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
“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
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 IAM 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
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…
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.
(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
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
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
Likely, you’ll recognize the identity of this artist/painter….
From a majestic mountain to a quiet glade, paintings that featured light were this artist’s trade. Inviting, lighted cottages by peaceful lakes or streams, became sweet reflections of all of our dreams.
Churches, gardens, or a bridge that was quaint, came into being through his brushes and paint. A cabin in the woods; a lighthouse by the sea; an American flag waving in the land of the free…
And famous landmarks or an old-fashioned street were the many scenes that made his gallery complete. Hidden in his paintings were initials he would write, revealing the heart of this painter of light.
A tour filmed in Israel, where Jesus had walked, came alive to the viewers as he painted and talked– of Gethsemane’s Garden, where Jesus had prayed that the way of the cross might not have to be paid.
His artistry placed the cross of Jesus Christ high, which spoke of God’s love against a splendorous sky. He spread the Lord’s peace, through scriptures quoted by his kind voice; and, in books, they were noted.
An impact for good was made by this man– an artistic splash on this world was his part in God’s plan. But don’t look to the imperfect artist, he had said, just look to the life and cross of Christ instead.
P. A. Oltrogge
“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.” …spoken by Jesus, John 3:14-17
“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
“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
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11
“For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fulness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.” Colossians 1:19-20
…Depicted in a puzzle–the Biblical account of Noah….
“Make yourself an ark of gopherwood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch.” Genesis 6:14
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God has raised up many ministries to encourage that, as a believer, you can build yourself an ark– through faith in His Word and its promises to you, in a world that has increasingly gotten dark.
Psalm 91 is a well-tested, protective psalm, that we can claim as a shelter and a shield. Many don’t consider that God’s Word could be so sure and have let it become a Sword they only hesitantly wield.
“No evil will befall you…He gives His angels charge over you,” and “With long life He will satisfy you,” are yours to claim– Confession of God’s Word, and the Name and the blood of Jesus, are the weapons, in a storm, that will conquer and tame.
But don’t wait for storms to develop in your life– Make His promises your regular confession every day. Abide in His Word, His presence, and dwell secure, for these are the “Ark,” (“in Christ”), whereby danger is kept away.
P. A. Oltrogge
“But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:33
“My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings and in quiet resting places.” Isaiah 32:18
“The horse is prepared against the day of battle; but safety is of the Lord.” Proverbs 21:31 KJV
“I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust!’” from Psalm 91 — verse 2 …See the entire Psalm in your Bible and you can enter it in the search bar of this blog…
“Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Imagine having your son—your only son—on the front lines in Ukraine saving lives, feeding impoverished Holocaust survivors, Jewish orphans, and homeless impoverished Christians. Imagine your son telling you about two church volunteers kidnapped and murdered by the Russians as they were bringing food to impoverished Jews on the front lines of the war. For me, it’s not an imagination. It’s reality. Michael has four young children. I told him, “Please don’t go. Your mother is worried.”
Michael said, “Dad you’re my hero. I watched you all my life doing great things for God and risking your life. Don’t rob me of the privilege.” Michael chose this verse: “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.” Psalm 118:17
…and as regards Israel:
Hezbollah just launched dozens more rockets across the border from Lebanon into northern Israel. This is a daily occurrence, and as a result, tens of thousands of innocent Jewish men, women, and children have been driven from their homes. We are launching a special outreach to the suffering people in northern Israel, and we need your help.
“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’
“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” Matthew 25:31-40
is how far God removes our sins. We, also, will find rest…
in following the example of Jesus, God’s Son,
who forgave from the cross, knowing God loved everyone.
“Father forgive them, for they know not what they do”
was Jesus’ heartfelt prayer, despite what He was going through.
He came to seek and to save those who were lost…
and was willing to go to the cross to pay sin’s high cost.
“Their sins and lawless deeds, I’ll remember no more…”
are words of our God that we simply can’t ignore.
If the Almighty can forgive sins and then even forget,
then we should not be focusing on another person’s debt.
If we break one of God’s laws, we’ve broken them all;
this is stated in His Word, we have to realize and recall.
To judge a fellow, repentant believer is not for us to do,
but we’re to greet them, with love, as the Lord wants us to.
P. A. Oltrogge
“For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him: As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him.” Psalm 103:11-13
“And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.’ And they divided His garments and cast lots.” Luke 23:33-34
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:1-5
and see Matthew 18:21-35
“So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, ‘He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.'” John 8:7
“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32
“For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” Hebrews 8:10-12
“For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. For He who said, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ also said, ‘Do not murder.’ Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” James 2:10-26
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said,‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!‘” John 1:29
“He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay; and He set my feet upon a rock, making my footsteps firm.” Psalm 40:2
…the following is a little contemplation on what I envision the Lord might say to someone who just placed their faith in Him…
To My mind, your life without Me was like being in miry clay; but I kept My hope that you’d respond to My love one day.
Where you had been didn’t matter so much, for I knew that you were in need of My touch.
Ever so gently I drew you away–I knew this would happen if you would just pray.
By the power of My Spirit you opened your heart, and now, through My grace, you have gotten a new start.
That person you were has actually died; a new life’s begun due to “Christ crucified.”
So rejoice in My love as I do in yours. Share it with others despite troubles or wars,
for I have room for so many through heaven’s open doors. And from out of heaven’s windows, My love surely pours–
down to the miry clay–or wherever it may…find people and lead them out to My way.
P. A. Oltrogge
“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
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
“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
“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Galatians 2:20
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” Habakkuk 2:14
“He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge. His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.” Psalm 91:4
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” Matthew 23:37
Be willing to come to Christ and be blessed….
“‘Come now, and let us reason together,’ Says the Lord, ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land….’” Isaiah 1:18-19
“And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come. Again, he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding.” But they made light of it and went their ways….’” Matthew 22:1-5
“…choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” from Joshua 24:15 AMP
“Salvation belongs to the Lord. Your blessing is upon Your people. Selah” Psalm 3:8
