“…’If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:20-21NIV
Recently I was criticized by someone I know, for believing that Jesus is Lord.
That they would do this made me sad for a while, but then my peace was restored.
God brought to my mind a hopeful thought of the caterpillar to butterfly metamorphosis instead.
I then saw my critic as a “caterpillar,” whose spiritual blindness could eventually be “shed.”
For God can transform those who are opposed to Him; for instance, Saul became the Apostle Paul.
Though once a persecutor of Christians himself, he was changed and responded to God’s call.
As Saul, he consented to the stoning of Stephen, and it’s possible that Stephen’s prayer at his own death…
brought about Saul’s Damascus Road conversion. “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin,” were the last words from Stephen’s breath.
P. A. Oltrogge
“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
(Account of Stephen’s ministry and Saul’s conversion, Acts 6-9)
It can surely be said that the Apostle Paul went from denying Christ to fully relying on Him.
Photos/Pexels
As always, Dutch Sheets presses us today to persevere in prayer. Evil and heartless things have transpired, but we’ve also seen and heard of good things which have inspired, even the miraculous. As with Stephen’s prayer, our prayers for those who do evil, or for those who oppose our faith in Jesus as Savior and in Biblical values, are a way of “feeding” and “giving drink” to our enemies. Many have come to realize, or will come to realize, their hunger and thirst for the one true God….
A clanging cymbal, a noisy gong, that’s how a life is without love–so wrong! If you speak of the future, possessing that gift, know mysteries and knowledge, but don’t show love, you’re adrift.
Even if you have faith that seems to be heaping, in God’s eyes–without love–nothing is what you’ll be reaping. If you have faith that could remove a mountain, without love, your life can be compared to a dried-up fountain.
If you give all your possessions to feed the poor but have not love, you’ll always be unsure of the mark you’ve made in this world that needs your true love and compassion scattered as seeds.
If you give even your life, with your body being burned– without love in your heart, there’s nothing you’ve earned. Be patient, be kind–don’t be jealous or brag– nor be arrogant or act unbecomingly–those things bring a snag.
Don’t let yourself be provoked, and forsake insisting upon your own way; don’t take into account wrongs suffered in a fray. Don’t be glad about things unpleasing to God, but be glad about what’s good. In love–bear, believe, hope and endure all things as He would.
Other gifts will cease, but real love is enduring; the partial will give way to a full maturing. Now things in the mirror are dimly seen, but, one day, all will be clear with a crystal sheen.
Faith, hope, and love–these three you can rate, but love will always be the greatest of the great. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control– Scatter these seeds and be a contented soul.
P. A. Oltrogge
(poetic thoughts from 1 Corinthians 13)
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” words of Jesus in John 13:34-35
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us; an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” Ephesians 4:32-5:1-2
“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor….Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12: 9, 10, 21 (and all of the chapter)
“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
“Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.'” John 8:58
The Angel of the Lord appeared to Moses from a bush of burning fire… I thought about its glorious light, for things have been dark and dire.
At Horeb, Moses saw that the bush remained intact despite the blaze. From it, came the voice of the One to whom men and angels give their praise.
Moses was informed that he was standing on a holy plot of ground. Then God spoke about His people, who were oppressed and had been bound.
Deliverance, God said, was coming–He’d heard His people’s cries. Likewise, for us today–it’s in His plans, that our future lies.
By Holy Spirit directive, we’re sent out (who have come to believe), with the gospel message, which the world most certainly needs to receive.
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, is the Lord of all– It’s on His Name, that every person who desires to be saved must call.
While some are carrying out, upon the earth, their evil deeds, we know it’s from the Father of lights that every good thing in life proceeds.
Working with Him, we persevere, as we look to His light and pray. As happened long ago with Pharaoh, our God will have His way.
P. A. Oltrogge
“…preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all—” Acts 10:36
“Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” (spoken by Jesus in John 14:9)
“Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. Then Moses said, ‘I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.’ So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’
“Then He said, ‘Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. Moreover, He said, ‘I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God.” Exodus 3:1-6
(God goes on to tell Moses of His plans for deliverance–that He’s heard the cries of His people.)
