Category Archives: Faith

In the Cross of Christ I Glory

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“But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” Galatians 6:14

In the cross of Christ I glory,
towering o’er the wrecks of time;
all the light of sacred story
gathers round its head sublime.

When the woes of life o’ertake me,
hopes deceive and fears annoy,
never shall the cross forsake me,
Lo!  It glows with peace and joy.

When the sun of bliss is beaming
light and love upon my way,
from the cross the radiance streaming
adds more luster to the day.

Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure,
by the cross are sanctified;
peace is there that knows no measure,
joys that through all time abide.

In the cross of Christ I glory,
towering o’er the wrecks of time;
all the light of sacred story
gathers round its head sublime.

…words by John Bowring, 1825
…music by Ithamar Conkey

The Old Familiar Hymns

Sometimes recalling the words…
or hearing the melody as it starts…
or, very often, both of these
are a blessing to our hearts.

It’s wonderful, how they come to mind…
remembered, though from years behind.
The old hymns are worthy to sing yet today–
still relevant, with what they have to say.

P. A. Oltrogge

Speaking to the Samaritan woman at the well….

“Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.’

“The woman said to Him, ‘I know that Messiah is coming’ (who is called Christ). ‘When He comes, He will tell us all things.’

“Jesus said to her, ‘I who speak to you am He.‘” John 4:21-26

“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

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16

“Give to the Lord the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! 1 Chronicles 16:29

“And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.” Matthew 26:30 (This was done just before Jesus’ betrayal and arrest in Gethsemane, on His way to the cross.)

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 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 3:14-17 (Jesus’ words on how He would be lifted up on the cross, on our behalf)

By the Apostle, Paul: “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures….” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Scriptures: NKJV


The Children’s Bread

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“And He was saying to her, ‘Let the children be satisfied first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.’” (Mark 7:27) These were Jesus’ words to a Syrophoenician woman, regarding the healing of her daughter… Here He was referring to healing as “the children’s bread.” She was not Jewish (“the children”) but persisted in faith, to ask for His help, which He gave.

We read in the Bible’s book of Acts that in the course of Peter’s travels, he arrived at the town of Lydda to visit with some of the saints. 

There He came upon a man named Aeneas, who’d been bedridden for eight years with paralysis and its constraints.

The account tells us that Peter spoke with sure faith, saying, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you: arise, and make your bed.” 

At Peter’s words, the paralyzed man immediately arose; and all who lived at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord, having seen that healing is the children’s bread.

In another instance, in Joppa, there was a disciple named Tabitha, or Dorcas, who abounded with charity for others and deeds that were kind. 

Just at that time, she had fallen sick and died–a loss which was felt deeply, for she had made garments for many; and by such acts of service she was defined. 

Some of the disciples heard that Peter was in nearby Lydda, so they sent two men to him to entreat him to come and not delay. 

He agreed to come with the men and there, in an upper room of the house where her body had been placed, Peter sent out those who wept. He knelt and prayed–then turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, arise,” at which point, death couldn’t stay.

She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. He gave her his hand and raised her up, then called those who’d been there to return. Peter presented her alive to all of them, who were so grateful and amazed.  

The raising of Dorcas became known all over Joppa and many there believed, too, on the Lord and that the Name of Jesus, of whom Peter preached, was greatly to be praised.

P. A. Oltrogge

A poetic summary from Acts 9:32-43

Also refer to Acts 10 on the inclusion of the Gentiles in the Gospel, and Acts 11:18 “And when they heard this, they quieted down, and glorified God, saying, ‘Well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life.’”

“But He was pierced through for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

“And when evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill in order that what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, saying, ‘He Himself took our infirmities, and carried away our diseases.’” Matthew 8:16,17

Other examples of Peter and the other apostles extending healing in Jesus’ Name: Acts 3:1-10, 16 and Acts 5:12-16; Acts 14:8-10; Acts 19:11-12; Acts 20:9-10; Acts 28:3-5 (Paul suffered no harm himself); Acts 28:7-9

Further encouragement on healing: http://www.awmi.net, http://www.kcm.org, http://www.faithschool.org, and other ministries previously mentioned on this blog.

A Life Inspired by One Book

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Andrew Wommack’s life, to me, is an inspiring one–
inspired by God’s Word and by Jesus Christ, God’s Son.
Andrew’s said that the Bible has been the main source
of his daily reading material–the highest “faith course.”

While serving in Vietnam, it had kept him in peace;
and its guidance, thereafter, he found never to cease.
His Charis Bible College, set amid mountain scenes,
now offers teaching on what mountain-moving faith means.

In his own life, he’s seen miracles, as he’s stayed fed
on the Word, seeing loved ones even raised from the dead.
Healing–a major victory Jesus won for us on the cross,
is taught at his school, in addition to how to rescue the “lost.”

The bountiful blessings of a life lived following the Lord
are among the many truths, there, that are underscored.
He teaches on not limiting God, which, over the years…
he’s seen God confirm, for He wants to conquer our fears.

