Category Archives: Hope

Beauty is in the Eye of God, the Beholder

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

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

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

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

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

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

P. A. Oltrogge

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

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

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

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

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

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

Heaven is for Real

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You may have read or recall the book (and movie), “Heaven is for Real,” which was about a child’s remembrances that had extraordinary appeal.

It’s the story of a young boy, Colton Burpo, who at just under four years old, got a visit to, or vision of, heaven, while most of us can only imagine its streets of gold.

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He had need of emergency surgery due to an infection that became severe. In a near-death experience, Biblical realities became, to Colton, very clear.

He there saw some of the Bible’s saints, and some relatives of his own; and he also, with the Lord Jesus, came near to the Father’s throne.

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It seems that God is pulling out all the stops to allow everyone to see, that heaven is a very real place and that Jesus did die to set sinners free.

While in heaven, Colton learned of things that a young child couldn’t have known. Those facts, his parents knew, weren’t just imaginative tales to which he was prone.

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Ultimately, they felt that Colton’s story needed to be more widely shared–that the telling of it might convince many of how the Lord has always cared.

In fact, in the experience, Jesus told Colton that he would need to go back, in order for Him to answer his father’s prayer, for Colton to recover from the attack.

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If you, or people you know, have questioned whether the Bible is true, it certainly can be said that this story could be for them, and/or for you.

Colton also learned of a coming battle, that is yet to take place. Trust and believe that Jesus is Lord; and receive salvation by God’s grace.


P. A. Oltrogge

The book and movie are available at various book outlets and at the Burpo family’s website: http://www.heavenlive.org

“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

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:1-3 NKJV

“And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.” Revelation 21:21 ESV

“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.'” John 8:31-32 NKJV

“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” John 17:3 NKJV

“…that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:7-9 NKJV

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28

“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

“KING OF KINGS AND
LORD OF LORDS.” (from Revelation 19)

Photo/Unsplash

Quotes on Prayer

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“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint…” Luke 18:1 KJV

“Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart…” NASB

“It is not enough to begin to pray, nor to pray aright; nor is it enough to continue for a time to pray; but we must patiently, believingly, continue in prayer until we obtain an answer; and further we have not only to continue in prayer unto the end, but we have also to believe that God does hear us, and will answer our prayers. Most frequently we fail in not continuing in prayer until the blessing is obtained, and in not expecting the blessing.” – George Müller

“Think of what He can do, and how He delights to hear the prayers of His redeemed people. Think of your place and privilege in Christ, and expect great things!” – Andrew Murray

“Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance, but laying hold of His willingness.” – Martin Luther

“Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?” – Corrie Ten Boom

“What wings are to a bird and sails are to a ship, so is prayer to the soul.” – Corrie Ten Boom

…on prayers and decrees today at: http://www.givehim15.com

By His Grace

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“…for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’” Acts 17:28 NKJV

Father…

I’ve come to a situation that’s difficult to face,
so I ask of you, God, to sustain me with your grace.

Thank you for your grace…much of it may be needed
before this problem’s “flooding” will have receded.

But if it’s prolonged, I’ll keep drawing from your supply
of divine grace upon grace to help me get by.

Thanks for bountiful grace, poured into my being.
I’ve found it’s your grace (and Word) that is absolutely freeing.

…in and through your Son, Jesus’ name, I pray….

P. A. Oltrogge

“I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” Psalm 91:2 NKJV

“For out of His fullness (the superabundance of His grace and truth) we have all received grace upon grace (spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing, favor upon favor, and gift heaped upon gift).” John 1:16 AMP

“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

“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36 NKJV

“I know how to get along and live humbly (in difficult times), and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret (of facing life), whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need. I can do all things (which He has called me to do) through Him who strengthens and empowers me (to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.)” Philippians 4:12-13 AMP

“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” …words of Jesus in Luke 10:19 NKJV

Be reminded today of the believer’s new and righteous identity in Christ and declare it regularly.

