On the Porch of the Lord

A place of refreshment, the porch of the Lord…
Pull up a chair, take in spiritual air.
Jesus always has time, and His is the power–
Receive there His touch in this end-time hour.
Like Mary, take time to sit at His feet;
Come to His porch for relief from life’s heat.
Only one thing is needful and truly can please–
His Word and His presence, felt on each breeze.
He offers living water, quenching everyone’s thirst;
And that’s yours there daily, by seeking Him first.
There’s joy on His porch, with your sisters and brothers,
As you find your needs met while caring about others.
The healing and peace which only Christ can bring
Are found there at all times—an everlasting spring.
Taste there His love, so generously poured;
Your “cup will run over” on the porch of the Lord.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, ‘Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.’ And Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things; But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.’” Luke 10:38-42 NKJV

“But one thing is needful…” verse 42, KJV

“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” Psalm 23:5 KJV

(See Porch of the Lord website for Sonja Lovas photo link)

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Today, if you feel alone with some worrisome cares,

come sit with other believers outside on the porch chairs.

Join me in praying for those who follow these posts…

He’ll perfect what concerns us, as we trust the Lord of Hosts!

For our country, for our futures, we continue to believe…

for all of the good things that He said we could receive.

Of those suffering for their faith, today, we’re reminded;

we pray for them and their enemies, who are spiritually blinded.

We’re strong in the Lord and in the power of His might…

His Word lights our path as we fight faith’s good fight!

P. A. Oltrogge

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” Ephesians 6:10

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12

“Is anyone among you suffering?  Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful?  Let him sing psalms.  Is anyone among you sick?  Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.  Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.  The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.  Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months.  And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.” James 5:13-18

24/7 encouragement:
http://www.govictory.com
http://www.ctvn.org

A blessed day to you!

Be blessed today or any day by the variety of Christian programming found through the Cornerstone Television Network at: http://www.ctvn.org

“For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:1-3

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:15-17

“Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths, reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, ‘This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.’ And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas.” Acts 17:1-4

This Jesus…
Who suffered and died
and rose again from the dead–
This Jesus is the Christ,
the Chief Cornerstone and Head
of His Church.

Through this Jesus…
our lives can take on
a whole new scope…
The Father has provided us new birth
into a living hope.

P. A. Oltrogge

The Vast Tide of God’s Mercy and Love

“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

“Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

“God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

“Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.” 1 John 4:7-12 NLT

“…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

The following is a hymn from out of the Welsh revival of 1904, “Here is Love, Vast as the Ocean,” (William Rees) 

Here is love,
vast as the ocean…
lovingkindness as a flood,

when the Prince of Life,
our ransom,
shed for us His precious blood.

Who His love will not
remember? Who can cease
to sing His praise?

He can never be forgotten
throughout heaven’s
eternal days.

On the mount of crucifixion,
fountains opened
deep and wide.

Through the floodgates
of God’s mercy,
flowed a vast and gracious tide.

Grace and love,
like mighty rivers,
poured incessant from above,

and heaven’s peace and
perfect justice
kissed a guilty world, in love.

In Your truth, You will direct me
by Your Spirit,
through Your Word.

And Your grace, my need is meeting
as I trust in You,
my Lord.

Of Your fullness, You are pouring,
Your great love
and power on me,

without measure,
full and boundless,
drawing out my heart to Thee.

“Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, ‘This Man receives sinners and eats with them.’ So He spoke this parable to them, saying:

“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” Luke 15:1-7 NKJV

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 NKJV

Blessed are…

“And when He saw the multitudes, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. And opening His mouth He began to teach them, saying,

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

“Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me.

“Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again? It is good for nothing anymore, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

“Nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lampstand; and it gives light to all who are in the house.

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

Matthew 5:1-16 NASB

A Remembrance on 9/11

Men with wrong beliefs had plans to carry out a terrible mission–one that God, who is love and promotes love, would never, ever commission.

Among the other flights that fateful morning was Flight 93. The day was 9/11, the date of the 2001 attack on America, the Land of Liberty.

Now, the site of its crash is a peaceful place, where out of great respect, people come to remember the lives lost and take time there to reflect.

So many heroic deeds were done that day, and the following days, on behalf of others. People rushed to help, acting as true American sisters and brothers.

There was an outpouring of patriotism and a turning of hearts to God. Our minds recall that day again, in gazing at what is now just a field of sod.

