Category Archives: Faith

A Prayer Against Deception

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Father in heaven,

Give me perception about the devil’s deception—
Holy Spirit alerts on the schemes of the deceiver.
If something I’m considering isn’t right for me,
then please redirect my pathway as a believer.

Keep my life conformed to the standards of your Word;
anything opposing your stated values is wrong.
Help me to spend enough time with you in prayer
to hear your counsel in a way that is strong.

I know there’ve been times I’ve missed “hearing” you
on personal decisions that didn’t turn out well.
So, earnestly, I pray for those who are missing hearing you
on the truth that Jesus saves sinners from the judgment of hell.

And may people realize their need for a Good Shepherd
on life’s journey to specific blessings you’ve prepared.
For you love so greatly that, through Jesus, you provide grace—
the greatest message to the world that can ever be shared!

in Jesus’ name,
Amen

P. A. Oltrogge

“And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:16-17

“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

“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:36

“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.” John 10:10

“The way of life winds upward for the wise, that he may turn away from hell below.” Proverbs 15:24

Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom

“Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

“And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”

Ephesians 1:15-23
(Scriptures NKJV)

To benefit greatly in your Christian walk, you may want to sign up for Faith Food Daily Devotions and/or Health Food Daily Devotions at: http://www.rhema.org

Calling those things which be not as though they were…

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“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Often, we speak only of what we see, instead of the “good outcome” that we really mean.

“The mouth of the upright will deliver them” isn’t merely a Proverb that sounds good…

Jesus gave instruction on speaking to the “mountain,” so He surely was advocating that we should.

Pray–then call that problem resolved…such as, call your body healthy, whole, and sound.

Agree with what God says, to see those things that seem so difficult, ultimately turn around.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations), before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, so shall thy seed be.” Romans 4:16-18 KJV

“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

“But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are….” 1 Corinthians 1:27-28

“But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, ‘I believed, therefore I spoke,’ we also believe, therefore also we speak.” 2 Corinthians 4:13

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

“…but the mouth of the upright will deliver them.” Proverbs 12:6 (Proverbs 10:11; Proverbs 12:14; Proverbs 12:18; Proverbs 13:3; Proverbs 15:4; Proverbs 18:20-21; Proverbs 21:23 and others)

“And Jesus answering saith unto them, ‘Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass, he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.’” Mark 11:22-24 KJV

“The centurion answered and said, ‘Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.’ And Jesus said to the centurion, ‘Go your way; let it be done to you as you have believed.’ And the servant was healed that very hour.” Matthew 8:8,13

Jesus said, “Have faith in God….” The following scripture from Isaiah also speaks of the surety of God and His Word:

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth, and making it bear and sprout, and furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; so shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:10-11

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:4 KJV

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

“My son, give attention to my words;
Incline your ear to my sayings.
Do not let them depart from your eyes;
Keep them in the midst of your heart;
For they are life to those who find them,
And health to all their flesh.”

Proverbs 4:20-22

“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin (by which it brings death) is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory (as conquerors) through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:56-57 AMP

…use the name of Jesus, the blood of Jesus in your confessions of faith…

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Visit http://www.cappsministries.com with its books, such as “Changing the Seen and Shaping the Unseen” or the booklet, “Calling Things That are Not.”

As believers, we stay with the Word, even if results aren’t seen right away…

“Speaking the Word does three things–it renews your mind, causes faith to come, and sets the law of faith in motion.”  (A quote from Charles Capps, who challenged believers to confess what God has promised in His Word.)

Scriptures NKJV or as noted

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Don’t Tell It Like It Is

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Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Proverbs 18:21

by Kenneth Copeland

Words are serious business. And, as believers, we need to get serious about learning how to use them. We need to begin to put them to work for us like God Himself does. The Bible tells us that He uses words to “call those things which be not as though they were” (Romans 4:17).

Most of us don’t have the faintest idea how to do that. We’ve spent our lives “telling it like it is.” We’ve constantly used our mouths to report on the sorry state of affairs around us. Thus, the very thought of calling “things which be not as though they were” seems a little crazy.

“You mean I’m supposed to say, ‘I’m healed’ when I’m feeling sick? I’m supposed to say, ‘I’m prosperous’ when I’m penniless? That sounds like lying to me.”

No, no. There’s a vast difference between lying and speaking by faith. A lie is meant to deceive someone. It’s designed to make someone believe something that’s not true. But to speak by faith is simply to speak words that agree with the Word of God instead of the circumstances around you. It’s speaking from your spirit instead of from your mind.

As the Apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 4:13, “We have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, I have believed, and therefore have I spoken. We too believe, and therefore we speak” (The Amplified Bible).

Now that’s important. Read that verse again. “I have believed, and therefore have I spoken.”

There are some folks who speak the words, but they don’t have the faith to back it up, and as a result, they fall flat on their spiritual faces. They didn’t actually “call things that be not as though they were.” They called things that be not the way they wished they were.

