At the Christmas season, with decorations inside and out, the poinsettias reflect what it’s all about. Clean as the whiteness of a lamb or a dove– the purity of ivory petals speaks of the Child sent from above.
Pink reflects cheer and the joy that was proclaimed by the angels about the Christ child–Jesus, He’s named. Crimson red speaks of blood that was shed for mankind by Jesus Christ upon the cross–our salvation defined.
The lives of those who receive Him gain a new lease in finding faith for living through this Prince of Peace. So, in seeing the poinsettias, rejoice for the reason that His birth in Bethlehem is what gave us this season.
P. A. Oltrogge
“And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:9-11 KJV
“But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name.” John 1:12 KJV
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His Name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
…passing this along, for us to pray and/or give, as we can….
This week, in the midst of winter cold, more than 500 Ukrainian towns and villages were without power. This is the result of deliberate and continued Russian attacks on the power grid. The hardest hit region is around Kharkiv, one of the places Michael will be going in just a few days. The toll of the war is greatest of all on the children, and I’m asking you to help us bless 1,000 of these precious little ones with a Christmas party Michael will host for them in just ten days on December 17.
Our goal is to take another convoy of supplies before Christmas. The children of Ukraine have suffered unspeakable hell this year. We need to raise another $180,000 for this Merry Christmas Ukraine outreach very quickly. So far 1054 friends have given $109,286 toward this vital project. Your love will provide food and generators to bring heat during the brutal winter that is coming. We would love to make this Christmas special for Ukrainian refugees, but we can’t do that unless you say “Yes.”
Michael has been to Ukraine again and again—going right to the front lines to ensure the help you provide goes to those who need it most. He has risked his life because the cause is so great and the need is so urgent. Carolyn and I have decided to give a generous gift to honor the birth of our Savior by caring for those who are homeless and hungry please join us today. “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death cast its shadow, a light has shined” (Matthew 4:16). You can be that light right now with your Christmas gift for the people of Ukraine.
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 of Ukraine, 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 living in Israel. Thank you so much for being part of this vital worldwide prayer movement.
Your ambassador to Jerusalem,
Michael David Evans
Jerusalem Prayer Team | PO BOX 30246, Phoenix, AZ 85046
(website temporarily being worked on, but the link above is good)
Another ministry helping in Ukraine is Operation Blessing, http://www.ob.org
For God so loved the world… Can we comprehend His very big heart? All the way back to Adam and Eve, He loved us from the start.
God, the Father, would send a Savior through Jesus Christ, His Son. Born of the virgin, Mary– through Jesus, His plans would be done.
Jesus, the Son, would die for our sins; He would teach us about loving and giving. I thank God for the gift of Jesus at Christmas, who renews my faith always for living.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17 KJV
“May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 3:5 NASB
“All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep His commandments and His testimonies.” Psalm 25:10 RSV
“…I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 NKJV
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 NKJV
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:3-5 NLT
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” John 13:34 NKJV
“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 NKJV
“…for in Him we live and move and have our being….” Acts 17:28 NKJV
“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
“Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs, And carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.”
Isaiah 40:11
While shepherds watched their flock by night, an angel appeared, and God’s glory shone bright. The angel told the shepherds to not be afraid since a proclamation of great joy was being made! A Savior for all people was born, who was Christ the Lord! And then more angels praised God for the Baby adored. Straightway to Bethlehem the shepherds went to see this One whom God had sent. To everyone they saw, they made known what was told of God’s gift, who was cut from the shepherd’s mold. He would have a flock–the Good Shepherd He would be- He would die for that flock, both for you and for me. To rescue and die for the lambs–no greater love could have been sent to us from above. If you’re not yet His lamb, be aware there is danger– we have need of the Good Shepherd, once a babe in a manger. Just receive Him as Savior–then learn of His great care in shepherding your life as you come to Him in prayer. At Christ’s birth, we were blessed, and God’s message came then— of “peace on earth and good will toward men!”
P. A. Oltrogge
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12
“I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy: I came that they might have life and might have it abundantly. I am the Good Shepherd; the Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” John 10:9-11
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14 (King James Version)
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8 (New King James Version)
…praying that you have received Jesus Christ and His peace, thereby knowing that you are ready for the return of the Good Shepherd who loves you so dearly.
Lord, Make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred–let me sow love, where there is injury–pardon, where there is doubt–faith, where there is despair–hope, where there is darkness–light, and where there is sadness–joy.
Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive– it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi
…Some versions of this prayer add “where there is friction, union, and where there is error, truth.” You may want to add those thoughts in praying the prayer, as well.
“For with God nothing will be impossible.”Luke 1:37 (said to Mary, by the angel Gabriel)
Those who revered God anticipated a Savior, as foretold by the prophets of old. Today, we anticipate celebrating Jesus’ birth in these days of the winter’s cold.
