Author Archives: porchofthelord

Life-Changing Account from Timothy’s Ministry

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Come to me all of you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

In a recent report from the ministry, Marian Alvarado related encouraging details on helping some of the homeless people who attend Timothy’s Ministry gatherings. Then, she shared the following:

MIRACLE STORY IN WILLIAM’S LIFE

Wow! Such an amazing day last Friday! As always, we went around our table and each person shared their name and shared whatever was on their heart or a prayer request. A man who looked familiar said, “Do you remember me? My name is William, and the last time I was here at this table was 5 years ago!” I recognized him but didn’t remember his story.

He said, “The last time I was here, in 2019, I wanted to end it all when I woke up in the morning, but ‘something’ told me to come to Tim’s House instead.” He said, “I was an addict and lived in an SRO in a bad neighborhood surrounded by drugs and bad people; and during the Bible Study, something that was read from the Bible just hit me in my heart for the first time and I knew it was God.” He said, “At the end of the Bible Study, you asked if anyone needed prayer, and I came over to you and I told you that I felt like ending it all and that I was an addict, and you and a few others prayed over me.”

William said, “After you prayed, I said that if you could find a place for me to get help, I would go that day.” He reminded us that I called the Salvation Army in Chicago, but they were filled. He said that I then called the Salvation Army in Waukegan; and not only did a person answer the phone on a Friday afternoon but said, “There is a bed available for William if he can get here by 5 p.m.” William remembers that I got $10 out of my purse and gave it to Valerie and Bill and a few others and asked them to walk with him to the train and not give William the money directly. He chuckled as he remembered the ‘humbling’ moment of not being trusted with the $10, but said, that was a good thing, and said that saved his life. He got into the Salvation Army that day, got sober, and from there got a job, and now has a car, is working full time, and this is the first time we heard anything from him in 5 years (other than a call on the day he checked in)!

He said “It’s the power of God that I have stayed sober for 5 years and I have a new life! With a huge smile on his face he said, “I read the Word of God every day and God has kept me sober, and the best part is that I have a personal relationship with Jesus!” William said he had a plan that morning (before ‘something’ told him to come to Tim’s House) of how he would ‘end it all,’ but God had another plan for his life! Wow!

There was so much joy and applause and encouragement around our table on Friday just seeing and feeling the love and power of God including the two women and two men who prayed over him and escorted him to the metra train with the $10! His story gave so much hope to others in the room because he has not only been sober for 5 years, but he has been working in ‘shipping and receiving’ full time and has his own apartment and a car and completely stepped out of poverty and homelessness as well. Thank you to everyone for all of your prayers and support so that we can keep helping the people God brings to us! 

http://www.timothysministry.org

Prayers and Decrees

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A Decree Concerning Hurricane Milton

by Jane Hamon, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Lord, we come before You and make an appeal for mercy on Florida!

We come in agreement and make a decree against every force that is empowering this storm called Milton in the Gulf of Mexico!

We ask for a sheering wind from the north to disrupt this storm and cause it to diminish to a minimal storm before it lands!

We cry out to You for help from all contrary and destructive winds, waves, and rain in Central and South Florida, in Jesus name!

We ask for preservation, provision, protection, and refuge from this storm for those seeking Your help in this season!

Lord, put Your finger in the eye of Hurricane Milton! We say “Peace be still!” to Milton, in Jesus name. 

We ask for grace and wisdom and divine reversals to come to all those in its path in this time of great need of help from Heaven, in Jesus name!

Let angels on assignment and ministries of mercy be loosed to help each one crying out to you in this hour! Amen

…sent out by Elijahlist

See also today’s http://www.givehim15.com

Joining in Faith Against the Storms

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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

…Some may think it preposterous to expect a forecasted hurricane to die down; but I’d rather exercise faith regarding it, no matter what…

For those who want to join in faith, we take authority over yet another hurricane and command it, “Peace, be still!” In the name of Jesus. We speak death to the storm itself, in Jesus’ name and rebuke the elements/forces that make for a hurricane, taking authority over them, commanding them to cease…

I plead the blood of Jesus over the United States, especially those areas that have already seen destruction… Father, we ask for your mercy over America…and continued help for those who have suffered loss…in the name of Jesus


Last Year in Israel/October 7

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Today we remember that day and those killed in Israel or taken as hostages…

Precious young adults, parents, and dear children, in unthinkable ways…lost what was left of their future life’s days. Even grandparents, though they were old, were kidnapped or killed by men whose hearts were stone cold…

Terrible evil is what that day reflected. Israel needed to mourn, but, instead, had to immediately fight. Their people, their nation deserves to be respected.

