.…the following was written a few years back, actually. Today, we are hearing wonderful stories of spiritual renewal (revival) coming and revival already here.…

“…man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.” from Deuteronomy 8:3

There’s famine in the world today, though there’s “Bread” that is abounding. So many walk with uncertainty when personal concerns become confounding.

They’re out the door to earn their living to buy life’s necessities and more; but the “Bread” they’re missing in their lives can’t be purchased at any store.

Instead, it’s there in the Bible, where Jesus’ words of nourishment are found, that feed our spirits about the blessings with which God wants us to be crowned.

Not only for things that we may desire, but there are blessings of a still greater kind–peace amidst troubles, faith that endures, and love of others comes to mind.

Never taking the time to read it, or ever searching out a church where it’s taught, can all make up for a very draining day, or for times when they’ll feel distraught.

Let’s pray all the more for those around us, even for believers–and those who are not yet–to realize they don’t have to starve any more–there’s a hearty feast of “Bread” they can get.

P. A. Oltrogge

“And Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.’” John 6:35 NKJV

When the poem says, “even believers,” it’s simply meant that the writer or any person who has already received the Bread of Life, Jesus, will benefit by coming to Him daily, through His Word, not missing that time with Him.

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17 NKJV

See John 1:1-18 —
“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

postscript to this poem:

There are places on this earth where there are shortages of Bibles, or it’s not been translated. We pray for the people there, and for those working to bring this great “Bread” for which they’ve waited. (The following links have information on successful Bible translation and distribution work being done.)
See www.wycliffe.org
http://www.americanbible.org

“The grass withers, the flower fades,
But the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8

The Christian who needs strength relies, daily on the strength which God supplies….

Thank you, God, for sending Jesus for us all, to pay the ransom for our souls–redeeming us from man’s fall.

Thank you, God, for mighty angels that are mine; and thank you–for this earthly body made so fine.

Thank you, Father, for my heart’s strong and steady beat; and thank you for good health–from my head down to my feet.

Thank you that you’re there, if I come under attack. Thank you, Good Shepherd, that you’ve always got my back.

Thank you that I can look for miracle answers to come my way, for problems that seem difficult, for you hear me when I pray.

Thank you, Jesus, for your promise of a blessed, abundant life. Thank you, too, that you taught us to keep from strife.

Thank you for giving servants who teach your Word for these days. Thank you for their anointing and that they emphasize your praise.

Thank you, Lord, that as I seek to follow after you, a goodly harvest is produced in everything I do.

P. A. Oltrogge

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1 NKJV

“Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.” 1 John 4:17 NKJV

“The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds’ feet, and makes me walk on my high places.” Habakkuk 3:19 NASB/Ryrie

“Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7 KJV

“Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong.” Joel 3:10 KJV

“He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might, He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:29-31 NKJV

“The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.” Psalm 29:11 NIV

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

“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.” Psalm 139:14 NKJV

“…for in Him we live and move and have our being….” from Acts 17:28 NKJV

“Blessed be the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplication. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him. The Lord is their strength, and He is a saving defense to His anointed. Save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance; be their shepherd also and carry them forever.” Psalm 28:6-9 NASB/Ryrie

“My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them,
And health to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4:20-24 NKJV

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 NASB/Ryrie

“…Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!'” Nehemiah 8:10 NLT

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were, the utterances of God; whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11 NASB/Ryrie

“My flesh and my heart may fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 NASB/Ryrie

“With a long life I will satisfy him, and let him behold My salvation.” Psalm 91:16 (and all of Psalm 91, regarding angelic protection, no plague, etc.)

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

“Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:10-12 (and the following verses on the full armor of God) NASB/Ryrie

“The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” John 10:10-11 NASB/Ryrie

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3 KJV

“Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:7 KJV

“The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.” Psalm 121:7-8 NKJV

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“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

“…being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus….” Romans 3:24 NKJV

Photo/Unsplash…Lake Louise, Canada

“Fear not, for I am 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

Just because something set you back in the past,
doesn’t have to mean that that “stronghold” will last.

For God has a strong hold on His sons and daughters,
to bring them safely through in crossing deep waters.

As you resist the devil and his every concocted doubt…
that evil attack from him must then be on its way out.

Peter left the boat to meet Jesus and walked upon the sea…
but fear from a blast of the wind caused Peter’s faith to flee.

He cried out, beginning to sink–then felt the immediate pull
of the Lord’s victorious hand on him for a recovery that was full.

Keep a strong hold on what Jesus, our Lord, has said…
Replace the devil’s thoughts of fear with faith in God, instead.

Proclaim, “I receive it!” the moment you’ve prayed.
Then rest in His peace as your mind on Christ is stayed.

Say unto this mountain, and it will be removed….
especially say the Word–God’s Truth that has been proved!

P. A. Oltrogge

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ….” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

“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

“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.” Nahum 1:7

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

“But He (Jesus) answered and said, ‘It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you…
For I am the !ord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior….”
Isaiah 43:2, 3

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

“So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” Mark 11:22-24

“As for God, His way is perfect; The Word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.” Psalm 18:30

“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

“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints….” Ephesians 6:14-18

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 NASB

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“Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.

“Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out for fear.

“But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’

“And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’

“So He said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’

“And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

“Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly You are the Son of God.'” Matthew 14:22-33

(This occurred after the disciples had just seen Jesus feed a multitude of people from having blessed just five loaves and two fish.) verse 21: “Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children.”

Our Lord is mighty to save!

