“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 NKJV
So grateful, as we watched the fireworks displayed, that this is a land founded by people who prayed…
So many who recognized that this world’s true King— is Jesus, the Christ—Lord above everything.
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty; and it’s through God’s beloved Son that men are truly free.
P. A. Oltrogge
“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
“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36 NKJV
“…no man can say that Jesus is the Lord but by the Holy Ghost.” 1 Corinthians 12:3 KJV
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, and to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” spoken by Jesus in Luke 4:18-19 KJV
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” spoken by Jesus in John 3:16-17 KJV
“The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance.” Psalm 33:11-12
“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.” John 15:12-14
“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” 1 John 3:16-17
“For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield.” Psalm 5:12
“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
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Proverbs 14:34
“But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.” John 17:13-19
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him.” Psalm 28:7
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11
“He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.” Psalm 91:4
So that freedom could be maintained, many in our military gave their all. In the various historic conflicts, they answered their country’s call.
They went forth to be a protective shield, against evil from taking hold. Today, in America, we must stand, too, for truth, being brave and bold.
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord”–He is our strong shield. In God we trust, and thereby prosper, as our country’s history has revealed.
At this time of independence, we still stand firm with Jesus Christ, the King. He is oursun and shield, no matter what opposing voices try to bring.
P. A. Oltrogge
For a most encouraging message, “America, Remember Your Covenant,” see the latest service from July 2, at http://www.emic.org
Whether posted on a tree in the Midwest or hung from a Colorado rooftop,
love for our country, America, and its great flag, doesn’t stop!
We thank the Lord for His blessings, praying on this Independence Day…
We’re ever dependent upon Yourguidance, Lord, over our beloved U.S.A.
P. A. Oltrogge
God Bless America!
God bless America, land that I love; Stand beside her and guide her through the night with Your light from above.
From the mountains to the prairies to the oceans white with foam. God bless America, my home sweet home!
…parade watchers on the 4th of July in Telluride, Colorado
_________________________
“God Bless America!”, by Irving Berlin, was written during World War I in 1918 and revised by him in the run up to World War II in 1938. It was first sung by Kate Smith and began with the following words:
While the storm clouds gather far across the sea, let us swear allegiance to a land that’s free.
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair as we raise our voices in a solemn prayer…
(Father, thank You for hearing our prayer yet today for America; and may its citizens be truly grateful for it, and to You, for Your guidance and preservation of it. We pray for leadership that desires and seeks to rule according to Your wisdom and to be on Your side. We look to Your Spirit to turn the hearts of the people towards You and Your goodness, as shown in many ways to them, and written of in Your book, the Holy Bible. In the name of Your Son, Jesus, we pray…)
For a most encouraging message, “America, Remember Your Covenant,” see the latest service from July 2, at http://www.emic.org
“As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God.” Psalm 42:1 NLT
Dear Father,
Your Word reveals that, as believers in Christ, we’re living under Your blessing.
So, rather than talking about problems, it’s Your promises that we should be confessing.
“The hills melted like wax in Your presence,” so any of our difficulties are resolved.
Casting our cares upon You, with thanksgiving, is vital for problems to be solved.
Thank You for the great promise of a place for us in heaven that, one day, will be ours.
But for abundant life now and needs that are met—we thank You for Your blessing showers!
Because of Your known faithfulness, we can trust that Your plans for us are best.
We have peace and faith, knowing that it’s Your desire for us…to always enter into Your rest.
Praise the Lord!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly of heart, and you will find rest for your souls.For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
“There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.” Hebrews 4:9
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
“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
“…casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
“The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.” Psalm 97:5 KJV
“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11
“I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy, For You have considered my trouble; You have known my soul in adversities…” Psalm 31:7
“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27
“For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.” 1 Corinthians 14:14-15
“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
“You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind (both its inclination and its character) is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.
“So trust in the Lord (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock (the Rock of Ages).” Isaiah 26:3-4 AMPC
Led by God’s Word and the Holy Spirit, Christians are a formidable “team.” Some “players” are led, at times, by God speaking to them through a dream.
Some are led to start and pastor churches, and some are called to teach… Some become evangelists or missionaries to the souls God wants them to reach.
Then, too, many serve the Lord in other of the various walks of life–as businessmen and women, or as lawyers or judges who settle strife.
Doctors and nurses, builders, those who work on roads or out on a farm…firemen, police, and soldiers–all serve God, some keeping us from harm.
Every Christian is called to pray and, with humility, to serve others…especially those of the household of faith–their “sisters and brothers.”
Many Christians have great courage, and they’re quick to meet critical needs. Having studied the Word of God, their faith is developed for noble deeds.
As good Samaritans, the love of Jesus, is the believer’s guiding light. It’s that love that keeps TEAM JESUS glowing in the midst of the darkest night.
