Author Archives: porchofthelord

Seemingly Unanswered Prayers are Subject to Change

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“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18 KJV

At times, people wonder why God “permits” some things;
but, really, we know it’s from Him that all hope springs.
Our adversary is the devil, the scriptures clearly state;
so prayer and keeping faith in God will determine our fate.

The tenacity of a bulldog with a bone may be required
to see the manifestation of some things we’ve desired.
I will say of the Lord, He is my God in whom I trust–
Voicing God’s Word is wise, is creative power, and is a must.

“The Word of the Lord is proven,” forever His Word is true.
“This I know, that God is for me” applies firmly to you.
We must not fall for the devil’s lies, giving in to despair–
God knows all of our concerns, and He definitely does care.

Faith and patience in many things are often the key–
so say it always, with sure conviction, “Jesus loves me!”
As for God, His way is perfect–we’re never forgotten.
This we know, through faith in the Son, whom God has begotten.

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.” John 3:16 NKJV

“…For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5 NKJV

“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.” Hebrews 10:35 KJV

“I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.” Psalm 91:2 KJV

“He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.” Deuteronomy 32:4 NKJV

“As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.” 2 Samuel 22:31 and Psalm 18:30 NKJV

“Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call; This I know, that God is for me.” Psalm 56:9 NASB

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 NASB

“…that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:12 NASB

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints….” Ephesians 6:18 KJV


Encouragement and word from the Lord for 2022 at:
http://www.jerrysavelle.org

For prayer support, visit http://www.govictory.com 24/7 (morning prayer M-F, 9:30 a.m. ET (8:30 a.m. CT), for viewing the program). To call, the number is 877-281-6297, where you can pray with and for others for their needs or submit a prayer request of your own. That number can also be reached throughout the day until 11:00 p.m. ET, (10:00 p.m. CT).

Grace Abounding

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“Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.” Romans 5:20 NKJV

It’s an amazing thing to realize how deep is the Lord God’s grace;
for where sin abounded, the scripture says, grace held a larger place.

P. A. Oltrogge

“But the Law came to increase and expand (the awareness of) the trespass (by defining and unmasking sin). But where sin increased, (God’s remarkable, gracious gift of) grace (His unmerited favor) has surpassed it and increased all the more.” Romans 5:20 AMP

“But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior towards man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior.”
Titus 3:4-6 NKJV

“The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy. The Lord is good to all, and HIs tender mercies are over all His works.” Psalm 145:8-9 NKJV

Additionally, see today’s message, “Feed the River,” at:

http://www.dutchsheets.org (video)

http://www.givehim15.com (written)

The Leader We All Need

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“Peace on Earth” by Greg Olsen. Used with Permission. http://www.GregOlsen.com

Looking for a trusted leader? Then, you need to look no more,
for Jesus Christ is the leader every one of us is looking for.

Kingdoms of this world arise, and there are those that fall;
but Christ and His eternal kingdom reign preeminently over them all.

We can read of the rulers of history, both the bad or the good;
but it’s the Lordship of Jesus Christ that must be fully understood.

Sent from His Father, God, Jesus came to us as a servant,
sharing God’s love on earth in a manner that was selfless and fervent.

He emptied Himself of His position, to live and die as a man,
winning redemption for all who’ll believe, in fulfillment of God’s plan.

He spoke of His Father’s goodness, and He told us how to live.
He said that we were to love others, to serve them, and to forgive.

Jesus said that if we followed Him, we’d actually find what’s best.
He taught the importance of prayer, and that, thereby, we’d be blessed.

Looking for a trusted leader? He can be contacted from any nation.
“If anyone is in Christ, they’ve become a new creation.”

Receive, for yourself, Jesus’ leadership, the ruler who shall reign forever.
What a true and faithful King He is. Will He fail us or forsake us? Never!

P. A. Oltrogge

“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:5-8 NASB

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?’” Matthew 16:24-25 NKJV

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which 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 KJV

“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 NKJV

“And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:23-24 NKJV

“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.” Matthew 6:9-13 KJV

“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 8:38-39 NKJV

“Love never fails….” 1 Corinthians 13:8 NKJV

“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5 NKJV

“Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.’” Revelation 11:15 NKJV

“And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, ‘Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns.’”

“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True….”

“And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” Revelation 19:6, 11, and 16 NKJV

The Good Samaritan

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Jesus told the story of a man left half dead,
having fallen among thieves, who stripped and beat him, Jesus said.

There was no one to help the man until a priest came by;
but he saw him and continued on, not caring if the man would die.

After that, another, called a Levite, came upon the site,
but he, too, hurried on, with no regard to this man’s plight.

Then came a certain Samaritan, who, despite his journey’s goal,
forgot his own plans and took steps to see that this man would be made whole.

He bandaged up the man’s wounds, applying oil and wine–
“Every life is important,” he must have thought, “What if it were mine?”