Those are two very different things. The words may be the same. But just wishing and hoping won’t get the job done. You’ve got to believe.

Begin today bringing both your tongue and your heart in line with the Word. Stop “telling it like it is” and start speaking and believing the promises of God. Put the power of words to work for you.

Reprinted with permission from Kenneth Copeland Ministries

Beauty is in the Eye of God, the Beholder

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The story of a “different” duckling was one that, as children, most of us had read…This duckling was ridiculed because of his appearance–so much so, that he finally fled.

He then went through various experiences, away from the home he originally knew; but all of those experiences were bitter and caused him to keep feeling “blue.”

As the story progressed, he came upon a flock of magnificent swans, while downcast, who welcomed him as a most beautiful swan; and there he found happiness at last.

We learn, in reading the Bible, that God doesn’t look at how you outwardly appear–You may feel you haven’t much value, yet you’re a distinctive “swan” in His mirror.

And if blessed with what man defines as great beauty, God still looks within to start…His search for a person who is devoted to Him, humble, but courageous of heart.

Remember, too, that when God sees you, He sees the righteousness of His own Son; and He has promised to perfect the good work in you that, through Christ, He has begun.

P. A. Oltrogge

“For Thou didst form my inward parts; Thou didst weave me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Thy works, and my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:13-14 KJV

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him, for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” 1 Samuel 16:7

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

“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 5:21

“But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:21-26 NIV

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Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

Peace, Love, and Joy

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Conservatory photo by Porch of the Lord

Words of Jesus:

“I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 NLT

“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in His love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.” John 15:9-17 NLT

Reminded of this…

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After sharing yesterday’s post, “In My Name,” another scripture came to mind, in which Jesus stated:

“Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 10:32-33

Thankfully, via the internet and by many other means, more and more, many are sharing the wonderful name of Jesus with others and what He means to them, being their Savior and Good Shepherd. This He desires to be to all who will believe…

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'” John 14:6

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want…” …from Psalm 23

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” John 10:27-28

On the night of His betrayal, Jesus permitted Himself to be found. In the presence of the great I AM, the “pursuing” soldiers fell to the ground.

After they revived, He let them lead Him to that for which He’d been born. Willing to do His Father’s will, He yielded to undeserved scorn.

Whippings, mocking, thorns, and then being nailed to Calvary’s cross—All of this He endured as a Shepherd, so that sheep need not be lost.

P. A. Oltrogge (See John 18:1-6)

“The Name of Jesus” (book), by Kenneth E. Hagin, is available at: http://www.rhema.org

artwork/Pixabay

An Encouraging Word

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The following was posted by Kim Potter of: http://www.anewthingministries.com

Today, I want to share a word with you from Wanda Alger, enjoy!

For those who have felt under constant attack and are questioning the status of your warfare, know that the seeming setbacks and system failures are actually indicators of your soon and coming victory!

The principalities and powers attacking this nation are trembling. They are in panic mode. Attacking both collectively and personally, they would have us think that all our systems are breaking down because of failure on our part. But it is only because God’s redemptive work is at hand! It is the mighty arm of the Lord that is at work and accomplishing His purposes. He is resetting every system according to His original design and standard.

Where the enemy has tried to circumvent God’s order and establish his own systems of death and destruction, the right hand of the Lord is raised against our foes. It is the mighty arm of God that is about to fall on His enemies and crush every plot and plan devised against us.

Terror and dread fall upon them; because of the greatness of Your arm, they are still as a stone, till your people, O Lord, pass by. Exodus 15:16 ESV

Yes, troubles assail and warfare has intensified. But it is because terror and dread has fallen upon the enemies of God! The ongoing threats and attacks against those who fear God are merely indicators of the FALL about to happen. 

The constant distractions to cause doubt and fear are only last minute attempts to stop Kingdom declarations from manifesting in full color.

As the enemy assails and presents troubles of many kind, remember that these are not problems to be fixed, but distractions to deny. 

For many, a spirit of infirmity has plagued the Body through a myriad of illnesses and ailments, hoping to weaken the resolve of the faithful. Like grenades being thrown, the enemy has hoped to overwhelm you with one attack after another. Do not fall for his trap. Where he would have you think your faith has been empty and without power, it is the exact opposite! Your faith has been working to move mountains and your perseverance is breaking through the tumult! You are winning! It is your declarations of healing and liberty that are working and causing the enemy to panic. He sees the breakthroughs on the horizon! 

Do not give in to the voices that challenge your standing with the Lord. Do not listen to the whispers that question your right or authority to take the stand that you do. In your weakness He is strong. For our victory does not lie in our human attempts to heal ourselves or our mental prowess in answering the charges. No. Our victory lies in the finished work of the cross and the access to kingdom authority awarded to us on the day of His resurrection! He has given us authority over the enemy, not because of our work, but because of HIS.

