“For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)
The ACLJ is working to raise awareness for the hostages and petition the international community for help to ensure they’re returned home safely. It is for “such a time as this” that your ACLJ has been placed in a unique position with offices in Jerusalem, Europe, and the U.S. to help defend Israel. Please pray for the hostages’ safe return and that Israel will be victorious against Hamas.
You’ve seen the brutality of this war begun towards the Jewish people–even infants, children, and the elderly. You also have seen innocent people being harmed in Gaza…and other war zones. We understand the times we’re living in and that the source of evil is the devil, satan.
As written in your Word, you are good to all, and your tender mercies are over all your works. So, though it seems very difficult in the face of such brutality, we believe for and claim your tender mercies over those taken hostage by demonically-influenced people and your mercies over those who have suffered loss of loved ones and friends. You are the God of deliverances, so we look to you, Lord, for such. Help the IDF soldiers–give them courage, wisdom, and strength. Convict the evildoers….
Thank you for accounts we’ve heard of, of some having received visions/dreams of Jesus, your Son, our Savior….
We pray and thank you for your help in all of this, in His name, Amen
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“The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.” Psalm 145:9 NKJV
“Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God who is our salvation. God is to us a God of deliverances; and to God the Lord belong escapes from death.” Psalm 68:19, 20 NASB
…and one can assist through other ministries previously mentioned on this blog….
The following poetic thoughts were patterned after an old, historic poem. Though this Porch poem was written a number of years ago, it is more relevant with each passing day…
Listen, my children, and you shall hear of the soon return of the King we revere. In this present year with which we strive, not a person is now alive who knows the exact year, day, or hour, but it’s near.
Jesus clearly said that as the signs appear on the world stage in obvious sight, we should have our lamps lit with plenty of oil, as if on a church tower as a signal light– both to guide others and serve as our key when He on the opposite shore will be.
Ready to ride, but first keep us from harm, He will catch away His children through city and farm– yes, those with His Word, who’ve been up and “armed.” When Jesus descends from Heaven with a shout, there will be no more time for those who claim doubt.
The dead in Christ will be raised up first. Then believers still alive will leave the earth to meet the Lord with them in the air, while others will be left in the tribulation’s snare.
Some misunderstand and say, “None will be left out,” but that thought is simply a satanic route to keep you from seeing that God’s beautiful plan of salvation was meant for each woman and man.
He lovingly yearns for you to come home– don’t be like the prodigal son who would roam. For, as in the garden of Eden, the voice of Satan tells you to make your own choice: “Surely, God didn’t say Christ was THE WAY– There are many paths to God—think of Him another day.”
But if this life’s pursuits are all you’ve perceived, You’ll find, in the end, that you’ve been deceived. It’s a deceptive lie if you think this is all, when God’s given each one of us a much higher call– to love Him and others–then join Christ one day, bringing all whom we can for an eternal stay.
To put faith in so-called prophets of merit or even in good things you’ve done, won’t gain you the heaven you hope to inherit– since THE DOOR is the sinless Christ, God’s Son.
His blood sacrifice made on the cross is the only assurance against heaven’s loss. There won’t be a Messiah by any other name, but Jesus Christ of world-renowned fame. You’re sure of these things, you ask, by what right? It’s all found in the Bible, which gives us the light.
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good, offering adoption as His children and true brotherhood. Blessed beyond measure you’ll surely be both now and for eternity.
So receive the Lord–it’s simple to pray. Repent of your sins and turn to Christ’s way. For as in the time of Noah, it’s now– what God says is wrong, we must disavow.
The days will get darker in this world of sin; but Christ is the “Ark,” and He’s urging us to come in. Things are happening fast upon the world’s scene— it’s time to embrace what God really did mean.
A hurry of hoofs from a heavenly street, and the fate of all souls will then be complete. Revelation tells us that Christ will appear on a white horse to reign down here, with a shout of victory and not of fear– a voice piercing this world’s darkness, the voice of Him Who is “the Way” and “the Door.” His Word shall echo forevermore!
For, borne on the night-wind of the past, through all earth’s history, to the last, in the hour of darkness and peril and need, the people who know Him and have listened to hear for the hurrying hoof-beats of that steed, heed the end-time message of the King we revere!
P. A. Oltrogge
“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve, as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, and remain until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
“And I saw heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True; and in righteousness He judges and wages war. And His eyes are a flame of fire, and upon His head are many diadems; and He has a name written upon Him which no one knows except Himself. And He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood; and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. And from His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may smite the nations; and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written. ‘KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.’” Revelation 19:11-16
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.’” John 14:6
“Jesus therefore said to them again, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door, if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.’” John 10:7-9
“But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:8-9
I am in Israel, a nation at war. Everywhere I go, I can feel the tension in the air. The warning sirens are not just going off in the south. Even Jerusalem is being threatened. And Hezbollah in the north is continuing to ramp up their attacks. These are prophetic days, and I’m asking you to join hands with us to fulfill the mission God has given us to bless and defend His Chosen People. We need to raise $250,000 to continue our outreach to the families of victims and the survivors of these attacks. So far 1,034 friends have given $146,748, which means we still need to raise $103,252. Will you help with your best gift today?