The severe tragedies in New York City and in Washington D.C.–made all Americans grieve for the precious individuals lost, who they’d no longer be able to see.

U.S. flags were proudly displayed everywhere, and prayers were intensified. May such love for our fellow man and for America forever remain and abide.

“Oh, say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave, o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?”  In God we must always trust…for it is He who is able to save!

P. A. Oltrogge

Photos from a visit to the Flight 93 Memorial

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.” 1 John 4:7-9

From Acts 4: Peter said, regarding the name of Jesus Christ… “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 

“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.” John 3:16-17 

“Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near.”  Isaiah 55:6 

“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 

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

Visit: http://www.givehim15.com

A Way to Help

People with great needs come daily to mind.  We can look at our own country or around the globe to find them and assist through prayer and acts of caring love.  I know that you care and support many important ministries. Today, I’m focusing on those presented by:

http://www.jerusalemprayerteam.org

Mike Evans writes:

For thousands of years, the Sabbath day has been not just a day of rest from normal work, but a time to celebrate and share a meal with family and friends. Today in Ukraine, there are multiplied thousands of Jewish refugees who are hungry, tired, and scared. Many of them don’t even know where their next meal will come from…but together we can change that. 

Since the war started last year, we have made multiple trips to Ukraine, delivering more than 11 million pounds of food. Our teams work in war zones, where explosions are happening, and warning sirens are sounding. They don’t stay where it’s safe—they go toward the danger. We take food, medicine, clothing, and other emergency supplies like tarps to repair roofs damaged by bombs and bullets. 

Whether it is an elderly Holocaust survivor who is hungry, a Jewish orphan cold and lonely and looking for hope and help, or anyone who is dealing with PTSD from all they have endured, we are there as the hands and feet of God’s love. No other Western ministry is going so deep into the war zones so often, and we will keep going as long as the need is there.

To help, visit the website of the Jerusalem Prayer Team, listed above. There, you will find many insightful articles, as well as learning of the latest book by Mike Evans on these end times in which we’re living. God bless you….

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and regarding Israel, Mike writes:

Terrorist attacks are a daily occurrence in Israel. I’ll never forget the mother who told me she never left her house with all of her children because she couldn’t be sure to carry more than two of them to safety if a warning siren sounded. There are physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wounds from these attacks, and someone needs to step up and make a difference for the survivors of these attacks. That’s why we have the Rapid Response Team in place. 

The Rapid Response Team reaches out to Israeli families who have suffered terrorist attacks. We provide immediate humanitarian support and help with the expenses that are often so great. We host events at FOZ (Friends of Zion) to honor the victims and survivors and let them know they are not alone.

The Praise Cure

Just last night I was watching a Mark Hankins program, where he again told of this story. He added that the woman in the story had been standing in faith that she would not get smallpox, but yet did, and not a mild case. So she asked the Lord about it…how she should react about that–what she should praise Him for. He told her to praise Him for His faithfulness to keep His Word! And, as you can read in the rest of the account, she was totally healed, without it leaving a scar….

Lilian B. Yeomans, a medical doctor in the early 1900’s, told the story of a missionary, a woman who had come down with a severe case of smallpox. The following is the story of her healing from that disease.

The Lord gave this woman a vision…of two “baskets” of prayer and praise.
Each of us has such baskets, to which we contribute, in either of those ways.

So, her prayer basket on problems was very full, almost to be spilling out,
while her praise basket was only half full, due to neglect and, often, her doubt.

While prayer can be effective and fervent, there’s an enemy who opposes.
Praise to God is also of great power; and, to Him, it’s as fragrant as roses.

Dr. Yeomans called it “The Praise Cure,” to which there is no expense.
She said it would work in every case, which, by Biblical examples, makes sense.

God told the woman to fill up her praise basket, making it heavy with praise
and song. As she did that, the problem basket eventually “lifted” in her life, 
removing what had been wrong.

Though the doctor had told her to rest quietly, she’d kept up her praises and 
singing. Even nurses who were attending to her decided to join in, keeping her
bedroom ringing! 

So if on some matter, you feel distraught, with a problem that seems very hard–
turn to praise, as did that woman. The affliction ceased, and it left her unscarred.

Praise the Lord! 

