Category Archives: Faith

A Very Present Help

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“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Psalm 46:1 KJV

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Troubles come to all of us, trials are an unsolicited part of life;

but there is One who is a very present help in the midst of any kind of strife.

He’s not only present, but He’s VERY present amidst things which can be dire–

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, remember, weren’t burned though engulfed by fire.
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The men had refused to worship the gold idol, as King Nebuchadnezzar had decreed–

Such a decree to these men of faith was something they simply wouldn’t heed.

Anyone who disobeyed would be cast into a fiery furnace that had been stoked very hot–

At the sound of the horn, flute, harp, or lyre, all were to bow down, but these three men would not.
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Called before the king, he gave them another chance to obey, but they bravely made it clear…

that their God could deliver them; yet if not, they served Him only and had nothing to fear. 

Then, thrown into the furnace, divine intervention left them without even the smell of fire–

Their hair wasn’t singed, nor their clothes affected, because no other “god” was higher.
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In the midst of the fiery furnace, a fourth “Man” had appeared, among the other three.

His appearance was “like the Son of God;” and He’d loosed them and had set the men free.

Though they’d initially been bound together, Nebuchadnezzar saw them unhurt and walking separately around–

This miraculous event became proof to him that there was no God but theirs to be found.
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God has promised to be our sure refuge, whom we can run to for shelter from any storm–

If the “winds” of life become threatening or cold, under His wings, we’ll be protected and warm.

He’s the strength upon which we’ve come to depend; and we’re blessed by the love He supplies.

Keep looking to Jesus, your very present help. In every circumstance, that will prove to be wise.

P. A. Oltrogge

(The poetic account is derived from Daniel 3)

…trials sometimes come, but confidence in God’s love and care for us (Psalm 91) and the presence of His Holy Spirit within strengthen those who believe….

Jesus said, “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you.” John 14:16-17 (and through 26)

Acts 1:8 and Acts 2:1-4

“I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 (NASB, Ryrie Study Bible)

A few more thoughts on this same Bible account can be found in today’s devotional at: http://www.josephprince.org

And as always, visit today’s: http://www.givehim15.com

What time is it?

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“I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1

When troubles disappoint, overwhelm, or sometimes shock, remember, then, what time it is–it’s always Praise o’clock!

As much-loved members of the Good Shepherd’s flock, His goodness makes us praise Him all around the clock.

After praise and a mighty shout, the walls of Jericho fell down flat. The people followed Joshua’s instructions, and that was that!

When Daniel faced the lions in their den ’til morning light, an angel at Praise o’clock came there to keep their jaws shut tight.

Paul and Silas were imprisoned–their feet were placed in stocks; but they just sang with all their hearts, and made that prison rock!

If your prayer is for a miracle, but it seems to be “out of stock,” don’t give up, don’t give in–look at the time, it’s still Praise o’clock.

Surely when the way seems hard, there’s an answer to any “block,” for continually and forever, the correct time is Praise o’clock!

P. A. Oltrogge

“O come, let us sing for joy to the Lord, let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving. Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods, in whose hand are the depths of the earth, the peaks of the mountains are His also. The sea is His, for it was He who made it, and His hands formed the dry land. Come let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand.” Psalm 95:1-7 (NASB, Ryrie Study Bible)

“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 fulness 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

“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13 NKJV

“Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 RSV

It’s in serious times or circumstances that it’s exactly right to praise God in expectation of His help. At the same time, we take our authority, through the blood and name of Jesus, over evil spirits that would hinder or harm in any circumstance, as we’re seated with Christ in the heavenly places, far above them. (Reference Ephesians 1:18-23 and 2:4-10)

“What time is it?” can also make us contemplate the time of Jesus’ return. We’re to occupy until He comes…

“And as they heard these things, he (Jesus) added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, ‘Occupy till I come.’” Luke 19:11-13 KJV

Visit today’s: http://www.givehim15.com

Washed Perfectly Clean

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…small and white, clean and bright…Edelweiss

David sinned through adultery and even murder, but then he repented. Paul, once named Saul, persecuted Christians before his conversion. Peter (and all the disciples) denied the Lord, failing in his boast that he would die with Him, rather than deny Him. We must follow God’s love principle, and forgive even ourselves….

Peter failed to demonstrate His love for Jesus by denying Him three times before the cock crowed twice. That was a betrayal of God’s very own Son, who, for our iniquities, paid the ultimate price.