…and thank you, Father, for your very special comfort, grace, and protection upon those living in areas of conflict, and upon those going to assist the people. Though we’ve read and heard of adverse reports, we thank you for those that are encouraging; and we pray, trust, and know that you and the angels are greatly at work to answer prayers….

Info on many prayer topics at: http://www.ifapray.org

Encouragement today on America at: http://www.givehim15.com

Fresh as a Dewdrop

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“Fresh as a dewdrop,” My Word is to you.
Go to it daily and find things new.
You’ll find the familiar in it as well–
Of comfort, wisdom, and truth it will tell.
At times, for direction, it gives a faith hint,
Bringing light to your path like a dewdrop’s glint.
Fresh as a dewdrop, I want to impart
More of its treasures into your heart.
Like finding the dewdrops, you can depend
On My being there always to instruct and befriend.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Thy Word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.”
Psalm 119:105

“I will never forget Thy precepts, for by them Thou hast revived me.”
Psalm 119:93

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort….” 2 Corinthians 1:3

“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5

“Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth.” John 17:17

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 NKJV

“…I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:20

(Scriptures NASB or as noted)

See “About the Porch”

In Him

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A confession of faith in Jesus Christ:

In Him, I live and move and have my being.  

I walk by faith and not by seeing…

I won’t cast away my confidence, for there’s great reward…

in keeping faith in the Word of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

P. A. Oltrogge

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

“…in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’”  Acts 17:28

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

“Cast not away your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.” Hebrews 10:35 KJV

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

“…and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith….” Philippians 3:9

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

“I have been crucified with Christ; 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 for me.” Galatians 2:20

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus, in order that in the ages to come, He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:4-10 NASB

(Scriptures: NKJV or as noted)

for the “In Him” mini-book:

https://www.rhema.org/store/books/in-him-book.html

Thoughts on the Wedding in Cana

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…from the account in John 2

Cana of Galilee–we see Jesus and His disciples attending a wedding there. His mother was also in attendance to celebrate the newly-married pair. 

At a certain point, Mary became aware that their friends had run out of wine. Knowing Jesus’ destiny, she was sure that He could provide them with more, as a supernatural sign.

So she came to Him about this problem of lack, which was towards the end of the feast; but Jesus said to her that it wasn’t yet time for His miracle power to be released.

He called her, “Woman,” rather than Mother or Mary, perhaps to remind that He wasn’t just her son, but that He was the devoted Son of God, who needed to follow the things that His Father said should be done.

Yet she said to the servants, “Whatever He tells you, do it,” thereby exemplifying…that she still had faith in Him to help–and faith pleases God–of that, there’s no denying.

Therefore, Jesus must have heard His heavenly Father’s voice on the matter at hand, for the servants soon filled six stone waterpots to the brim upon His command.

The waterpots were there for the Jewish ceremonial washing that was done in that day. So the turning of the water into wine for the wedding brings to mind cleansing through Christ, the new and life-giving way.

He told the servants to draw from the “water” and take it to the head steward to try. Upon tasting it, he found it to suddenly be the best of the wine, and he didn’t know why.

He called the bridegroom to exclaim that the best wine is usually served first. This miracle of Jesus seems also like a prelude to the “living water,” which satisfies our spiritual thirst.

And in these days in which we’re living, we can remember this miracle from the past, which inspires faith that the best is yet to come, for God sometimes saves the best until the last.

P. A. Oltrogge

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:19-22 NLT

(other translations call it “a new and living way”)

“Jesus replied, ‘If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.’” John 4:10 NLT

Despite the turbulent times in which we’re living, we can trust that all will be well for those who are of the household of faith, having placed their trust in Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords….

“Whatever He tells you, do it” was emphasized for all believers personally to do at the recent 2023 Southwest Believers’ Convention. You can access videos of that convention at You Tube or at http://www.kcm.org/ondemand

Bless the Lord, O my soul

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Psalm 103, NKJV

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.