He took the man to an inn and cared for him the rest of the day;
the next morning he paid the innkeeper to do so, in order to be on his way.

“If more than that is needed,” he said, “I’ll repay you when I come back.”
His compassion was deep, and he needed to see that he’d recovered from the attack.

Jesus finished the story and asked who’d been the man’s neighbor of the three.
A lawyer answered, “The one who showed mercy to him”–and, likewise, so should we…

not pass up opportunities to help any who need our care;
but instead, on a daily basis, of such times, may we be quickly aware.

(postscript to the above…)

Before Jesus told of this story, the same lawyer had put Him to a test–
“What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He thought that he knew this best.

Jesus pointed him to the Law—to love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind; and then to love your neighbor as yourself—these two, really, are intertwined.

If someone says they love God, whom they’ve not actually seen with their eyes,
yet is merciless or hates his brother whom he’s seen, the Bible says that he lies.

Jesus emphasized that loving God was the great and foremost command.
But, again, He said, that these two laws always go hand in hand.

By this, Jesus taught of God’s perfect plan–
Love God and love your fellow man.

But there’s only been one who has ever fulfilled God’s laws in a perfect way–
Jesus Christ, Himself, who has been our example, Teacher, Savior and Lord,
from then until this present day.

P. A. Oltrogge

1 John 4:20, 21 “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.”

Matthew 22:37-40 “And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.’”

Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.”

From Luke 10:25-28 and Luke 10:29-37
From John 13:13-15

opportunities to minister
through appropriately named:
http://www.samaritanspurse.org

and http://www.operationblessing.org and many others of which you’re aware….

The Strength of United Prayer

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Have you read about or heard of a story…regarding a tough situation,

where prayer turned things around with a kind of heavenly litigation?

It’s good to remember such times, of great breakthroughs coming about,

when believers joined their faith in prayer, effectively driving out doubt.

This can also be likened to a soldier in battle–weary from fighting hard,

when suddenly fresh troops come to his aid, to relieve him and stand guard.

It’s wise to make declarations of faith when traveling down a difficult way;

but often we need our family in Christ, to join together with us to pray.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:19-20

“Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.” Acts 12:5

“So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying.” Acts 12:12 (and Peter escaped prison by an angel of the Lord, sent in answer to their prayers)

“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 6:17-18

“Be kindly affectionate to one another, with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer, distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.” Romans 12:10-13

“When I cry out to you, Then my enemies will turn back;
This I know, because God is for me.” Psalm 56:9

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

Refer to: http://www.ifapray.org

Faith for this Friday

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It’s assuring to know that there are many churches in Ukraine and Russia with Bible believers who are trusting in the Lord and His Word of faith, praying for peace–as well as the believers in many nations, doing the same….

“Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9

Today’s message, “Enforcing the Victory,” by Dutch Sheets is excellent, as is the prayer offered and the faith decree:

http://www.dutchsheets.org (video)

http://www.givehim15.com (written)

“The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Continued Prayers to our Triune God…

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For an update on Ukraine–how God is answering prayer, and specific prayer guidance, visit http://www.ifapray.org

And for a moment of reflecting on the Trinity of God on this St. Patrick’s Day:

“Top of the morning” to you, on this St. Patrick’s Day!
May all of God’s wonderful blessings graciously come your way.

It’s said that St. Patrick used the shamrock, which has leaves of three,
as an illustration to the Irish people of God’s holy Trinity.

Just as a shamrock is composed of three separate leaves, yet is one–
the almighty God of the Bible is the Father, Holy Spirit, and the Son.

Shamrocks have been associated with “luck,” but God’s promises are sure.
While shamrocks cannot last, God’s loving kindness will forever endure.

Today is a day when many will turn to thoughts of the Emerald Isle;
but may we daily be sure to turn our thoughts to the Lord for a while.

And on a day when some may be thinking of “wearing the green,”
may the people of God reflect His joy, which is the best thing to be seen.

P. A. Oltrogge

“…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are one.” 1 John 5:7 KJV

Of the Word, Jesus, it’s written: “And the Word was made 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 KJV

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” John 1:1-5 NKJV

Mark 12:28-31; John 14:6; John 14:9; 1 John 1:1-4

The Authority of the Believer

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“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19 NKJV

God’s ministers so often have wisdom that can point out essentials to our Christian walk. Recently, Mark Hankins noted something Jesus shared that wasn’t merely “talk.”

Jesus said that He was giving us AUTHORITY over “ALL the power of the enemy.” That’s a high degree! Jesus wasn’t just saying that this authority was “available” if you might be interested–NO, He was giving us a VITAL KEY.

When we experience a trial, we must take authority over the problem at hand. The devil and his demonic beings must flee, for God has put us in command.

If things don’t seem to budge, remember–the devil doesn’t want to be arrested. But we must stand confident in the authority Jesus won for us, and with which we’ve been invested.