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Tonight’s Flashpoint at 8 p.m. ET will remember this: http://www.govictory.com

Visit yesterday’s service at Eagle Mountain International Church–for thoughtful prayer on standing with Israel and an interview with a man living and working there, scroll in to about an hour at: http://www.emic.org

For photos, video, and “Passages to help you pray for the hostages,” scroll down to view that under “Load more” at: http://www.oneforisrael.com

Jesus Stops an Outer Storm and an Inner One

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At evening, Jesus and His disciples were headed to the Gadarenes, across the sea. A storm arose and began to fill the boat with the wind-whipped waters of the Galilee.

Jesus was asleep in the stern in the midst of it all when His disciples cried out with fear. “Teacher, don’t you care that we are perishing?”—their lack of faith being made clear.

Jesus stood up and rebuked the wind and spoke to the sea, saying, “Peace, be still!” Then the disciples were amazed to see the wind and the waves conform to His will. 

After the Lord questioned them why it was that they had no faith, they wondered aloud together. “Who could this be?” to have such authority over the power of wind, sea, and weather.

At their arrival at the Gadarenes, they would see the Lord do a work of another kind. There, Jesus was met immediately by a man who had an unclean spirit and whom no man could bind.

He stayed among the tombs and mountains and would cut himself with stones, crying out both day and night. Even shackles and chains couldn’t hold him, but he’d break them, due to an evil, inner might.

Seeing Jesus from afar, this man ran to Him and worshiped Him, and then he said… “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?” He indicated fear of what was ahead.

Jesus told the unclean spirit to come out of the man and asked its name, which was Legion. “For we are many,” it said, and begged Jesus earnestly not to send them out of that region. 

Then all the demons begged Jesus to permit them to enter a herd of about two thousand swine, which were feeding in the mountains there. At once, Jesus gave permission. The demons entered the pigs, which then ran violently down a steep place to drown in the sea, giving those who saw it a troubling scare.

The men who had fed the swine fled and told others in the city and country what had transpired. So, many came to see for themselves and were shocked to find, clothed and in his right mind, the madman whose life had been so degraded and mired. 

Afraid, they pleaded with Jesus to depart from there, even though such a great deliverance had been shown. The man who’d been delivered very much wanted to leave with and follow Him, but Jesus said that, instead, his story should become more known.

He told him to go home and tell his friends of God’s compassion on him and what great things the Lord had done… So he departed and began to share in Decapolis, and the people marveled as he spoke about his life-changing encounter with Jesus, God’s Son.

P. A. Oltrogge

…from Mark 4-5

Dutch Sheets shares more on this in today’s: http://www.givehim15.com

God is not the Destroyer–He is the Redeemer

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Please refer to the message and prayer by Dutch Sheets on the recent hurricane and flooding. He offers more ways to help at: http://www.givehim15.com

Yesterday Franklin Graham’s son, of Samaritans Purse, was on television saying they will be needing many more volunteers.

There have been wonderful stories of praise/thankfulness regarding having gone through the storm with little or no damage, for which we thank God. For others, we remember to:

“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

“But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, that there should be no division in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.  And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.  Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.”  1 Corinthians 12:20-27

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling.” Selah Psalm 46:1-3

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15

You were there for me…

Sometimes in a crisis, either in our minds or that’s real,
we need the patient listening of someone who can feel…

the pain that we’re going through, the stress that is there.
By listening to our “story,” they show us the care…

that we are so in need of at times of trouble or pain.
Help offered and a listening ear make Jesus’ love plain.

Best of all is when they offer to pray with us on the spot,
cooling things down in situations that are simply too “hot.”