“And God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ” Exodus 3:14
“The sight of the glory of the Lord was like a consuming fire on the top of the mountain in the eyes of the children of Israel.” Exodus 24:17
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:17
Reference to the name of Jesus Christ: “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
“For the upright will dwell in the land, And the blameless will remain in it; But the wicked will be cut off from the earth, And the unfaithful will be uprooted from it.” Proverbs 2:21-22
“Then I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.” Daniel 9:3
On this Ash Wednesday…
Today is the first day of Lent…which some observe through wearing of ashes. As Christians, we use today as a means to bring remembrance of the lashes…
taken by our Savior, who was whipped and mocked in our stead– Then Jesus bore a cross to be crucified for our sins, but rose again from the dead.
Ashes can remind of our own deaths, for God formed Adam from the dust. When Jesus prayed in Gethsemane, His Father’s will became His, “I must.”
Jesus, the “last Adam,” and Son of Man, bore the penalty for all of our sins…Now anyone who receives Him finds that, through Christ, new life begins.
P. A. Oltrogge
“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life;and man became a living being.” Genesis 2:7
“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:22
“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
“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
“He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. 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. As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.” Psalm 103:10-14
“Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous actthe 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
To pray for or donate to efforts to assist those fleeing Ukraine, see the very beginning of the service at Eagle Mountain International Church–(February 27th) at http://www.emic.org (bottom right, “Latest Service”). Pastors George and Terri Pearsons explain what EMIC is doing to assist those seeking refuge in Poland and Jewish Ukrainians wanting to get to Israel.
…to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge–anything that man can learn or comprehend. Therefore, the Bible, which tells of God’s love, is the wisest Book to which to turn and to recommend….
Or “passes (or surpasses) knowledge” could be interpreted to mean that experiencing the love of Christ in a personal way is so much better than just having knowledge of Him.
“For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
“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 3:14-21 NKJV
“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? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written:
“For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”
“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:31-39 NKJV
“There is no fear in love [dread does not exist]. But perfect (complete, full-grown) love drives out fear, because fear involves [the expectation of divine] punishment, so the one who is afraid [of God’s judgment] is not perfected in love [has not grown into a sufficient understanding of God’s love].” 1 John 4:18 AMP
“For the word 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, And the understanding of those who have understanding, I will confound.”
“Where is the wise person? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has God not made foolish the wisdom of the world?” 1 Corinthians 1:18-20 NASB
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10 NKJV
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29 NIV)
The following, from Saturday, is told by Marian, a woman who has been serving, for many years, the homeless people in Chicago, which she began doing after the death of her young son, Timothy.
Good Morning!
Wonderful week at Tim’s House and we have continued to place people in hotel rooms during the bitter cold days. Yesterday, we paid for 6 rooms for the people who are completely outside and they will be there until Monday. I wish I could adequately share the joy and complete gratitude expressed by each person who has had this opportunity to sleep in a warm bed. Honestly, the gift of having a warm place and a bed to sleep in is something that I know that I take for granted! After staying at the motel, one man walked into Tim’s House with a huge smile on his face with both arms in the air, “It’s a whole new world! Thank you!” People are so grateful and continue to tell me that “I don’t know how I can ever thank this Ministry!” We have had a rough winter here in Chicago, and thank you to everyone who has helped to make this possible through your donations!
After our sweet volunteers cooked and served a hot breakfast all morning, beginning at 8 a.m. while baking brownies (and frosting them) for our birthday celebration, Mel stopped by with 60 bagged lunches and more treats! God is so good, and there was something about the aroma of chocolate brownies baking in the oven that added to the ‘feeling of being at home.’ People enjoy this breakfast so much and they love visiting and seeing people, resting, helping themselves to clothing, and as ‘Mike’ said yesterday as he was visiting with someone while eating, “I love this place!” It is so amazing to me because it does feel like home for everyone.
We sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to Eric and Felix, and everyone helped themselves to the homemade frosted brownies and also take-home cheese bread and bagged lunches that Mel and her 95-year old Dad put together! Thank you and God bless you Don!