Encouraging resource: http://www.faithschool.org

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

…photo/Unsplash

from Luke 13:10-17

In this account, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues; and it was on a Sabbath day. 

A woman was there who, for eighteen years, had had an infirmity caused by a spirit—she was bound by satan that way.

She was bent double and was totally unable to straighten up at all. 

But she made her way over to Jesus, upon His invitation and call.

“Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity,” He said, laying His hands upon her—immediately she became erect. 

She began to glorify God that Jesus’ ministry had had such a powerful effect!

But due to rigid adherence to the Torah, a synagogue official could only “see” the Law. 

Jesus should not have healed on the Sabbath, he indicated. All he could see was this “flaw.”

In the face of such a miracle, he still, obviously, wasn’t persuaded.

His only desire seemed to be that Jesus’ act of love should be degraded.

Jesus then called him a hypocrite, saying that he, and the other synagogue officials, would untie their own oxen or donkeys on the Sabbath to lead them to some waters.

How much more, then, was it right for Him to heal, even though on a Sabbath, this woman, who was one of Abraham’s daughters.

After Jesus had said these things, his opponents were put to shame…

while, for the glorious things He was doing for others, the people were giving Him great acclaim.

As believers, we, too, are heirs of Abraham; and on any night or day… 

the Lord, who never slumbers or sleeps, will hear and answer us whenever we pray.

P. A. Oltrogge

“And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.” Galatians 3:29 NASB

“…He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” Psalm 121:3-4 NASB

Be blessed at: www.covenantfamily.cc
Keith Eggert, Feb.12, for a message on Powerful Prayer
Dan Walter, Feb. 5, on the account of Abraham and Isaac

“Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:1-2

When all seems lost, at times, there’s still a strong beacon of Light. Hold on to the Lord Jesus Christ, with a faith grip that’s very tight.

The devil seeks to completely destroy your confident trust in the Master. We can never doubt God’s compassion and love–even in times of disaster.

Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world, but to save us and redeem us from the curse, while satan works to steal, kill, and destroy–only to make lives worse.

The steadfast love of God never ceases; His mercies are new every day. He gladly hears those seeking the Savior–and, absolutely, hears His children when they pray.

God’s love is seen through His servants, who go about giving aid…to those who have need of His help, so their glimmer of hope won’t fade.

Faith, hope, and love are vital, but love is the most highly rated. Through prayers, with and for others, and the use of our helping hands, God’s love is communicated.

And on the cross of Calvary, His love profoundly beamed…through His Son’s willingness to give His life, so that our lives could be redeemed.

Lord, we do sense your love and presence in the midst of things that are dire, by way of the Holy Spirit, who reminds us that your love is always much higher.

“… For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:5 NLT

P. A. Oltrogge

“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

“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 3:22-23 RSV

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

“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

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” Romans 1:16

“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” Galatians 3:13-14

“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

“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:12

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” 1 John 5:14-15

“Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them,  and you will have them. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.” Mark 11:24-25

“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever—the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continuallyand will be in you.” John 14:16-17 AMP

“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.” Psalm 42:5

“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 8:37-39

“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.’” John 8:12 

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 

“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 25:34-40

Ministries through which to help share God’s love have previously been mentioned on the Porch of the Lord, and you may have others of which you’re aware. We continue to pray regarding the many situations in this world that need our prayers, and I’m praying for you, dear follower or friend of this blog. God bless you today

What every country needs is leadership by those who do pray–
and that would also be those who follow what the Bible has to say.
The beginning of wisdom, it states, comes by the fear of the Lord;
therefore, leaders of any country should want Him to be on board.

So, as we pray for the U.S.A., we intercede for God’s protection
from our enemies and from legislation that wouldn’t be of His direction.
We pray that the light of Christ will shine into every person’s heart–
especially those in leadership roles, so that our liberties won’t depart.

P. A. Oltrogge

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.  His praise endures forever.”  Psalm 111:10 NKJV; also Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 9:10

“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”
2 Corinthians 3:17 NKJV

The following were the words of Dwight D. Eisenhower at his first Presidential inauguration in 1953: 

My friends, before I begin the expression of those thoughts that I deem appropriate to this moment, would you permit me the privilege of uttering a little private prayer of my own. And I ask that you bow your heads.

“Almighty God, as we stand here at this moment, my future associates in the executive branch of government join me in beseeching that Thou will make full and complete our dedication to the service of the people in this throng, and their fellow citizens everywhere. Give us, we pray, the power to discern clearly right from wrong, and allow all our words and actions to be governed thereby, and by the laws of this land. Especially we pray that our concern shall be for all the people regardless of station, race, or calling. May cooperation be permitted and be the mutual aim of those who, under the concepts of our Constitution, hold to differing political faiths, so that all may work for the good of our beloved country and Thy glory. Amen.” 

During his first term, Eisenhower signed the federal law inserting the phrase “under God” into the Pledge of Allegiance. Why? According to Eisenhower: In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America’s heritage and future: In this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country’s most powerful resource in peace and war.

For his second inauguration, Eisenhower was actually sworn in twice. Because the legally designated inaugural day fell on a Sunday, Ike refused to have a public ceremony; the official oath was administered to him on the Sabbath in private. The following day, however, he had a public ceremony and was sworn in (again) before large crowds at the Capitol, taking his oath on his West Point Bible as he had at his first inauguration.

Info on President Eisenhower from: http://www.Wallbuilders.com

Dutch Sheets has “A Word of Hope” today, with insight on Gilgal, at:

http://www.givehim15.com