What I have seen over the past few days is heartbreaking beyond belief. The people of Israel are struggling to deal with this shocking assault. There are physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wounds from these attacks, and someone needs to step up and make a difference for the survivors. That’s why we have our Rapid Response Team in place on the ground in Israel…and because we do have that team, we can start helping right away.
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 to honor the victims and survivors and let them know they are not alone. And we tell the truth about what is happening that the liberal media wants to ignore. Your generous gift today will bless the lives of those who are suffering so greatly right now and be an unmistakable witness of Christian love in action.
Your support of the Jerusalem Prayer Team today allows us to purchase food, medicine, clothing, and other necessities of life for the poor Holocaust survivors, as well as 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 in Israel and Ukraine. Thank you so much for being part of this vital worldwide prayer movement.
Your ambassador to Jerusalem,
Michael David Evans
Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem A Song of Ascents, of David
I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” Our feet are standing Within your gates, O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that is built As a city that is compact together; To which the tribes go up, even the tribes of the Lord– An ordinance for Israel– To give thanks to the name of the Lord. For there thrones were set for judgment,… The thrones of the house of David.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you. “May peace be within your walls, And prosperity within your palaces.” For the sake of my brothers and my friends, I will now say, “May peace be within you.” For the sake of the house of the Lord our God I will seek your good.
Psalm 122 NASB
Blessed be the Lord from Zion, Who dwells in Jerusalem. Praise the Lord!
I once said to the Master, Jesus, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!” Yet, I was forgiven by Him and blessed to be a part of His Father’s redemptive plan.
I remember when Andrew came to me with some news that truly amazed–that by way of John the Baptist, he had found the Messiah, who was to be praised!
Jesus became our teacher, and we left our nets to follow Him. This meant leaving our daily livelihood, so we weren’t simply doing so on a whim.
No, we knew that this was big. We began to see many miracles taking place–miracles of healing, provision, and protection were wrought by Him, revealing to all God’s grace.
The lame, the blind, and the deaf were finding that the Master was always willing. We disciples saw Him calm the sea during a storm that had been frighteningly chilling.
Another time, faith arose within me to walk towards Him upon the sea. He quickly saved me from sinking below the depths when fear had gotten the better of me.
Once, Jesus took me with James and John on a destined mountain climb, where He was transfigured before us–Elijah and Moses appeared at the time.
I suggested that three tabernacles be built for each, not knowing just what to say. Then a cloud came around us with a message from God on that remarkable day.
It was the voice of His Father in heaven, telling us that this was His beloved Son, and that we should listen to Jesus–His raiment was white as no launderer could have done.
Just as quickly as it had begun, the experience ended and we were alone. We often could expect the unexpected–such was His ministry’s tone.
HIs raising of Lazarus from the dead wasn’t envisioned by any of us disciples, though. Imagine our reaction when we saw death reversed to loose Lazarus and let him go.
I once gave the Lord the use of my boat, for Him to minister from to those on shore…only to be given back the catch of a lifetime–He gave back to us always more!
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!” I declared to Him one day. He said His Father in heaven had revealed that truth to me about the Son, who had taught us all to pray.
At the Passover meal, I was taken aback when Jesus came to me to wash my feet. I allowed Him, though, for He said to be a part of Him, it was a duty I needed to let Him meet.
What a blessed remembrance, to have spent that time with the Lord in the upper room…before His betrayal and crucifixion and eventual resurrection from the tomb.
Of course, I felt remorse for my own denial of Him–my boasted loyalty and support having failed. But afterwards, I came to my senses, realizing that I was one…for whom, to the cross, He’d been nailed.
We disciples were so happy when He appeared to us after His glorious resurrection–and later were so glad to spread the news that Jesus is Lord…by the promised Spirit’s direction.
I loved to tell of Him throughout the following years and was always looking toward…that time of my reunion with Him, the Master and Teacher whom we all had adored.
P. A. Oltrogge
Sea of Galilee today…also called Kinnereth, Lake of Gennesaret, and Sea of or Lake Tiberias
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, says: “Let my people go, so that they may worship me.” Exodus 9:1 NIV
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For a beautiful rendition of Israel’s national anthem–and the message, “Invoke God’s Covenant Over Israel,” which is filled with scriptures to claim on Israel’s behalf, given by Pastor George Pearsons yesterday–visit: http://www.emic.org
Pastor George named the scripture above to claim over those taken from Israel as hostages.