P. A. Oltrogge

If you do an internet search, you can find a more detailed version of this poetic account. Look for: Mark Hankins The Praise Cure Lilian B. Yeomans

“Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory.” Psalm 98:1 

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.” Psalm 100:4-5 

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16 

“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” Hebrews 13:15 

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6 (Scriptures NKJV)

Be encouraged through the many ministries mentioned on this blog that teach and are seeing wonderful testimonies of healing. Consider the CD set, “Lay hold on God’s Faithfulness,” available in the Store at http://www.markhankins.org

Andrew Wommack’s ministry has a strong focus on health/healing: http://www.awmi.net

and Kenneth Copeland’s, http://www.kcm.org

Also his ministry at: http://www.govictory.com

Visit http://www.moorelife.org for “101 Things God Said About Healing.” Click on “Word Supply” and then “Resources” for those scriptures. To hear Keith Moore’s songs, click on “Word Supply,” then, “Music.” A favorite of mine is “Healing Compassion,” which is under “Quicken Thou Me.” Be blessed by any and all of them. If you feel in need of peace, listen to his beautiful songs on the peace of God….

I am praying for you–a follower or friend of this blog…

Jesus Christ is Victor

“…For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8

…of Jesus Christ, is written:

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 

“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11

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If you’ve prayed about something but find yourself yet, at times, tending to panic, 

trust that God’s power and plans can’t be outdone by schemes that are satanic.

Jesus came and destroyed the works of the devil, carrying out what God had assigned.

He took our punishment, so we could be restored to God, as was originally designed.

Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection from the grave brought about the devil’s defeat–

Now we enforce that, declaring its truth, in the midst of any challenges we may meet.

We’re not in faith if we’re worrying–so when the enemy suggests his superiority, 

express your thanks and praise to God, thereby showing the devil’s defeat and inferiority.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men.” Psalm 107:8, 15, 21

Count Your Blessings

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done. 

Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by. [Refrain]

by Johnson Oatman, 1897

…always continue to meditate on and speak God’s powerful Word!

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

“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 

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 

“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20

Refer to: http://www.givehim15.com

Also: http://www.govictory.com

Scriptures New King James Version

Christ in me…is victory!

Know the Language

It’s a well-known fact that it’s best to have command
of the language that’s spoken in a foreign land.
We get around better and enjoy our stay
when no language barrier hinders us on our way.
Just so, in our daily lives, God wants us to speak
the language of His Word so that we’ll not be weak.
It will keep us strong and able in this journey that we walk,
for it’s here on this earth that we need “faith talk.”
As Christians, we’re not conformed to this world’s speech,
but a higher language is what we practice and preach.
God’s “Kingdom language” helps us to move about
with confidence in Him on how a matter will turn out!

P. A. Oltrogge

Our prayer language, too, goes beyond our comprehension, touching situations and things that we may fail to mention. Thank you, Lord, for that heavenly understanding; and help us to be bold and circumstance-commanding!

See archived Porch post: “You Hold the Keys” and visit today’s: http://www.givehim15.com

“But Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’” Luke 4:4

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23

“With the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied; he will be satisfied with the product of his lips. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:20, 21

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” Hebrews 11:1-3 KJV

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14

“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 supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints….” Ephesians 6:10-18

“And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 2:38

“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water.’ But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” John 7:38-39

“For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries.” 1 Corinthians 14:2

“Therefore let one who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. What is the outcome then? I shall pray with the spirit and I shall pray with the mind also; I shall sing with the spirit and I shall sing with the mind also.” 1 Corinthians 14:13-15

“And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27

“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

“The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a lion.” Proverbs 28:1

Mark 16:17-18; Acts 1:8; Acts 4:31; Ephesians 6:10-20; Colossians 3:16

For further info, click on “Kenneth E. Hagin,” then put “Why Tongues?” in the search bar at: http://www.rhema.org

photo/Unsplash

Prayers, Faith Decrees, and Worship Warfare

Be sure today to visit: http://www.givehim15.com

“Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.” Job 22:28 KJV

“Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His word.” Psalm 103:20

“May the praise of God be in their mouths, and a double-edged sword in their hands.” Psalm 149:6

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God…” Ephesians 6:17 (from Ephesians 6:10-20)

“…having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever…” 1 Peter 1:23

The name, gladiolus, comes from Latin and Greek words, meaning sword, which can remind of the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

“This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

…photo/Porch of the Lord