And we anticipate the return of the Lord, as He Himself prophesied. Until that day, we’re to be about God’s business, with His Holy Spirit as our guide.
It’s a time to consider the needs of others–those for whom Christ came. Because of His birth in Bethlehem, the world has never been the same.
It’s a time to reflect on God’s goodness–all He has done and will do. So we praise Him in the midst of the dark, for His love keeps shining through.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘Iamthelightoftheworld. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12
“Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.'” Mark 9:23
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him, who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” 1 Peter 2: 9-10
“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:1-5 NLT
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.” Philippians 2:14-16
“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
“In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:9-11
Scriptures: NKJV or as noted
Regarding the winter’s cold, we’re reminded to pray for and help those ministries (previously mentioned on the blog or others of which you’re aware) that are reaching out to those who need assistance to make it through winter in the midst of war/adversity, as we’re able to do so.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
The Hebrew people had prayed for a deliverer to be their long-promised King. While living under Roman rule, they looked for the answer that God would bring.
Then it came to pass that two little babies were born in the same time span. The lives of each one of them would be major in God’s great redemptive plan.
One would be a prophet named John, the baptizer, and was the son of Zacharias, the priest. The other was Jesus, who would be the focus and celebration of God’s greatest Passover Feast.
John’s mother, Elizabeth, had longed for a child and rejoiced at the birth of her son. And Jesus’ mother, Mary, told the angel who came that God’s will for her should be done.
The angel, Gabriel, had first appeared to Zacharias and told him what to name his son…John, “The Lord is gracious,” a preparer of the way for the Messiah, God’s Anointed One.
When betrothed, Mary’s Joseph had gained assurance from God, by having been visited in a dream too. Mary stayed with her cousin, Elizabeth, for a time, before her own baby would become due.
These four parents realized, through faith, the significance of those entrusted to their care. A messenger of God, and Immanuel, “God With Us,” were birthed in answer to prayer.
P. A. Oltrogge
(from Luke 1 and Matthew 1:18-25)
“It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24
God’s words in the Garden of Eden, after Adam and Eve disobeyed Him, to the serpent (Satan) about a Redeemer: “And I will put enmity (open hostility) between you and the woman, And between your seed (offspring) and her Seed; He shall (fatally) bruise your head, And you shall (only) bruise His heel.” Genesis 3:15 AMP (the promise/prediction of Jesus’ birth, His redemption for us through the shedding of His blood on the cross, and His victory over Satan)
“…for the devil has sinned and violated God’s law from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.” from 1 John 3:8 AMP
“For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness 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.” Colossians 1:19-20 NKJV
Written of Jesus:
“And the angel said unto her, ‘Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest, and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father, David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.’ Then said Mary unto the angel, ‘How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?’ And the angel answered and said unto her, ‘The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible.’ And Mary said, ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.’ And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:30-38 KJV
Written of John:
“And his father, Zacharias, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying… ‘And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go on before the Lord to prepare His ways, to give to His people the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the Sunrise from on high shall visit us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.’” Luke 1:67 and 76-79 NASB
Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming from tender stem hath sprung! Of Jesse’s lineage coming as men of old have sung. It came, a flower bright, amid the cold of winter when half spent was the night.
Isaiah ‘twas foretold it, this Rose I have in mind. With Mary we behold it, the virgin mother kind. To show God’s love aright, she bore to men a Savior when half spent was the night.
This Flower, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air, dispels with glorious splendor the darkness everywhere. True man, yet very God, from sin and death He saves us and lightens every load.
This hymn originally appeared in 1599, Translated from German by Theodore Baker 1894
“There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.” Isaiah 11:1
“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life.’” John 8:12
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 2:15
“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14
The Bible is very clear about the importance of the words that we speak. But keeping the meditation of our hearts acceptable to God is that which we should also seek.
Are the meditations of your heart more like worry or negativity in recent days? Think, instead, upon God’s promises, thanking Him, and rejoicing in Him always….
P. A. Oltrogge
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4
“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:2 NKJV
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most high will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!'” Psalm 91:1-2 (and all of Psalm 91)
“The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold.” Psalm 46:7
“Jesus said, ‘Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts upon them, may be compared to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and yet it did not fall; for it had been founded upon the rock.'” Matthew 7:24-25 NKJV
“The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.” Psalm 118:22
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things. As for the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:7-9 NASB
“Seven times a day I praise You Because of Your righteous judgments. Those who love Your Law have great peace, And nothing causes them to stumble.” Psalm 119:164-165 NASB
“…Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 NKJV
“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
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV
“Then my enemies will be turned back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me.” Psalm 56:9 NASB
“God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV
I thought I’d entered the website in the right way; but, I’m sorry, there was an error on it today. You’re likely already familiar with it, knowing how it should be, but here, again, is the website for VICTORY!
“Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. 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 5:1-5
“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
The Porch of the Lord 