A man came up to me yesterday and said, “I believe in Miracles!’ He said, “I got this coat last week, and today I just walked to the stage (where we keep clothing) and look at these shoes! They fit perfect and they are so nice and I didn’t even tell you that I needed shoes! And look, I got this backpack too, and it’s just what I needed!” Only God knows what we need, and this happens all the time! Thank you for your beautiful donations!!!
The above photo is from Wednesday night’s dinner. We gather on Wednesday from 3 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. and have a wonderful Bible Study and time of sharing after dinner.
PRAYING TOGETHER FOR UKRAINE AND THE WORLD After breakfast and celebrating birthdays, we gathered yesterday (Friday) for our Bible Study. As we opened in prayer, a man to my left prayed for the people in Ukraine and then, one by one, many people prayed for the people there; and I was just in awe of the compassion I could hear from people who do not have much in this world, but they know what it is to experience hardship. And as one man said, “I can’t imagine!” We read from the Bible of how God, many times, allowed a small army to conquer a vast army (2 Chronicles 14). “Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army. Lord, you are our God….” (from verse 11). We talked about whatever we face, when we are coming against something bigger than us; and even though it feels impossible, as with David and Goliath, that we can trust God because He is all powerful!
The symbol of the cross is seen throughout the world. Yet, at its life-saving message, contempt is sometimes hurled. Many say that it’s foolish and that, to them, it doesn’t make sense. For if God is loving, they think they should be able to dispense with its message of Christ being Savior as the one way to God’s heart. But that is its true meaning which God, the Father, still seeks to impart.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son….” It’s through Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection that our salvation was won. Life blessed and “more abundant” can also be ours, Jesus said– not only for eternity, but for “today” and every new day ahead. We can do philanthropic deeds, but they won’t carry enough weight. We must accept Christ’s sacrifice to secure entrance at heaven’s gate.
This isn’t always accepted by some who’ve earned higher learning, but it’s through study of the scriptures, that one comes to be discerning. Sometimes it takes a demonstration, by the Holy Spirit, of God’s power to convince them of Christ’s Lordship; and it’s then, that faith will flower. The message of the cross is that God loved us beyond measure– May those who find it “foolish” find, instead, their greatest treasure.
P. A. Oltrogge
“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
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 KJV
“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. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” John 10:9-11 NKJV
When I saw that Andrew Wommack’s Ministry was coming to Phoenix, Arizona, for three days for their Gospel Truth Crusade, excitement began to rise up in my spirit to attend.
However, there were many logical reasons why maybe this wasn’t a great idea. It would be a two-day drive, and my husband, Ted, was having a surgery just two and a half weeks before this. Plus, he had spent six days in the hospital with a heart problem just the year before. However, he told me that he could “see” or “picture” us at the conference. He was visualizing in faith, which boosted my faith. It was in the beginning of January, though, so we wondered what the weather would be like. Also, covid was spreading rapidly at that time.
But my Mom came to mind, who had always loved adventure, which kept her healthy and her mind sharp right up to 103 years old! She had often encouraged us to be sure to see the Grand Canyon one day. Yes, we could combine our trip with an excursion to the Grand Canyon!
So this door to adventure was standing open, waiting for a “yes.” We knew there were preparations to make, beyond just securing hotel reservations and packing. We recognized how important faith was before we even started. Scripture states, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). So after determining that we were following the Lord’s leading, we knew it was to be a faith journey all the way; and each negative or fearful thought needed to be met with faith to counter it.
When we hear that God has plans to prosper us–plans for good–our spirits need to agree with that and not allow a picture of anything that would negate that in our minds. Thus, once we made the decision to go, every negative thought was to be defeated. Our part was to continually agree for the Lord’s blessings. (“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)
We felt a sense of “mission” before we left. We were to pray for the country and to bless the people along the way. The first night at our hotel, I was able to share the Lord’s love with a woman working there. When I asked if she could use some prayer, she was so thankful. She lived on the Navaho reservation and had a broken water pipe at home. She also was experiencing some conflict with her son. Then, a waitress I talked with shared a need for prayer, as well, regarding her children. With both of these ladies, I thought of what Jesus said in John 4:4–that He needed to go through Samaria. Even as it was a divine appointment for Him to speak to the woman at the well in Samaria, I felt we were directed to meet both of the women that we did. As we continued to drive through New Mexico, I found myself praying for all of the Navaho people.