Our “Coach” is Jesus Christ, whose words and example keep us strong. If you’ve not signed on to TEAM JESUS–it’s the winning team to which YOU can belong!
P. A. Oltrogge
There are numerous ministries that serve on the team, many of which have been mentioned on this blog, and then, of course, your local church.
Reminderof an important Team Jesus effort:
If you watched the Flashpoint presentation of June 9, you learned more about the movie to be released on July 4th called “Sound of Freedom.” At the Flashpoint meeting, Eduardo Verástegui, the producer of the movie, Jim Caviezel, who acts in it, and Tim Ballard, on whose work the movie is based, are interviewed by Gene Bailey. They discussed some of the details behind making the movie, but mostly its subject–rescuing children from the evil of child trafficking.
Today I have responsibilities that call; I may not be able to get to them all.
I like to think back on visits I’ve made to peaceful wooded paths or a quiet glade.
At such places, it’s natural to pause and reflect on the Lord, our Creator, and give Him respect.
But amidst crowded sidewalks or busy streets, I can praise you, God, and remember our “retreats.”
P. A. Oltrogge
“And He (Jesus) said to them, ‘Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.’….” Mark 6:31 NKJV
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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.” Matthew 11:28-29 NKJV
“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” Psalm 29:11 NIV
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.” Isaiah 26:3 KJV
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 KJV
“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 understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
Exodus 33:14; Psalm 23; Psalm 91; Psalm 119:105; John 14:27; John 20:21
Claim the name of Jesus and the blood of Jesus that was shed. Enforce His victory over the devil–say, all his schemes are dead. Use the Word, “NO weapon formed against me shall prosper (or succeed).” “Jesus, the Son, has made me free; and I am free indeed!”
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, Proverbs has stated. That, and our God-given authority have largely been underrated. More widely now these things are taught, with an emphasis on praise. Trust God’s goodness and mercy to follow you, throughout all of your days.
P. A. Oltrogge
“NO weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17
“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.’ They answered Him, ‘We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’? Jesus answered them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.'” John 8:31-36
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21
“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and overallthepoweroftheenemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19
Excerpt from Acts: “Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon’s, greatly amazed. So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: ‘Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. And His name, and faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.’” Acts 3:11-16
“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.” Philippians 2:8-10
“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.
“…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
“If we say we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:6-7
“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 NLT
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,” from Psalm 103:1-5
“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1
“Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord! Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore! From the rising of the sun to its going down, the name of the Lord is to be praised. The Lord is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens.” Psalm 113:1-4
“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither, and in whatever he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3 NASB
Like a tree firmly planted by streams of water–
that’s what each of us will become, as God’s son or daughter,
when we meditate, continually, in God’s written Word.
Our growth in Christ will increase–it can’t be deterred.
Jesus reminded us that man doesn’t live by bread alone–
It’s by regular feeding on God’s Word that we will have grown
to be strong trees in a mighty “forest,” the planting of the Lord–
rooted in God, our mighty fortress, our faith having soared.
P. A. Oltrogge
“The Lord is my rock and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” Psalm 18:2 KJV
“For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore, for thy name’s sake, lead me, and guide me.” Psalm 31:3 KJV
“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
You may enjoy visiting Covenant Family Church for “church” via conference call on Sundays at 10:50 a.m., (Eastern Standard Time). Just make the call and enjoy the “live” message. The telephone number is (609) 663-1557. Website: http://www.covenantfamily.cc
Though I don’t post them, I do receive and read comments which, at times, come in. Regarding one that was recent, please know that I do pray for those who follow The Porch of the Lord blog and will pray for the particular needs you mentioned. This blog was begun to share the gospel and to encourage one’s faith regarding the trials of life–somewhat, through the poetic messages, but mainly through the truth of the scriptures, meditating upon them and declaring them.
God bless today and always,
P. A. Oltrogge
“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
I well remember when a young woman in my church, who had had a pelvic fracture due to an accident was healed at a morning service during praise. She suddenly realized she was standing normally. Later, x-rays confirmed the miracle.
The following are from the booklet, “Confessions for ‘Whole’ Life” by Sandra Kennedy Ministries. These regard pain…
Isaiah 53:4 The Lord bore this pain in His own body. Therefore, I don’t have to bear it.
1 Corinthians 10:13 God is faithful and has made a way of escape out of this pain.
Mark 4:39 I speak to the pain center of my brain and the nerve endings and I say, “Peace, be still.”
Mark 11:23 I speak to the mountain of pain and I say to you, “Be thou removed.”
Song of Solomon 1:3 Your name, Lord, is as ointment that soothes my pain.
Psalm 103:3 The Lord heals all my diseases and all associated pain.
Psalm 40:17 The Lord is my God and my Deliverer, and He will deliver me from this pain.
and others, including scriptures for many other afflictions. The booklet is available at: http://www.sandrakennedy.org
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