When thoughts of sins, mistakes or failures arise, reminding of an unwise or regretful scene–instead, as a believer, remember Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, through which God has washed you thoroughly clean.

Love covers a multitude of sins–Jesus’ blood washes away everything that was ugly. You’re the righteousness of God in Christ–run to His arms where He’ll hold you snugly.

P. A. Oltrogge

“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms…” Deuteronomy 33:27

“And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.” Mark 10:16

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.’” John 1:29 

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.’” Matthew 11:28-29 NLT

“But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God….” Romans 3:21-23

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

“‘Come now, and let us reason together’ says the Lord, ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.’” Isaiah 1:18

“Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8 NASB

“I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”  John 13:34 NASB

“And forgive us our debts (sins/trespasses), as we forgive our debtors.” Matthew 6:12

“Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him, up to seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’” Matthew 18:21-22

“For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fulness 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. And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight–if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.” Colossians 1:19-23 

Another example of forgiveness and love is the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15.

“Wash me thoroughly from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin…Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; Cleanse me, and I will be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:2, 7 (…a Psalm of David)

“Peter said to Him, ‘Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!’ All the disciples said the same thing as well.” Matthew 26:35 NASB

“He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?’ Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, ‘Do you love Me?’ And he said to Him, ‘Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed My sheep.’”  John 21:17

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14 

“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”  2 Corinthians 5:20-21

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted.

Praying for Notable Miracles

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Dear Porch of the Lord blog followers:

I believe we all would like to see notable miracles, and that’s God’s desire, too. Please join me in prayer that such miracles would more and more come through.

Perhaps, like myself, you have something that’s seemed or has been hard to beat. Let’s pray for one another that such hardships would meet their defeat.

While we continue to stand on God’s promises, even if it seems to be taking long…our prayers for one another can avail much, along with the power of a victory song!

Expect miracles, expect God!

P. A. Oltrogge

“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

Rachel Shafer has written a book, Expect God. She also shares messages, such as “The Power of a Song,” via you tube and her website: http://www.rachelshafer.com

…I do thank the Lord for the notable miracles I have seen in my life. I’m sure you’ve seen such, too…

Today, if you feel alone with some worrisome cares,

come sit with other believers out 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

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, oh Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.” Psalm 138:8

“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

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. 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 5:3-5

Scriptures: NKJV



The Percentage that Promotes Plenty

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I don’t share on this topic a lot, but perhaps I should. God, your Father, doesn’t want you to be in lack, for He is good.

Those Christians who faithfully give to God His ten percent…don’t have to worry, as many people do, about where all of their money went.

They’re well-supplied through provision from the good Lord. Their needs are met consistently, with no true need that they can’t afford.

Often God gives back to them in surprisingly unusual ways. He pours out blessings, as He says–giving to His Kingdom doesn’t cost, but, instead, it pays!

P. A. Oltrogge

“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”  Malachi 3:10 KJV

“And my God will liberally supply (fill until full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 AMP

“I have been young, and now am old;
Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,
Nor his descendants begging bread.
He is ever merciful, and lends;
And his descendants are blessed.” Psalm 37:25-26 NKJV

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The Power of the Tithe, by Bill Winston, is a book available in the Store at: http://www.billwinston.org

Tithing Today, by Keith Moore, can be found under Word Supply, and can be read on line, without purchase, at: http://www.faithlife.org

At that website, you can also read a chapter of the Bible, M-F, under Daily Bible Reading

Mike Evans Update

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Please pray for my friend of almost 45 years, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. When I met with him in Washington a couple of weeks ago, I could see the strain of dealing with the war and the many threats facing Israel. He needs special strength and wisdom from God. And I want to tell you how deeply appreciative he is of all that you are doing to help his country in this crisis hour.

Please pray for him and the leaders of Israel in these difficult days. One of the reasons “Bibi” is so hated by so many people is his unflinching moral clarity and his willingness to identify evil when so many prefer to pretend it doesn’t exist. Decisions are being made in Jerusalem right now that will have a dramatic effect on the future…

Today I’m asking you to send a special gift for the suffering people of Israel. There are thousands who are still homeless…thousands mourning the loss of a loved one…thousands struggling to just get enough food to eat. A ceasefire does not mean the end of cold, hunger, despair, worry, or grief. They need our help right now. 