P. A. Oltrogge

Jesus secured the devil’s defeat, which we must enforce, by taking authority over him…

“Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 NKJV

“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.” Ephesians 6:10-12 NKJV

“Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:18-20 NKJV

“You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.” Colossians 2:13-15 NLT

Visit: http://www.markhankins.org to find many fortifying materials, including “The Believer’s Authority.” Of that, Mark Hankins writes:

“It is time for us as believers to take our place In Christ and exercise the authority that God has delegated to us. We must take steps to possess all that God has promised. We have been made for mastery. You’ve been deputized.”

Other ministries which also offer teaching on the believer’s authority: http://www.rhema.org, http://www.kcm.org, http://www.awmi.net

…Jesus said there would be wars and rumors of wars, but He didn’t say we wouldn’t be able to use our authority in the midst of them and, certainly, we should pray. Making a declaration is something believers can do, in the spiritual realm, in addition to praying. So, I submit the following:

As Christians who have been given authority by God, we take our authority over all the power of the enemy and declare turnarounds and reversals of any gains of the enemy (the devil) in our own countries (not in a physical war, but a spiritual one) and that of Ukraine right now (in both a physical and spiritual war). We bind the devil and demons (from advancing evil goals in these countries) and we say they are defeated in the name of Jesus. We pray for and loose the miraculous power of God into these countries both day and night.

We declare that God is a refuge for the people (we declare the Lord’s mercies over the children, families, and the elderly, and protection over those in direct battle) and declare that God empowers His people to pray, contribute financially, and, for some who can, even physically to go to help. We thank God for those who are already doing this, and we claim Psalm 91 protection over them and their efforts. Thank God for their courage and resolve. Thank God for miracles already occurring. Thank God for, and we plead, the blood of Jesus over all situations.

Despite any setbacks, keep our eyes, Father God, on the victory shore as we attend to your Word and look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,

See posts at http://www.dutchsheets.org
http://www.elijahlist.com

Those with us are more….

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“Therefore he sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city. And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, ‘Alas, my master! What shall we do?’

“So he answered, ‘Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, and said, ‘Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” 2 Kings 6:14-16 NKJV

The Sunflower, the National Flower of Ukraine

When troubles surround, look to the beauty of a flower.
Its magnificence reminds us of our creative God of power,
who stands with us against those who would seek to defeat us.
At the point of our need, God and angel armies meet us!

There are more who are with us than those who oppose–
and our deliverer is the King. From the grave, He arose!
There’s no other name under heaven higher on which to call.
Jesus Christ is our Redeemer, Mighty God, and Lord of all!

P. A. Oltrogge

“The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my strength, in whom I will trust, my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” Psalm 18:2 KJV

“I sought the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears…
The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.” Psalm 34:4, 7 NKJV

“Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.” Psalm 103:20 KJV

“Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty, Who cover yourself with light as with a garment, Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain. He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters, Who makes the clouds His chariot, Who walks on the wings of the wind, Who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flame of fire.” Psalm 104:1-4 NKJV

“Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

“And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”
Ephesians 1:15-23 NKJV

“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them…let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. Thus is the stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone. Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” from Acts 4:8-12 NKJV

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NKJV

“And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS”
Revelation 19:16

Eternal Father, Strong to Save

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“With all prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:18 NASB

If you missed yesterday’s (March 11) message by Dutch Sheets, it is encouraging:

http://www.dutchsheets.org (video)

http://www.givehim15.com (written)

Also, at http://www.ifapray.org are prayers to come in agreement with, especially for the families of those involved in the conflict over Ukraine.

Since trouble has come to many places, this familiar hymn came to mind, to use, too, for encouragement and as a prayer. Though originally written for those who are at sea, I altered the verses to include land and sea. Another version from 1940, with different wording, includes air, land, and sea.

Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bids the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
O hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on land and sea.


2 O Savior, whose almighty word
The winds and waves submissive heard,
Who walked upon the foaming deep,
And calm amid the rage did sleep;
O hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on land and sea.


3 O Holy Spirit, who did brood
Upon the waters dark and rude,
And bid their angry tumult cease,
And give for wild confusion peace;
O hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on land and sea.


4 O Trinity of love and pow’r,
Your children shield in danger’s hour;
From rock and tempest, fire, and foe,
Protect them where-so-e’er they go;
Thus, evermore shall rise to Thee
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.

William Whiting
Written, 1860

“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” Psalm 9:9 NIV

“…you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’” Romans 8:15 NKJV

“Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’” Galatians 4:6 NIV

“But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: Ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7 KJV

“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31:24 NKJV

“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

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On the March 10 Flashpoint program, information was shared on efforts to help Jewish people leaving Ukraine and Russia to make aliyah, their return to Israel, as the Bible has prophesied:

“And He will raise up a signal for the nations and will assemble the outcasts of Israel and will gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.” Isaiah 11:12

To view the program:

http://www.govictory.com/flashpoint

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And find info via an internet search: you tube Sid Roth Ukraine