The Andrew Wommack conference was wonderful–we basked in the teaching of the Word; and the hotel was beautiful.
Andrew taught on truth, and the Holy Spirit was present to bring understanding and hope for many personal situations. An explanation, so simple, has remained a constant since we’ve come home. He said that three different people will have an opinion as to the length of the stage, but then someone will measure it. That becomes the only truth! With the Word of God, we don’t need people’s opinions. We will “know” the truth and the truth will set us free (John 8:32).
Andrew teaches the truth of Galatians 5:6 – that faith works by love. He says, “Love is the driving force behind our faith. Many of us try harder to believe when we should be seeking a greater revelation of God’s love for us. Then faith would just naturally work.” The atmosphere in the meetings is such a powerful demonstration of both love and faith. An hour before and after each session, prayer counselors pray with those who desire prayer. (To explore his ministry, see http://www.awmi.net.)
I bought a T-shirt with the words WARRIOR NOT WORRIER on it. Yet, I have to confess that the subtle fear of contracting the virus was still trying to crowd out my confidence. As we traveled home again through New Mexico, they were strict about masks; and there were constant signs along the road about obtaining the vaccine. On top of that, Ted seemed to be developing a cough. Then, when we stopped for lunch, we were told that four waitresses had left work feeling sick that morning. However, we felt confident in God’s protection, so we stayed. When our waiter came to our table, he had on a mask with the words, “PROTECTED BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS.” Amen! Thank you, LORD!
When we arrived at that evening’s hotel, suddenly Ted began to run a fever. Faith rose up in us both like David going after Goliath, and we refused to be intimidated by fear of sickness. I laid my hand on his forehead and rebuked the fever in the name of Jesus. When Jesus prayed for Peter’s mother-in-law, her fever left immediately (Luke 4:38-39). That was what rose up in our hearts and, within minutes, his fever was gone. I had on my WARRIOR NOT WORRIER shirt, so that was a constant reminder to trust God. The amazing thing was that I was able to go to bed and fall right to sleep. The next thing I knew was that he was waking me up, saying, “Get ready–we need to get on the road!” He was already up and showered.
I savor the memories of our trip–the faith-boosting conference, the Grand Canyon, which we finally saw, other beautiful natural scenes, and the people we encountered. They’re now embedded in our hearts as the rewards of tackling a trip that looked intimidating. But we made it through to the other side. That reminds me of Jesus’ disciples–when He told them to get into their boat and to cross over to the other side–(Matthew 14:22). He knew there would be a storm, but He wanted them to go in faith.
I have an even greater appreciation for Jesus since the trip. He was with us all the way and always will be–He’s the Rock of Ages…
“…and lo, I amwithyoualways, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:20
“No one is holy like the Lord, For there is none besides You, nor is there any rock like our God.” 1 Samuel 2:2
“The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy. I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly.” Words of Jesus in John 10:10
“Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow.” James 1:17
Dear Lord,
When life’s been less than perfect, I’ve sometimes struggled to understand. Your power could have prevented, and sent something far more grand. But then, one day, You reminded me about diamonds in the rough– How You can take and polish things that seem to be so tough.
Your love will always work to heal when things, at times, go wrong, Yet You desire to see us look to Your Word, which makes us strong. We live by faith and are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ, our Lord; And it’s in believing in Your love for us that we reap a rich reward.
P. A. Oltrogge
“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me….” Psalm 138:8 (NKJV)
“Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14
“You are from God, little children, and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4
“He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” Revelation 3:21
“And they overcame him (the thief/devil) because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even to death.” Revelation 12:11
In some instances, it’s good to remember how God worked uniquely in the life of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers, later to become a great ruler in Egypt:
“And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” (words of Joseph in Genesis 50:20)
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: ‘For your sake, we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.’ Yet in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:35-39 (NKJV)
And we’re learning of and growing in the believer’s authority over the enemy’s attacks/setbacks. Search for that topic in the “Bookstore” at http://www.rhema.org
Scriptures: New American Standard Translation, The Ryrie Study Bible, or as noted.
The Porch of the Lord 