Visit: http://www.jerusalemprayerteam.org

Your support of the Jerusalem Prayer Team today allows us to comfort the people of Israel who have survived the terrorist attacks, to continue to purchase and deliver food, medicine, clothing, and other necessities of life for the poor Holocaust survivors and refugees of Ukraine, to continue to operate the Friends of Zion Museum, to stand up and speak out for Israel, and to meet urgent humanitarian needs among the poor Jewish people living in Israel. Thank you so much for being part of this vital worldwide prayer movement.

Compassionate Words from Jesus

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Let’s consider just a few Bible accounts that give some tender words (followed by His caring action) that Jesus said:

A widow, out of Nain, came in contact with Jesus on her only son’s burial day.
“DON’T CRY” were the compassionate words that she heard Jesus say.

News came to Jairus of his ailing daughter that would cause him to grieve;
but Jesus encouraged him, “DON’T BE AFRAID ANY LONGER–ONLY BELIEVE.”

When a leper asked if Jesus was willing to cleanse him of that blight…
Jesus said, “I AM WILLING,” and He touched him, delivering him out of his plight.

Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, so hear Him regarding your cares:

“Don’t cry”

“Don’t be afraid any longer–only believe!”

and “I am willing”

…are words that Jesus, our compassionate Lord, still shares.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever.”  Hebrews 13:8 NKJV

“When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion.  ‘Don’t cry!’ he said.  Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped.  ‘Young man,’ he said, ‘I tell you, get up.’  Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk!  And Jesus gave him back to his mother.”  …from Luke 7:11-17 NLT

“While He was still speaking, they came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, ‘Your daughter has died; why trouble the Teacher any more?’  But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, ‘Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.’”  Mark 5:35-36 …and Jesus raised her up (through verse 43) NASB-Ryrie

“And behold, a leper came to Him, and bowed down to Him, saying, ‘Lord, if you are willing, You can make me clean.’  And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, ‘I am willing, be cleansed.’  And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.”  …from Matthew 8:1-4 NASB-Ryrie

“The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.” Psalm 29:11 NKJV

“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits–who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion….”  Psalm 103:2-4 NIV

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

In His Presence

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To Our Great God…

At Pentecost, your Spirit came, with the sound of a rushing mighty wind. The Comforter comes to believers yet today, a promise you’ll never rescind.

Often, your presence is apparent through a reassuring, inner voice. When problems threaten to overwhelm, you encourage us still to rejoice.

You’re blessed by the praises of your people…bless the Lord, oh my soul. I’m thankful you’ve said that on you, dear Lord, all of my cares, I can roll.

It’s good to abide in your presence, for there’s fullness of joy therein. Thank you for provision and healing, as well as for forgiving our sin.

We praise you for your creative ability, for the beauty of bird and flower, the mountains and other majestic things that speak to us of your power.

We’re so blessed you desire to visit with us, as you did first with Adam and Eve. All that you require of us to meet with you, Father, is to believe in your Son and receive.

P. A. Oltrogge

“‘Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him, the Father, God, has set His seal.’ Therefore they said to Him, ‘What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?’ Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.’” John 6:27-29 NASB

“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” Words of Jesus in John 14:16-17 KJV

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:26-27 KJV

“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:2-4 NKJV

“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 NKJV

Sin Stained…or Blood Washed?

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“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them. And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” Hebrews 10:16-17 KJV

By: Kenneth Copeland

The Bible tells us that under Levitical law, an animal had to be offered every year to atone for the sins of the people. That word atone means “to cover” and it’s used continually throughout the Old Testament.

But let me tell you something exciting. It’s never used in the New Testament. The Greek word used to describe what Jesus did for us on the cross is a different word altogether. It doesn’t just mean “to cover”—it means “to remit; to do completely away with something.”

Do you know what that means? It means there is no longer a sin problem. Jesus solved it!

When you made Him your Lord, He didn’t just cover your sins, He put you into right-standing with God and re-created you by the Spirit of God as if sin had never existed.

But if you’re like many believers, you haven’t fully grasped that magnificent truth. You’re caught up in what I call a sin consciousness. You keep thinking of yourself as sin stained instead of blood washed.

“Well, after all, Brother Copeland, I’m just an old sinner saved by grace.”

No, you’re not. You were an old sinner, but grace changed you forever into the very righteousness of God. You are now His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus! As far as God is concerned, your past life is forgotten. It died the death of the Cross.

Think about that. Let it sink into your consciousness until you can rise up boldly and receive the freedom from sin that’s yours in Christ Jesus. Receive the righteousness that only the Lamb of God can give.

Scripture reading: Hebrews 9:11-26

Reprinted with permission from Kenneth Copeland Ministries