It is not by human will or strength that this war in being won. It is by faith in Him alone and the power of His right hand to accomplish that which He has spoken. He will not be denied! His word has already been settled and His people have remained steadfast. Seated at His right hand, we are crushing satan beneath our feet as the King is making our enemies a footstool (Psalm 110:1)!

Do not allow the symptoms of your situation to dictate your faith. Do not allow the pain and discomfort to determine your resolve. You are winning the battle by continuing to stand and not yield. Your faith in the unseen is cutting through the fog of war and is overtaking the enemy.

Make no mistake. The enemies of God are trembling for they know their time is short. Demons are squealing and principalities are falling because the people of God are taking ground and possessing their promise. And it will not be undone.

Wanda Alger

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:3-9

“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.” Ephesians 6:12-13

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” James 4:7-8

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

“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

“Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah” Psalm 62:8

Our God, the great I AM:

“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

Monday, July 15

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Dear followers/friends of the Porch of the Lord blog:

I thank God for His supernatural intervention on preserving the life of President Donald Trump and do join in with the many other prayers being said at this time…for comfort and healing for the family of Corey Comperatore, a patriotic American who died in the attack on Saturday, and for the others who were wounded and hospitalized.

I’d like to reference the following for viewing, when you’re able to take the time…

P. A. Oltrogge

Be blessed today to refer to: http://www.givehim15.com

and refer to the message yesterday at Eagle Mountain International Church: http://www.emic.org

If unable to watch the entire service, scroll in to about 55, for a message by Kenneth Copeland and then by Pastor George Pearsons. This is found on the right side of the site–scroll down to “Latest Service.” It will have the date of July 7th, but is actually from yesterday, July 14th.

Also refer to an interview of Kenneth Copeland with Sid Roth at: http://www.sidroth.org

(An interview at Sid’s site of Shane Winnings is also of encouragement to take in…and others posted there.)

“After this manner therefore pray ye: 

Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done
in earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen”

Matthew 6:9-13 KJV

“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 NKJV

Artistic source unknown
but appreciated…

A Relevant Message

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from One for Israel…

“The Link Between Bethlehem and Bahrain”

Scroll down to individual articles for reading at: http://www.oneforisrael.org

“Eight days later His disciples were again inside, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, ‘Peace be to you.’ Then He said to Thomas, ‘Place your finger here, and see My hands; and take your hand and put it into My side; and do not continue in disbelief, but be a believer.'” John 20:26-27 NASB

The Era of Notable Miracles

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Please refer today to the interview with Tim Sheets–“It’s the Era of Notable Miracles.” A number of churches will be participating in a Healing Summit at The Oasis Church in Middletown, Ohio, on August 30th. Registration for attendance at the event is already full, but viewing the Summit will be available through the internet. The interview is found at: http://www.elijahstreams.com

Further details are at either of these:
http://www.OasisWired.org
http://www.timsheets.org

There is no registration needed to watch the FREE livestream. It will be available on YouTube, Facebook, and OasisWired.org at 7pm EST on Friday, August 30th.

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The Resurrected Lord Appears at the Sea of Galilee

After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples several times–for instance, once at the Sea of Galilee. In the group were Simon Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, two other disciples, and the sons of Zebedee.

Peter announced he was going to go out to fish; and they all decided they would join him, too, on the boat. They fished all night but caught nothing; and in the morning they saw Jesus on the shore as they were afloat.

They didn’t realize this was the Master when He called to them as “friends,” asking if they had fish aboard. “No,” they said–but then took His advice, that a shift of the net to the right side shouldn’t be ignored.

When they did as He said, they came into such an abundance of fish that they weren’t able to haul in the net, which caused them to remember a previous miraculous catch–an incident they could never forget.

John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, spoke up first, saying, “It is the Lord!” They all were overwhelmed and excited. Peter, in his eagerness, threw on his tunic, and jumped into the sea for the shore–so unable to wait to be reunited.

The others followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, with which Jesus had just blessed–such a great haul. A fire of burning coals with fish and also bread was ready on shore, where the Lord wanted to dine with them all.

Jesus said that they should bring some of the fish just caught–153 large fish in all, and yet the net wasn’t torn. “Come and have breakfast,” was His warm greeting to His disciples there on that joyful and, to them, miraculous morn.

Have you fished all night, are you not expecting to see the Lord show up, do you think miracles are few and far between? Well, He’s the resurrected Lord, and is “ALIVE forevermore!” We can expect to see miracles yet like none we’ve ever seen!

P. A. Oltrogge

(from John 21:1-14
and reference to Luke 5:1-11)

“And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, ‘Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.’” Revelation 1:17-19

The various versions of the Bible have Jesus calling out to His disciples in this account in different terms.  “Children” is written in the King James Version–which they were, beloved children of God.

In the Gospel of John, we read of John as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” Of course, all of His disciples were the recipients of His love, as we also are today!

Mount Arbel/Sea of Galilee

The interview with Tim Sheets can also be found, along with an article, “King Jesus Takes Center Stage” by Tim and his brother, Dutch Sheets, at http://www.elijahlist.com