Reading material abounds, but, as said, just one Book
built Andrew’s faith in God–“The Gospel Truth” that he took.
On his regular programming, he shares in a humble way…
of the grace of God he’s learned of and relies on every day.

P. A. Oltrogge

p.s.  And a major complement to him is Jamie, his lovely wife;
her talents and support have greatly blessed his life!

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Psalm 119:105 KJV

Visit: http://www.awmi.net

Photo shared with permission from AWMI

The Sweetness of Honeycomb

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“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
Proverbs 16:24

Lord, let me give You a honeycomb of praise, in thanks for Your great love and care.

And may my words carry sweetness to those who feel “low,” so they can get up from there.

Acts of service done for others, in Your Name, are honeycombs that “speak” stronger than a shout;

But if friends don’t happen to send a honeycomb for my day, Your Word always gives honeycombs throughout.

P. A. Oltrogge

“How sweet are Your words to my taste,
Sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Through Your precepts I get understanding;
Therefore I hate every false way.” Psalm 119:103-104 NKJV

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!”
1 Chronicles 16:34 RSV

“I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples,
And I will sing praises to You among the nations.
For Your mercy is great above the heavens,
And Your truth reaches to the clouds.” Psalm 108:3-4 NKJV

“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23 RSV

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 NASB

“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:3 NASB

“Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility, count others better than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4 RSV

“But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’” 1 Peter 4:8 NKJV

“A word fitly spoken and in due season is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”
Proverbs 25:11 AMP

Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men! …from Psalm 107

Psalm 23; Psalm 91; Psalm 119:105
Luke 12:6-7; 1 Peter 5:7

Photo/Porch of the Lord, by a bee-keeper friend…

Delete Worry

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Cleanse me of worry, oh Lord.
I lay my concerns at Your feet,
for it’s only in letting You solve them
that these problems will meet their defeat.

When worrisome thoughts do come around,
I’ll trust You to help me to stand my ground.
Worry can only cause hurt in a life–
It can touch others, as well, and even cause strife.
For worry is a poison to resist and forsake–
Instead, from God’s goodness and mercy I’ll take.

So thank You for cleansing me of worry,
reminding me to turn up the PRAISE,
for You are a God of deliverance and peace,
and it’s only Your banner I’ll raise!

P. A. Oltrogge

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NASB

“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

“Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity, for they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:1-4 NKJV (and the entire Psalm)

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6 KJV

“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 14:27 KJV

“All My Life You Have Been Faithful,” an encouraging message by Pastor George Pearsons, is available at http://www.emic.org where you can view the entire service from yesterday, or scroll in to 50:00 just for the message.

Photo/Porch of the Lord

From the Father’s Heart

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“Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen” Hebrews 13:20-21

My Son watches over your life as the great Shepherd of the sheep.
He is with you always, as He is with all of His lambs, even as they sleep.

Some men trust in military might, but I’m the One of whom to boast.
I AM the God of the entire universe and am the LORD of hosts.

“I give my angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.”
“No plague shall come near your dwelling”–trust this throughout your days.

I hold all things together in your life by the Word of my great power….
The name of the Lord is, to you, your strong and dependable tower.

Jesus’ blood cleanses of all sins, and there’s healing through His blood.
That which seems to be failing, by My resurrection power, can bud.

God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit–we are three yet one.
“In God we Trust” are words to remember as the Christian race is run.

P. A. Oltrogge

“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in times past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds, who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” Hebrews 1:1-4

“…’Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts.” Zechariah 4:5-7

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10

“Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven
with the saving strength of His right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;
but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. They have bowed down and fallen;
but we have risen and stand upright.” Psalm 20:6-8

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” John 10:11

“…how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” Acts 10:38

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

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

“…knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver and gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” 1 Peter 1:18-19

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

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:19-20

…and the third paragraph of the above poem references Psalm 91

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

On healing: http://www.rhema.org offers the book, “Bodily Healing and the Atonement,” by Dr. T. J. McCrossan, reedited and reprinted by Rev. Kenneth E. Hagin and Dr. Roy Hicks. Refer also, for messages on healing, to http://www.awmi.net and http://www.josephprince.org/praisereports

“Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
3 Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
4 Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalm 103:1-5

“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed;
Save me, and I shall be saved,
For You are my praise.” Jeremiah 17:14

“…who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:24-25


For The Mothers of Ukraine

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…I join others in praying that all people disturbed by, or participating in, conflicts in any area of the world will find the reason for living…through Jesus, our Savior and Lord; but today I write this on behalf of the mothers of Ukraine….those who had to flee and those who are yet there. Mothers can be like angels on this earth, yet they need real angelic help themselves and do pray for it, too.

In order to protect their innocent and beloved children,
many Ukrainian mothers left the comfort of hearth and home.
And most had to leave there hurriedly,
not knowing how far, or for how long, they would roam.

We’ve all seen the heart-wrenching pictures
of young children in travel, carrying their favorite toys.
Husbands, fathers, sons, and older brothers were left behind,
while mothers left in order to preserve their precious girls and boys.

