Category Archives: Faith

Reflections on the Legend of the Dogwood

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I think that I shall never see
as lovely a “bouquet” as a dogwood tree.

Pink-flowered, or purple, or snowfall white–
In town or in a forest, they’re a breathtaking sight.

They’re reflections of the Master designer–
Of all beauty He’s created, there isn’t much finer.

They do speak of the divine, for a legend they bear–
On each flower’s center, a “crown of thorns” is there.

Like the beams of a cross, the petals connect,
having rust-colored tips–of Christ’s blood they reflect.

It flowed from His veins, pierced with a spike’s metal,
of which we’re reminded by a hole in each petal.

That dogwoods were once strong enough to be a cross is a story;
After Calvary, God took pity on them to yet speak of His glory.

But though just a story, not Biblical fact–
the legend has stuck and has made an impact.

For in springtime when blossoms of dogwoods begin,
we think, not only of their beauty, but of our Savior within.

Then, too, it can be said that, after winter, when they flower,
they remind not just of the cross, but of Christ’s resurrection power!

P. A. Oltrogge

“And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.” Romans 8:11 AMP

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live, even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die….’” John 11:25-26 NASB

While I’ve endeavored to present some of God’s truths in a poetic way, I believe you would be blessed in referring, once again, to the detailed messages done by Bible teacher, Dutch Sheets. As always, today’s message is informative and valuable.

http://www.dutchsheets.org (video)

http://www.givehim15.com (written)

Photos/Unsplash

Timothy’s Ministry

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The following is told by Marian, a woman who has been ministering for many years to the homeless people in Chicago. She began doing so, actually, after and due to the death of her young son, Timothy. You can also read her account of how “Timothy’s Ministry” came into being at http://www.timothysministry.org under “Stories.”

Hi Everyone! SHARING A STORY

I just wanted to share a story of how God provides in such miraculous ways. This is how God always has come through since the beginning!

A couple of weeks ago, I sent out an e-mail requesting just two items (although they were unusual and kind of big items and I couldn’t imagine who might donate, but decided it wouldn’t hurt to ask). I asked for: 1) A laptop and 2) A used car.

Sara, who sadly is completely homeless, told me she would be so grateful to have a laptop so that she could use it at the library for her personal research. I asked for a car for John who was once homeless, but has been living in subsidized housing and had been working delivering pizzas for the past year with his very old car which finally died. John had asked me that same day if I could possibly ‘ask in my e-mail’ for a car. He said he had saved some money and could pay something toward it, Honestly, I was hesitant to ask for a car in one of my e-mails, because I thought that people have been so generous so how could I ask for a car? (Just my own thoughts…but not God’s thoughts).

Out of all of the hundreds of people on my contact list, one woman (Pam) immediately replied and offered her used laptop which she said had already been cleaned up and ready to give away. The day after the donation of the laptop, I began to wonder about the car and thought to myself that God always seems to bring in whatever we need and doesn’t just do things ‘half-way’…but certainly there were no expectations on my part because, after all, it was such a big item and I’ve never asked for a car in 16 years!. But, later that SAME day, my friend Sue (who does not receive or read my e-mails) called me out of the blue and said, “Marian, sorry to bother you, just a quick question…I’m with my daughter cleaning out my Dad’s house and I already told her you wouldn’t have a need for this but she keeps insisting, ‘Just call Marian and ask’, so, we just want to ask if you think there is anyone in your group who could use a mini-van in good condition?” Whatt!!!?? I told her about my e-mail from 2 days before and we both knew THIS was God! It’s always like this, not 10 offers of laptops or 4 cars, but always just exactly what we need and God found a way to remind through the car offer that it wasn’t anything I did (sending the e-mail) this was.just a gift from Our Father in Heaven!!!

Sara was so happy yesterday talking about how much she is enjoying her time at the library with her laptop; and John was ecstatic with the hugest smile on his face! He said “I had been praying about a car because I really need to work and the restaurant owner was holding the job open for me!!” Over the years, John has always been so happy and willing to deliver small items to people who could not get to us because of health issues (large grocery bags, small appliances, etc.) He was saying yesterday, ‘Now I can bring larger deliveries to people with a mini-van!) Although John had saved up money and was willing to pay something for the car, my friend would not accept any money and said he could use his money for oil changes, etc. All I can say is, ALWAYS take everything to God even and especially when it doesn’t seem like a possible request! All things are possible with God!

(Shared by: P. A. Oltrogge,
Porch of the Lord)

He, a Rose

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” I am the rose of Sharon, the lily of the valleys.” Song of Solomon 2:1

“Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.” Luke 12:27

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The variety of flowers God created are such a feast for our eyes–
And, besides their beauty, most have a pleasing fragrance that will arise.

No wonder Jesus said that we should consider the lilies of the field–
Their essence is a tribute to His Father’s care to which they yield.

Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross arose, as a pleasing fragrance, to the Father’s throne–
An aroma so pleasing that Christ now, as the rose of Sharon, is known.

Yes, like a rose, that was crushed and associated with thorns upon His head,
Jesus paid for our redemption through scourges and His sacred veins that bled.

All who are in Christ give sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him as well,
To remind those who are saved of heaven, and to warn those unaware of hell.

So consider how the lilies are clothed, and therefore put on the Lord Jesus Christ,
For His sacrifice on your behalf is the one that the Bible says sufficed.

P. A. Oltrogge

“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.” Romans 13:14

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV

“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 5:1-2

“But thanks be to God, Who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things?” 2 Corinthians 2:14-16

“You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good, and healing all who were oppressed by the devil; for God was with Him. And we are witnesses of all the things He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. And they also put Him to death by hanging Him on a cross. God raised Him up on the third day, and granted that He should become visible, not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen beforehand by God, that is, to us, who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. And He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead. Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.” Acts 10:38-43

Praise God, it was for you that He arose!

