” Psalm 122:1
“Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; And let them say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns.'” 1 Chronicles 16:31
“Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 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, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.” Psalm 103:1-6
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21
“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
“…Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.’” John 20:19-21
“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. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” 2 Corinthians 2:14-15
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:31-32 (from Romans 8:31-39)
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints….” Ephesians 6:10-18
Sometimes retailers promote an ad, of celebrating “Christmas in July,” in order to coax shoppers towards goods they hope that they will buy.
So I’m following their example, by a bit of a reminder of the book, Christmas on thePorch, to promote a possible end-of-July look.
For the birth of Jesus, the Savior, can be remembered throughout the year–not only in December when the Christmas decorations appear.
The angel said to the shepherds that he was bringing to them joyful news–that a Savior had been born for all, “who is Christ, the Lord.” Then a multitude of angels came into view:
“Glory to God in the highest and, on earth peace, goodwill toward men” was that great angelic proclamation that can be shared again and again.
The birth of Jesus, at any time of year, is wonderful to contemplate–especially if you’ve yet to receive Him as your own Savior and Lord–for that, it’s not too late.
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: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13
“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!'” Luke 2:8-14
“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
“Fresh as a dewdrop,” My Word is to you. Go to it daily and find things new. You’ll find the familiar in it as well– Of comfort, wisdom, and truth it will tell. At times, for direction, it gives a faith hint, Bringing light to your path like a dewdrop’s glint. Fresh as a dewdrop, I want to impart More of its treasures into your heart. Like finding the dewdrops, you can depend On My being there always to instruct and befriend.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Thy Word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
“I will never forget Thy precepts, for by them Thou hast revived me.” Psalm 119:93
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort….” 2 Corinthians 1:3
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5
“Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth.” John 17:17
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 NKJV
“…I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
The Porch of the Lord 