On this Mother’s Day, we lift them all up in prayer…
to you, God, for help–You fashioned “a mother’s heart.”
Give them special peace as they serve their families now;
we pray that the war, from their homeland, will rapidly depart.

Of course, we pray, as well, for the many men in the fight,
who’ve displayed love of their country and have been so bold.
Certainly their families are prominent daily in their thoughts…
Let’s believe that accounts of angelic protection, over many lives, will be told.

P. A. Oltrogge

Psalm 91:

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!”

For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper, and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.

You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day;

Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.

A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not approach you.

You will only look on with your eyes, and see the recompense of the wicked.

For you have made the Lord, my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place.

No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent.

For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.

They will bear you up in their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone.

You will tread upon the lion and cobra, the young lion and the serpent you will trample down,

Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.

He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him, and honor him.

With a long life I will satisfy him, and let him behold My salvation.

Photo/pxfuel

Psalm 3, The Lord, Our Shield

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A Psalm of David

“Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.

2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.

3 But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

4 I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.

5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me.

6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.

7 Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.

8 Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.”

The devil has wickedly caused destruction….
working through those who don’t heed God’s instruction.
But God’s people still are proclaiming His Word.
Thereby, and by prayer, demonic plans are deterred.

Many, in an atmosphere beyond comprehension,
need our fervent prayers to see God’s intervention.
“For the Lord knows the way of the righteous” (words to cherish); “but the way of the wicked will perish.” …from Psalm 1:6

Visit http://www.ifapray.org for prayer needs

…also today’s post by Dutch Sheets:

http://www.dutchsheets.org (video)

http://www.givehim15.com (written)

There are many excellent ministries featured on the Victory channel (www.govictory.com), but I wanted to make mention today of: http://www.renner.org

I am praying for you, one of the Porch blog followers/friends….

The Invitation

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Due to copyrights, I can’t simply reprint a portion from Reinhard Bonnke’s book, Living a Life of Fire. He’s now in heaven; but since he cared so greatly about the soul of every individual, I believe he would be glad of the sharing of this incident, related in his book. I attempt here to tell it mainly in my own words for the benefit of those who may not have time to read the entire book.

Reinhard’s father, Hermann Bonnke, had served in the German army during World War II, though he had not liked seeing the rise of the new head of Germany. He never joined the Nazi party. Amazingly, he did not know of or learn of the atrocities committed towards the Jewish people in the concentration camps until nearing the very end, close to the time of the German defeat, when the war was being brought to a close by the allied forces. That was especially grievous for him to learn of because as a believer, he regarded the Jews as the chosen people through whom God had revealed the Messiah, Jesus, the Savior of all mankind.

While in a British prison barracks himself, then, for German soldiers, one day he had been excused from work detail due to not feeling well. As he lay in his bunk, with great despair and remorse, he repented to the Lord for having served in Germany’s army and told Him that for the rest of his life, he would dedicate it to serving Him. Suddenly, he heard a door open and some footsteps coming his way, so he rolled from the bunk to stand, in order to meet whoever it might be.

There, in a pure white robe, with Middle Eastern sandals on His feet, walking toward him was a Man, smiling, with His hands out as if to embrace him. When Hermann reached for His hand, he saw that it had been punctured completely through, by the force of a Roman nail. It was Jesus, and He said to him, “Hermann, I am so glad you are coming!” But just as quickly as He had arrived, He vanished before Hermann’s eyes.

Why that supernatural incident occurred, we can only speculate. To our minds, it might have been because he was in such despair over what he had been a part of, albeit unknowingly. Perhaps it was due to his own or due to the prayers of others. However, of course, it was a treasured moment that remained with Reinhard’s father forever. After he was released from prison, he did become a pastor for the rest of his life. 

I retell this story, in case you feel despair over anything you’ve done, (you can be forgiven), or if you feel despair over some other kind of circumstance, or even the present state of world problems–remember what we have to look forward to. Every believer in Jesus can think of the wedding feast or marriage supper of the Lamb, (Rev. 19:9) to which we’ve been invited. We can picture Jesus saying the same thing to us if we’ve received Him as our Savior and Lord (whom we’re privileged to serve while here on our earthly journey), and have accepted His invitation to that great occasion.

Therefore today, if you are a believer, insert your own name, and hear Jesus saying to you, “_________, I am so glad you are coming!”

P. A. Oltrogge
(Inspired by the autobiography
of Reinhard Bonnke)

A Pro-Life Message and Words of Jesus (John 16:21)

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“A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.” John 16:21

“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… and “Thou shalt not kill.” Exodus 20:13

The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy–

those who the Master designed to bring joy.

Over 63 million abortions since Roe v Wade–

all have gone against what God forbade.

Life, sweet life, was changed, instead, to death

in defiance of the Creator, who gives us breath.

Through prayer, some children escaped that fate,

by a mother’s change of heart before it was too late.

May those who continue to promote pro-choice

think of their own births, which gave them a voice.

They can be glad their mothers saw things through

to give to them the life that their Creator said was due.

P. A. Oltrogge

Photos/pxfuel