6 The Lord executes righteousness
And justice for all who are oppressed.
7 He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the children of Israel.
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
9 He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.
10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities.

11 For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
12 As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father pities his children,
So the Lord pities those who fear Him.
14 For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust.

15 As for man, his days are like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
And its place remembers it no more.
17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting
On those who fear Him,
And His righteousness to children’s children,
18 To such as keep His covenant,
And to those who remember His commandments to do them.

19 The Lord has established His throne in heaven,
And His kingdom rules over all.

20 Bless the Lord, you His angels,
Who excel in strength, who do His word,
Heeding the voice of His word.
21 Bless the Lord, all you His hosts,
You ministers of His, who do His pleasure.
22 Bless the Lord, all His works,
In all places of His dominion.

Bless the Lord, O my soul!

Photos: Eagles, Pxfuel, Dandelion, Unsplash

All’s Right with My World

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“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in Him.’” Lamentations 3:22-24 RSV

All’s right with my world, my life every day…because You are in it, dear Lord, to stay.

When storms crash around me, I command them to cease; and if faith takes some battering, I still have your peace.

Whatever the circumstances, I count it all joy; I’m more than a conqueror whom this world can’t destroy.

The blessing of God is mine now and forever; I’m secure in a covenant that cannot be severed.

The Lord is my Shepherd, the pastures are green. With my mind stayed on Jesus, my life is serene.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'” Hebrews 13:5

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: ‘For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.’

“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 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 8:31-37

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters….Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:1, 2, and 6 NASB

“He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young.” Isaiah 40:11

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee; because he trusteth in Thee.” Isaiah 26:3 KJV

“But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises.” Hebrews 8:6 NLT

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.” Psalm 34:1-3

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

When God appeared to Abram, He told him, “I am (El-Shaddai) the Almighty God.” (Genesis 17:1). Translated from the original Hebrew, El-Shaddai means “I am the God who is more than enough.” He is everything we need!

He went on to explain the covenant He was cutting with Abram: “I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless descendants” (verse 2, New Living Translation). Yes, God’s Word, the Bible, is His covenant with us. When we read, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else…and He will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:33, NLT)—that’s just ONE of His covenant promises to us! Once we realize the Bible is a Book FILLED with His unbreakable covenant promises, our faith will activate in our covenant-keeping God!

…the above quoted paragraphs are reprinted with permission from Kenneth Copeland Ministries…

A Christmas Card Kept

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A friend had sent me a Christmas card–an old-fashioned scene of a neighborhood with snow. It had just enough glitter to make the snow sparkle in what looked like a winter twilight’s glow.

Cardinals rested on greenery; and a village church was prominent in the picture, which reminded of the true meaning of Christmas–written inside was a scripture.

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me. Your mercy, oh Lord, endures forever.” We are the works of His hands–Jesus promised to forsake us never.

We know that He will always stand by us–a great thought for all the year. The serenity of the village scene evoked assurance that, with God, there’s nothing to fear.

Sometimes I may want to retreat…to a nostalgic village like that pictured on the card. But I can remember the Lord is perfecting things for me, anytime that a day may seem hard.

P. A. Oltrogge

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, oh Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.” Psalm 138:8 NKJV

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 KJV

“Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.” Psalm 100:3 NKJV

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 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. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:12-17 NKJV

“…be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” from Hebrews 13:5 NKJV

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1Timothy 6:6 KJV

“I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 NASB

“For You will light my lamp; The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.” Psalm 18:28 NKJV

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 NKJV

As this post brings thoughts of Christmas (in July!), I’ll also make mention of the book, Christmas on the Porch, which is available for some very early Christmas shopping through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and http://www.christianbook.com

You can find the new book, The Awe of God, by John Bevere, at those outlets. An interview with John by Sid Roth can be found in the archives at http://www.sidroth.org

Be blessed by today’s post at http://www.givehim15.com