Category Archives: Hope

Darkness Defeated by the Light of the World

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“In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He existed in the beginning with God.
God created everything through him,
and nothing was created except through him.
The Word gave life to everything that was created,
and his life brought light to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness can never extinguish it.

“God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

“He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

“So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.”

John 1:1-14 NLT

Jesus is the very Word of God, giving life to every created thing. The darkness can never extinguish the light of Him of whom we sing.

Conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin, the Word became flesh…to dwell among us, offering salvation, so that every life might begin afresh.

He’s the Light unto our path—the Way, the Truth, and the Life—and the Prince of Peace unto a world that’s been tainted by sin and strife.

His life brought the Light of the World to all—forever Jesus Christ will reign. Because He defeated death, “To me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

P. A. Oltrogge

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21 NKJV

“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 NKJV

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him, who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” 1 Peter 2: 9-10 NKJV

“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 NKJV

“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 NKJV

“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.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 NKJV

“(The Word Becomes Flesh) 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

A Song in the Snow

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“I know all the birds of the mountains….” Psalm 50:11

“Offer to God thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High. Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” Psalm 50:14-15

There isn’t any situation of which God, the Father, doesn’t know. He cares for the little birds in the midst of the winter snow.

Right in the midst of worrisome trouble, He’s the One upon whom to call. Deliverance is ours through prayer to Him, in the name of Jesus, who is Lord of all.

Let every care be cast aside–it’s in the shelter of the Most High that we abide.

P. A. Oltrogge

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

“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 NLT

“What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31 NLT

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:13-14

“And in that day, you will ask Me nothing, Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:23-24

“Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks.” Philippians 4:6 GW

“Turn all your anxiety over to God because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 GW

“But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ–He is Lord of all–that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached.” Acts 10:35-37

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9

“Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses.” Psalm 107:6

“The Lord upholds all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look expectantly to You, and You give them their food in due season. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.” Psalm 145:14-16 (and all of Psalm 145)

Protection from plague, pestilence, and peril is proclaimed in Psalm 91; and the following are words from Psalm 103:

“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.
The Lord executes righteousness
And justice for all who are oppressed.” (1-6)

“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it, with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

Always encouraging messages at http://www.josephprince.org and testimonies under “praise reports.”

Poinsettias for the Prince of Peace

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At the Christmas season, with decorations inside and out,
the poinsettias reflect what it’s all about.
Clean as the whiteness of a lamb or a dove–
the purity of ivory petals speaks of the Child sent from above.

Pink reflects cheer and the joy that was proclaimed
by the angels about the Christ child–Jesus, He’s named.
Crimson red speaks of blood that was shed for mankind
by Jesus Christ upon the cross–our salvation defined.

The lives of those who receive Him gain a new lease
in finding faith for living through this Prince of Peace.
So, in seeing the poinsettias, rejoice for the reason
that His birth in Bethlehem is what gave us this season.

P. A. Oltrogge

“And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:9-11 KJV

“But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name.” John 1:12 KJV

“For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His Name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 9:6 NKJV

…from Christmas on the Porch

Jerusalem Prayer Team Update

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…passing this along, for us to pray and/or give, as we can….

This week, in the midst of winter cold, more than 500 Ukrainian towns and villages were without power. This is the result of deliberate and continued Russian attacks on the power grid. The hardest hit region is around Kharkiv, one of the places Michael will be going in just a few days. The toll of the war is greatest of all on the children, and I’m asking you to help us bless 1,000 of these precious little ones with a Christmas party Michael will host for them in just ten days on December 17. 

Our goal is to take another convoy of supplies before Christmas. The children of Ukraine have suffered unspeakable hell this year. We need to raise another $180,000 for this Merry Christmas Ukraine outreach very quickly. So far 1054 friends have given $109,286 toward this vital project. Your love will provide food and generators to bring heat during the brutal winter that is coming. We would love to make this Christmas special for Ukrainian refugees, but we can’t do that unless you say “Yes.” 

Michael has been to Ukraine again and again—going right to the front lines to ensure the help you provide goes to those who need it most. He has risked his life because the cause is so great and the need is so urgent. Carolyn and I have decided to give a generous gift to honor the birth of our Savior by caring for those who are homeless and hungry please join us today. “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death cast its shadow, a light has shined” (Matthew 4:16). You can be that light right now with your Christmas gift for the people of Ukraine.

Make a donation here:  http://giving.jerusalemprayerteam.org

Your support of the Jerusalem Prayer Team today allows us to purchase food, medicine, clothing, and other necessities of life for the poor Holocaust survivors of Ukraine, as well as to continue to operate the Friends of Zion Museum, to stand up and speak out for Israel, and to meet urgent humanitarian needs among the poor Jewish people living in Israel. Thank you so much for being part of this vital worldwide prayer movement.

Your ambassador to Jerusalem,

Michael David Evans

Jerusalem Prayer Team | PO BOX 30246, Phoenix, AZ 85046 

(website temporarily being worked on, but the link above is good)

Another ministry helping in Ukraine is Operation Blessing, http://www.ob.org

The Heart of Christmas

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For God so loved the world…
Can we comprehend His very big heart?
All the way back to Adam and Eve,
He loved us from the start.

God, the Father, would send a Savior
through Jesus Christ, His Son.
Born of the virgin, Mary–
through Jesus, His plans would be done.

