Author Archives: porchofthelord

Overcoming Life’s Trials, Relying on God’s Goodness Expectantly

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Thank You, Lord, for my answer to prayer–
Your faithfulness to Your Word, and to me.
I believe I received when I prayed,
so that proof, I’m expectant to see.

P. A. Oltrogge

“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 whatsoever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” Words of Jesus in Mark 11:23-24

“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
Hebrews 6:11-13

Good Samaritans, through prayer

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porchofthelord's avatarThe Porch of the Lord

Supporting financially or serving in various Christian outreaches in our world are important ways of acting as good Samaritans of today. Some things are occurring in hard to reach areas or situations, and we may not all be able to physically go to areas where aid is needed, so may this serve to remind that earnest prayer is a powerful and vital way of being a good Samaritan, too.

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…

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Seated in the Heavenly Places

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porchofthelord's avatarThe Porch of the Lord

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so 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 surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.  These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand, in the heavenly places, FAR ABOVE all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come.  And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”  Ephesians 1:18-23

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Protection in These Times

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“The horse is prepared against the day of battle; but safety is of the Lord.” Proverbs 21:31

an excerpt from “The Power of Jesus’ Blood” February, 2017

Surely, the blood of Jesus “applied” today protects against adverse things;
and every Christian can claim that blood covering for the safety and security it brings.

See also archived messages:

“God’s All-Encompassing Grace” June, 2014

“A Psalm of Security” February, 2015

“Under His Wings” May, 2017 (Consider the size of our God!)

“An Ark So Strong” February, 2015

“Heritage of Protection” July, 2017

Love’s Daily Occurrence

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porchofthelord's avatarThe Porch of the Lord

IMG_0219Conservatory Photo by Porch of the Lord

Precious memories are truly a beautiful thing,
But it’s the presence of a loved one that makes us sing.
I keep that in mind when I think of the Lord–
In seeking His presence, I’ll be renewed and restored.

It’s time spent with Him, sharing my love with Jesus,
That touches His heart, too, and greatly pleases.
He surely loves those who think upon His name,
And of the things He has done in Bible-event fame–

But personal time with Him daily and meditating on His Word
Are the things that will make me live fully assured.
Then it becomes easy to follow where He leads,
With that overflow of mutual love to meet God-seen needs.

P. A. Oltrogge

“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…

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As Said to Joshua

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“Only be thou strong and very courageous….”

…from Joshua 1:7 KJV

These words bolster in meeting the day…
activating strength and courage after we pray.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:7

Biblical Steps…Ask, Seek, Knock

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Photo by Porch of the Lord,
Bequia Island

Let “Ask, and it will be given to you,” and “Seek, and you will find,”
and “Knock, and the door will be opened to you,” often come to mind.

God has so many possibilities, when we are thinking there are none–
The disciples were distraught at Jesus’ death ’til they beheld the risen Son.

When hope seems to have ended, remember your mighty God’s deeds.
He’s a “beyond all that we ask or think” God, who supplies beyond our needs.

So, be blessed to be a blessing to others as God pours out His love.
Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights above.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen”.
Ephesians 3:20-21 NKJV

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17KJV

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him? Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:7-12 NKJV

This I know…

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

In any situation that you may be in,
these words remind that God wants you to win.
This I know, that God is for me…
lifts you above the things that are “stormy.”

P. A. Oltrogge

Jesus loves me, this I know,
for the Bible tells me so.
Yes, Jesus loves me…

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Caribbean Photo by Porch of the Lord

The Shepherd’s Voice

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I once saw a film clip about a shepherd of today…
It showed an imposter calling the sheep to come his way.

But the sheep went on grazing, just as if they couldn’t hear.
Then their true shepherd called… His voice, to them, was clear.

It was amazing to watch them immediately flock to his side.
Likewise, we flock to our true Shepherd, protector, and guide.

At times, a voice that is dangerous will come to us in disguise.
But the voice of our Shepherd, Jesus, and His truths make us wise.

P. A. Oltrogge

“And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” John 10:4-5 NKJV

“I am the good shepherd; and I know my sheep, and I am known by my own.” John 10:14 NKJV

“The wise in heart will receive commands….”. Proverbs 10:8 NKJV

“The law of the wise is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.” Proverbs 13:14 NKJV

“But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.” from one of the parables in Matthew 25 (verse 4)

Excellent series at http://www.moorelife.org on
“My Sheep Hear My Voice” by Keith Moore

Picture Jesus

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“…keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”
from Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT

In peace or in a storm, picture the Lord…
If “walking on water,” keep your eyes toward
the Master who is out there, encouraging you to “Come.”
He’s the author of our faith–where it is from.
He’s the perfector or finisher of our faith, too.
If you feel your faith falter, He will yet see you through.

P. A. Oltrogge

“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 began 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?’ 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

“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” Romans 12:3 KJV

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17 NKJV

“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

“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith….”
from Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV

Though Peter’s faith had faltered and his Lord he’d denied,
he ultimately came to the place where all doubt was defied.

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6 NKJV