For Israel, Father, we pray that You will protect them from all of their enemies, deliver those captured, help/sustain those who are mourning, and heal those who have been wounded. And we pray that America’s present leaders will truly stand with Israel, in Jesus’ name. Another Christian ministry has shared the following:
1. Pray for ALL people: Lift up every person, poor or powerful, on both “sides” of this evil to be reconciled to Jesus:
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. —1 Timothy 2:1-4, NLT
2. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: Ask for God’s mercy, grace, and hope to be restored:
Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper. —Psalm 122:6
3. Pray for a great in-gathering into Jesus’ Kingdom: May the news of this great city be peace rather than conflict — all pointing toward the return of our Savior:
Go out through the gates! Prepare the highway for my people to return! Smooth out the road; pull out the boulders; raise a flag for all the nations to see. The Lord has sent this message to every land: “Tell the people of Israel, ‘Look, your Savior is coming. See, he brings his reward with him as he comes.’” —Isaiah 62:10-11
“And He (Jesus) said to them, ‘What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?’ And they stood still, looking sad. And one of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to Him, ‘Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem and unaware of the things which have happened here in these days?’” Luke 24:17-18 (NASB)
“And beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.” Luke 24:27 (NASB) (from the account, after Jesus’ death and burial, of the walk to Emmaus by Cleopas and another, who met the risen Lord on their walk, verses 13-32)
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There’s nothing like ENCOURAGEMENT when the way seems hard. There’s nothing like its bolstering to keep a day (or life) from being scarred.
A word of praise can be depended upon to keep enthusiasm or creativity flowing, causing a downcast countenance to be one that’s actually “glowing.”
There’s nothing like a caring friend who sends a note or gives a call. There’s nothing like an encouraging word to keep us from a downfall.
There’s an enemy in the world, who wants to ruin God-given potential, which is why a word of praise from someone is often vital and essential.
Cleopas, while on the road to Emmaus, was talking with his friend…about the recent discouraging facts–on Christ’s life having come to an end.
Then later, when they were joined by Jesus, the Lord opened up their eyes, to the truth of His resurrection–likewise, we need the truth that God supplies.
Of course, the Lord is always there for us, speaking by His Spirit and His Word; but through friends or even strangers, He can also often be “heard.”
So, as you look around, throughout your day, be attentive if God is showing to you…someone who needs encouragement–let His supportive words be flowing through you.
P. A. Oltrogge
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
“Yet in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:31 and 37 (NKJV)
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 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 8:38-39 KJV (and all of verses 31-39)
“After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, ‘I thirst!’ Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!’ And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.” John 19:28-30 NKJV
“For Christ did not enter into a holy place made with human hands, which was only a copy of the true one in heaven. He entered into heaven itself to appear now before God on our behalf. And he did not enter heaven to offer himself again and again, like the high priest here on earth who enters the Most Holy Place year after year with the blood of an animal. If that had been necessary, Christ would have had to die again and again, ever since the world began. But now, once for all time, he has appeared at the end of the age to remove sin by his own death as a sacrifice.
“And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.” Hebrews 9:24-38 NLT
I thank the Lord, for my answer to prayer– for His encouraging words and His goodness to me. I believe I received when I prayed, so that result, I stand–expectant to see.
Far be it from me to disagree… with Almighty God and His promises that I see, written for His children in His Holy Word. Of His faithfulness to keep them, we must rest assured.
P. A. Oltrogge
“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 whatsoever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” Words of Jesus in Mark 11:23-24
“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:11-13
“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 6:13, from Ephesians 6:10-20
…from Mark’s website: “God’s Word contains power when faith is mixed with it! To live by faith, we must live with constant consciousness of the blood of Jesus. When you have faith in the blood, there is victory in every area of your life.”
(…the first letters of each word in the title of this post happen to be an acronym of my last name. You may find that you have an acronym of encouragement in your name, too, either first or last.)
This is such a tremendous testimony…. glory to God….
Mac and Lynne Hammond interview Landen Hoffman and his mom; Landen was miraculously healed after being thrown off a balcony by a stranger at the Mall of America in Minnesota.
If you follow the Hammond’s ministry, you may have already seen this program, or perhaps you’ve seen some of the story via the internet; but, if you haven’t yet seen it, go to http://www.govictory.com
Then click on “Programs” and scroll down to the very bottom row and click on the “Winner’s Way,” the first featured program on the left.
Landen was in the hospital for four months due to his injuries from that incident.
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Mac and Lynne Hammond are the senior pastors of a large body of believers at Living Word Christian Center, located in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.