P. A. Oltrogge

Find Your Place in God’s Family

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…the following is shared, with love, as a bit of a nudge for some…

I realize that regular churchgoing isn’t something you prefer…
but let me say this–that it’s not something to defer.

The Lord loves you greatly–you are meant to be a part
of fellowship with other Christians.  We’re all on God’s heart.

The blessing of the Lord makes rich…He adds no sorrow to it.
Giving into His kingdom will bless, you’ll find, as you do it.

Through Christ, we have eternal life, which is such an amazing gift;
but realize there’s more right now, so that your life won’t be adrift.

Protection, provision, healing, being “family” with Christian friends–
These God desires for you…so I pray you’ll find the right church to attend.

P. A. Oltrogge

The times have gotten dark…Come into His “ark” through His Son…
Like a unique piece to a puzzle, you’re His needed, and beloved, one.

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“It is the blessing of the Lord that makes rich, and He adds no sorrow to it.” Proverbs 10:22

“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

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” words of Jesus in John 3:16-17

“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.” words of Jesus in John 10:10

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:23-25

Going to church in person is the most rewarding; but if you’re unsure or perhaps work on Sundays, there are always online opportunities, through many local churches or others, such as:

Watch online at: http://www.josephprince.org
Join us live at: http://www.moorelife.org
Watch Eagle Mountain Church live via: http://www.govictory.com

…photo/St. Peter Lutheran Church (and school), Arlington Hts., Illinois, USA

Overwhelming Love in Overwhelming Times

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“Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:1-2

When all seems lost, at times, there’s still a strong beacon of Light. Hold on to the Lord Jesus Christ, with a faith grip that’s very tight.

The devil seeks to completely destroy your confident trust in the Master. We can never doubt God’s compassion and love–even in times of disaster.

Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world, but to save us and redeem us from the curse, while satan works to steal, kill, and destroy–only to make lives worse.

The steadfast love of God never ceases; His mercies are new every day. He gladly hears those seeking the Savior–and, absolutely, hears His children when they pray.

God’s love is seen through His servants, who go about giving aid…to those who have need of His help, so their glimmer of hope won’t fade.

Faith, hope, and love are vital, but love is the most highly rated. Through prayers, with and for others, and the use of our helping hands, God’s love is communicated.

And on the cross of Calvary, His love profoundly beamed…through His Son’s willingness to give His life, so that our lives could be redeemed.

Lord, we do sense your love and presence in the midst of things that are dire, by way of the Holy Spirit, who reminds that our God is “the Rock” that is higher.

“… For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:5 NLT

P. A. Oltrogge

“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

“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 3:22-23 RSV

“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.” Jesus, in John 10:10-11

“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.” Jesus, in John 3:16-17

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” Romans 1:16

“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” Galatians 3:13-14

“For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.” Colossians 1:19-20

“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:12

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21 (and entire chapter)

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” 1 John 5:14-15

“Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them,  and you will have them. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.” Jesus, in Mark 11:24-25

“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever—the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you.” Jesus, in John 14:16-17 AMP

“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.” Psalm 42:5

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

“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 8:37-39

“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.’” John 8:12 

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Jesus, in Matthew 5:14-16 

“Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” Jesus, in Matthew 25:34-40

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Ministries through which to help share God’s love have previously been mentioned on the Porch of the Lord, (below are some), and you likely have others of which you’re aware. We continue to pray and assist, as we’re able, regarding the many situations in this world which need our prayers.

http://www.samaritanspurse.org
http://www.ob.org
http://www.mercychefs.com

Hope will flower, as we recall God’s resurrection power…

The Mighty Power of God

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“When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature. For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.

“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 2:11-15 NLT

“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

Be blessed at:

http://www.dufresneministries.org

“Live a Lifestyle of Celebration” and “Faith Activates the Power of God” at the website of Nancy Dufresne are of great encouragement, along with books, CDs, and articles.

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Through God’s Word, many have discovered…that good health (and other good things) can be recovered. By taking the shield of faith, fiery darts are smothered. Be strong in the Lord–With His whole armor, be covered.

P. A. Oltrogge

“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

“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 5:4-5

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

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Visit also today: http://www.givehim15.com