Jesus, the Son, would die for our sins;
He would teach us about loving and giving.
I thank God for the gift of Jesus at Christmas,
who renews my faith always for living.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17 KJV

“May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 3:5 NASB

“All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep His commandments and His testimonies.” Psalm 25:10 RSV

“…I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 NKJV

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 NKJV

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:3-5 NLT

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” John 13:34 NKJV

“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 8:38-39 NKJV

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

“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

Luke 6:37-38; Matthew 5:1-16

Photo/Porch of the Lord

Inspired Words to Pray

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Photo/Porch of the Lord

Lord,
Make me an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hatred–let me sow love,
where there is injury–pardon,
where there is doubt–faith,
where there is despair–hope,
where there is darkness–light,
and where there is sadness–joy.

Divine Master, grant that I may
not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive–
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi

…Some versions of this prayer add “where there is friction, union, and where there is error, truth.” You may want to add those thoughts in praying the prayer, as well.

…from the ministry of Joseph Prince, view:  http://www.josephprince.org/praisereports

You may also want to visit today’s message at http://www.dutchsheets.org

Blessings,

P. A. Oltrogge

Two Significant Births

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The Hebrew people had prayed for a deliverer to be their long-promised King. While living under Roman rule, they looked for the answer that God would bring.

Then it came to pass that two little babies were born in the same time span. The lives of each one of them would be major in God’s great redemptive plan.

One would be a prophet named John, the baptizer, and was the son of Zacharias, the priest. The other was Jesus, who would be the focus and celebration of God’s greatest Passover Feast.

John’s mother, Elizabeth, had longed for a child and rejoiced at the birth of her son. And Jesus’ mother, Mary, told the angel who came that God’s will for her should be done.

The angel, Gabriel, had first appeared to Zacharias and told him what to name his son…John, “The Lord is gracious,” a preparer of the way for the Messiah, God’s Anointed One.

When betrothed, Mary’s Joseph had gained assurance from God, by having been visited in a dream too. Mary stayed with her cousin, Elizabeth, for a time, before her own baby would become due.

These four parents realized, through faith, the significance of those entrusted to their care. A messenger of God, and Immanuel, “God With Us,” were birthed in answer to prayer.

P. A. Oltrogge

(from Luke 1 and Matthew 1:18-25)

“It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24

God’s words in the Garden of Eden, after Adam and Eve disobeyed Him, to the serpent (Satan) about a Redeemer: “And I will put enmity (open hostility) between you and the woman, And between your seed (offspring) and her Seed; He shall (fatally) bruise your head, And you shall (only) bruise His heel.” Genesis 3:15 AMP (the promise/prediction of Jesus’ birth, His redemption for us through the shedding of His blood on the cross, and His victory over Satan)

“…for the devil has sinned and violated God’s law from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.” from 1 John 3:8 AMP

“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 NKJV

Written of Jesus:

“And the angel said unto her, ‘Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest, and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father, David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.’ Then said Mary unto the angel, ‘How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?’ And the angel answered and said unto her, ‘The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible.’ And Mary said, ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.’ And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:30-38 KJV

Written of John:

“And his father, Zacharias, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying… ‘And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go on before the Lord to prepare His ways, to give to His people the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the Sunrise from on high shall visit us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.’” Luke 1:67 and 76-79 NASB

…poetry from Christmas on the Porch….

Advent of a Rose

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Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming
from tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse’s lineage coming
as men of old have sung.
It came, a flower bright,
amid the cold of winter
when half spent was the night.

Isaiah ‘twas foretold it,
this Rose I have in mind.
With Mary we behold it,
the virgin mother kind.
To show God’s love aright,
she bore to men a Savior
when half spent was the night.

This Flower, whose fragrance tender
with sweetness fills the air,
dispels with glorious splendor
the darkness everywhere.
True man, yet very God,
from sin and death He saves us
and lightens every load.

This hymn originally appeared in 1599,
Translated from German by Theodore Baker 1894

“There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.” Isaiah 11:1

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14 

“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

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 2:15

“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. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30

Scriptures NKJV

Meditation of the Heart

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“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

The Bible is very clear about the importance of the words that we speak. But keeping the meditation of our hearts acceptable to God is that which we should also seek.

Are the meditations of your heart more like worry or negativity in recent days? Think, instead, upon God’s promises, thanking Him, and rejoicing in Him always….

P. A. Oltrogge

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4

“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:2 NKJV

“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)

“The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold.” Psalm 46:7 

“Jesus said, ‘Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts upon them, may be compared to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and yet it did not fall; for it had been founded upon the rock.'” Matthew 7:24-25 NKJV

“The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.”  Psalm 118:22

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things. As for the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:7-9 NASB

“Seven times a day I praise You
Because of Your righteous judgments.
Those who love Your Law have great peace,
And nothing causes them to stumble.” Psalm 119:164-165 NASB

“…Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 NKJV

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:26-27 KJV

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

“Then my enemies will be turned back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me.” Psalm 56:9 NASB

“God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV

Respite on the Porch

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Photo/Pixabay

It’s my hope that a visit to the Porch of the Lord may sometimes come to mind…if you’re in need of refreshment–the Lord’s peace being what you need to find.

Or, then again, that you may think to go there for an encouraging start, on any given new day, seeking the Lord, heart to heart.

The best thing about it are the Lord’s words quoted there. May you see and hear Him talking with you, all the while that you’re resting in a comfortable porch chair.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:27-29 NASB

“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 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. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another.” John 15:9-17 NKJV

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’” Romans 8:14-15 NKJV

If you can do so, sometime, the service and message at Eagle Mountain International Church from yesterday, November 27, is well worth taking in. The excellent message, by Pastor George Pearsons, is “God’s Word–Final Authority.” There are also some encouraging testimonies at the very beginning, read by his wife, Pastor Terri Pearsons. The service is found at http://www.emic.org

Also enlightening is today’s in-depth study at http://www.givehim15.com by Dutch Sheets