Blessed are…

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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

The Praise Cure

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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

I’m thanking the Lord today for His presence, love, compassion, and power in your life. Choosing a favorite worship song blesses Him and enhances your hope and trust in Him in the midst of a difficulty.

“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 (Scriptures NKJV)

A Bit of the Irish

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

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

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

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

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

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

P. A. Oltrogge

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

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

Of the Word, Jesus, it’s written: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 KJV

Mark 12:28-30; John 14:6; John 14:9; 1 John 1:1-4; John 1:1-5

Inspirational tribute to the life of St. Patrick:
www.dutchsheets.org (video)
www.givehim15.com (written)

A Mighty Forest and the Mighty Fortress

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“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers!  But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.  And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither, and in whatever he does, he prospers.”  Psalm 1:1-3 NASB

Like a tree firmly planted by streams of water–

that’s what each of us will become, as God’s son or daughter,

when we meditate, continually, in God’s written Word.

Our growth in Christ will increase–it can’t be deterred.

Jesus reminded us that man doesn’t live by bread alone–

It’s by regular feeding on God’s Word that we will have grown

to be strong trees in a mighty “forest,” the planting of the Lord–

rooted in God, our mighty fortress, our faith having soared.

P. A. Oltrogge

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

“For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore, for thy name’s sake, lead me, and guide me.”  Psalm 31:3 KJV

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

You may enjoy visiting Covenant Family Church, http://www.covenantfamily.cc for “church” via conference call on Sundays at 10:50 a.m., (Eastern Standard Time). There’s no need to announce yourself; just make the call and enjoy the “live” message. The telephone number is (609) 663-1557.

Photo Unsplash/Rampart Lakes, USA

Those who Trust in the Lord

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“Blessed be the Lord,
Who daily bears our burden,
The God who is our salvation. Selah
God is to us a God of deliverances;
And to God the Lord belong escapes from death.”

Psalm 68:19-20 NASB

“A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand,
But it shall not approach you.”

Psalm 91:7 NASB (and all of Psalm 91)

“Those who trust in the Lord
Are as Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides forever.
As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
So the Lord surrounds His people
From this time forth and forever.”

Psalm 125:1-2 NASB

“You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.”

Isaiah 26:3 NKJV

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” …words of Jesus in John 14:26 NKJV

We do what we can in the natural, in times of crisis, to protect;
but prayer and faith in God’s Word–these have the greatest effect.
Remember, Jesus cursed the fig tree, and it withered from its roots and died.
Jesus said to say unto this “mountain”–thereby God’s answers are supplied.

(Lessons from Mark 11:20-24)
“And Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God.’” Mark 11:22

The example of Abraham:

“For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

“And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.” Romans 4:13, 19-21 NKJV

Give God the glory before you can see the end of the story. “Glory to God” is the perfect expression of your gratitude and esteem towards God and confidence in Him and His Word–His love, goodness, and faithfulness to you in the past, present, and future.

For specific daily prayer support:
9:30 a.m. Eastern USA Time, 877-281-6297
http://www.govictory.com

Four Words That Work

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“Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24

…written by Kenneth Copeland

Believing. That’s the key to everything in the kingdom of God. It’s the way we tap into the very power of Almighty God. Most of us know that. But do we know how to put it into action?

Actually it’s so simple, it’s startling. It’s as simple as saying, “I believe I receive.”

Something happens in your spirit when you say those words. I don’t understand how, but it does. I don’t understand how my digestive system knows what to do when I swallow something, but it does. All I have to do is take a bite of food and it goes to work. I don’t have to make it happen. It just happens. That’s the way the body is made.

In much the same way, when you feed on God’s precious promises and “swallow” them into your spirit by saying, “I believe I receive,” faith is released. You don’t have to make it happen. You don’t have to feel it happen. It just happens. The reborn spirit is made that way.

When you constantly say with your mouth, “I believe I receive my healing” or “I believe I receive my financial needs met,” and then quote the scriptures that back those things, faith is released to bring power to bear on those needs.

As Dr. Kenneth Hagin said, you need to “keep the switch of faith turned on.” And Gloria and I have discovered that speaking out that phrase, “I believe I receive,” is one way to do it. We say it when we pray. We say it when we praise God. We say it when we read the Word.

We especially say it in the face of darkness when it looks like we’re not receiving. When everything looks the worst, we say it the loudest. I believe I receive!

Do you want to activate your faith today? Then make these four key words the most important words in your vocabulary. Use them every day. You’ll soon discover, just as we did…they work!

Scripture reading: Mark 11:12-24

Reprinted with permission from Kenneth Copeland Ministries

From the book,
Faith to Faith (www.kcm.org)

Bold Believers Speak in Faith

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“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 whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” Mark 11:23-24 (NKJV)

We’re Jesus’ bold believers, who have faith about our prayers–
He said that we could pray in faith and then follow up as “sayers.”
“Say unto this mountain,” and its removal will come to pass,
was a basic rule that He had taught in His discipleship class.
“He will have whatever he says,” is exactly the word He used;
yet criticism of those who do this has caused His principle to be refused.
Some may be inspired to practice it, but give up, and say that it’s too hard,
for when applying faith to gain an inch, it can seem the devil takes a yard.
That’s why we’re told to persevere, holding fast to the truth of God’s Word.
Read and meditate and say it–until that “mountain’s” heard!

P. A. Oltrogge

…and remember to resist doubt (as stated in Mark 11:23-24) “…and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.” Mark 11:23 (Doubtful thoughts may come to our minds, but that doesn’t mean they are in our hearts.)

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

“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21

The wrong shall fail…the right prevail. “Impossibilities” take place by God’s mercy and grace.