Part 2 (a continuation of Big John—I saw Jesus)…having left off at:
“John, I’m here. What’s wrong?”
“I SAW JESUS! I SAW JESUS!”
“Oh, John! What did He look like? I never saw Him. What color were His eyes, His hair?”
“I can’t tell you that. All I know is that He is love. Look, He’s here,” pointing to the left side of his bed. “You want to know something? That devil is a mean devil.”
“What do you mean, John?”
“You know all those fights I told you I was in? Well, I never fought so hard as I did with that devil. I was sweating buckets full. That devil almost got me, but Jesus saved me. So, then I asked Jesus if I could come back for a little bit. So then, Jesus went through the gate to the Dad and asked the Dad if I could come back.”
It was at this point that I felt it necessary to interrupt John and inform him that Jesus went to the Father. I thought it necessary to have a theological discussion about the trinity.
“Nurse Georgee, Jesus went to the DAD. He went to the DAD.”
I heard the Lord yell at me as loudly as John screamed my name earlier, GEORGIA, BE QUIET. LISTEN TO JOHN.
But I just had to ask one more question. “John, did you see the Dad?”
“Oh, no, I didn’t see the Dad, but I heard the Dad.”
“What did the Dad sound like?”
“Well…I guess it was like He was talking through a great big megaphone.”
“WOW! You mean like thunder?”
“Yeah, that’s what the Dad sounded like.” Then, John sat straight up in bed and pointed his finger at me, commanding my attention. “Nurse Georgee, I want you to know something. No one goes through that gate to the Dad unless Jesus takes them.”
I literally froze in amazement at what John just said to me. I’m sure my eyes were as big as cantaloupes. John had quoted my favorite scripture in the Bible. It is found in the book of the gospel of John chapter 14, verse 6:
…..”Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
My mind was racing with questions. John told me before his cardiac arrest that he never saw a Bible. He said he was never in church. Yet, he was quoting from the Bible a truth that I knew. How could this be? He couldn’t be making it up. He knew nothing about the Bible. Did he really see Jesus? I was so confused. I am ashamed to admit that I doubted his account of what happened to him. Was John hallucinating? When he said Jesus went to the Dad, I asked John if he saw the Dad. I asked him that question because I doubted his story. The Bible tells us in the gospel of John chapter 6, verse 46:
…..“No one has seen the Father except the one (Jesus) who is from God; only He has seen the Father.”
I knew this passage of scripture. Therefore, if John would have said he saw the Father, then I would know he was hallucinating. God forgive me. Why do You even bother with me? I battle fears, doubts, and unbelief. Is there any hope for me? Forgive me for doubting You.
John continued to yell at me at the top of his lungs. “Nurse Georgee, I’m telling you the truth. NO ONE GOES THROUGH THE GATE TO THE DAD UNLESS JESUS TAKES THEM!” It was like John knew I doubted his story. How much clearer can it be? JOHN SAW JESUS. Glory be to God. John had an encounter with the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Who am I to discredit his encounter? God forgive me.
Again, John very emphatically yelled, “Nurse Georgee, I’m telling you the truth. NO ONE GOES THROUGH THE GATE TO THE DAD UNLESS JESUS TAKES THEM. You don’t believe me. Nurse Georgee, I’m telling you the truth.”
“John, I believe. I believe.” Once John knew that I finally believed him, he was ready to tell the world he saw Jesus and that Jesus was for real. With the door wide open to John’s room and the nurse’s station within earshot, John yelled as loud as he could, “Is there anyone out there that doesn’t know Jesus?” Immediately, all staff and even some visitors gathered in John’s room. John radiated while he related his encounter with Jesus. Even his dear wife, who sat quietly in the corner of John’s room, took it all in.
Eventually, John’s room was cleared of nurses and visitors; however, the presence of Christ continued to permeate the atmosphere.
“John, let’s talk about what just happened to you. Jesus revealed Himself to you as the Lord of lords and the King of kings. John, are you now ready to surrender your life to Jesus?”
“I sure am. What do I need to do? I know that Jesus is for real. I want to be with Him forever.”
“John, you need to pray and invite Jesus into your life. You don’t need to worry about fancy words. Talk to Jesus just like you talk to me.”
“O.K., Nurse Georgee, here it goes. Jesus, it’s John, the one you just saved from the devil. Don’t leave me, Jesus. Forgive me of all the fights I was in. Sorry I beat my wife up. Come live in me. Thank you for loving me. I’m YOURS. Amen!”
God, You are so amazing and awesome. ThankYou for giving me the privilege to talk with a patient who has been in Your presence.You have blessed me beyond belief. I know, without a doubt, that every word is true in the Bible. Sorry it has taken me so long. Thank You again for Your patience with me.
The Porch of the Lord 