I can’t start my day, Lord Jesus, without first turning to You. I need Your promised help to be able to see things through.
I need to know You’ll be walking with me, steadying me on my feet, to handle any challenges today that I might possibly meet.
Of course, I know Your assurances, as written to us in Your Word; but folding my hands in prayer to You reassures me that You’ve heard.
I’m relying on You for strength and peace and a faith that won’t retreat. On paths my feet will tread, may I “see” beside my own, Your sandaled feet.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 KJV
“Hold thou me up and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.” Psalm 119:117 KJV
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways, acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV
“Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.” Proverbs 3:23 KJV (and all of Proverbs 3)
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 NKJV
“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” Psalm 29:11 NIV
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3 NLT
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea….” Psalm 46:1-2 KJV
“The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.” Psalm 46:7, 11
“I indeed baptize you with water, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Said of Jesus by John the Baptist) Matthew 3:11 NKJV
…and we continue to pray, Father, for thosewho are faced with the reality of war or persecution to truly sense Your presence as they look to You and Your Word to strengthen them and help them….For the war to cease and for Your peace, we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
“He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth….” Psalm 46:9
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:1-5
Jesus, You are the True Vine, to which I’m blessed to have a strong connection. It’s through Your truths and the Holy Spirit You sent, that I find wisdom and direction.
Before learning to trust Your guidance, I attempted some plans of my own. But they only showed me my need to draw close–to You at Your heavenly throne.
There, You’d waited patiently for me, to learn more about You and abide… in the peace of Your presence in order to bear fruit, by which Your Father is glorified.
It’s written in Your Word, that I’m seated with You, together in the heavenly places; I’m an heir of God and a joint heir with Christ, so I receive of divine daily graces.
“Much fruit” are actually the words that this portion of scripture has detailed; You will perfect a good work in me, so I won’t be a branch that has failed.
Without You, I can do nothing; but, by drawing from the Vine, I become able to tell of the One who changed water into wine–the best at the wedding table.
Many other miracles can come to mind as I think back on all that I’ve read: Parables shared and words that were prophetic are among the things that You said.
In and through You, I’m the kind of branch that remains and continues to thrive, sharing through kind deeds and words about Jesus, our God, who is very much alive!
P. A. Oltrogge
“If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you. By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also 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 be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” John 15:6-11
“You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in Me.” John 15:3-4 (New Living Translation)
“So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'” John 8:31-32
“Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature, the old things passed away; behold new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21
“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.” Ephesians 2:4-7
“The spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.” Romans 8:16-17
“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 KJV
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 NKJV
“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13 KJV
“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 with God nothing will be impossible.”Luke 1:37 (the angel Gabriel to Mary)
“Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.'” Mark 9:23
“But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'” Matthew 19:26
“And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour.Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, ‘Why could we not cast it out?’ So Jesus said to them, ‘Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.'” Matthew 17:28-21
Prayer (and fasting, as we feel led of the Lord), PRAISE, faith in the name and blood of Jesus–His finished work through the cross (in remembrance of Him, taking communion), and belief in God’s Word and His grace will move us to that “Possible” place….
Be encouraged at http://www.josephprince.org through his message today on the power of God’s Word, and by reading the praise reports at the site.
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
Dear Father in Heaven,
You’ve told us that we should be bold in coming to Your throne of grace; so, Father, as Your child, I come boldly to that place.
Jesus taught us to pray, and we thank You for our daily bread; yet there’s something I’d like to add for the hours in the day ahead…
“Give us this day our daily”…miracles, is that for which I ask. You’re a miracle-working God; I know You’re more than up to the task!
“On earth as it is in heaven,” is prayed for Your will to be done, which is an appeal to see Your goodness, as stated perfectly by Your Son.
I wonder if a day went by, when Jesus was ministering on earth as a man, where His disciples didn’t see the miraculous within the day’s span.
If so, it might have been because of a lack of faith to expect. To be expectant of daily miracles, is something I shouldn’t neglect.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, The God of our salvation! Selah” Psalm 68:19
“Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” Ephesians 1:15-23
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen” Ephesians 3:20-21
Matthew 6:8-13 The Lord’s Prayer
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
“There are only two ways you can live: by faith or by sight.” Quote/Keith Moore
His “Faith School” is at http://www.faithschool.org where are found many enlightening Biblical teachings on living by faith.
Thank you, Lord, for your care and even miracles in our daily lives and especially for any of your children who are going through difficult circumstances….
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.” Isaiah 43:2
“Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.” Romans 5:20 NKJV
It’s an amazing thing to realize how deep is the Lord God’s grace; for where sin abounded, the scripture says, grace held a larger place.
P. A. Oltrogge
“But the Law came to increase and expand (the awareness of) the trespass (by defining and unmasking sin). But where sin increased, (God’s remarkable, gracious gift of) grace (His unmerited favor) has surpassed it and increased all the more.” Romans 5:20 AMP
“But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior towards man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior.” Titus 3:4-6 NKJV
“The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy. The Lord is good to all, and HIs tender mercies are over all His works.” Psalm 145:8-9 NKJV
Additionally, see today’s message, “Feed the River,” at:
Jesus told the story of a man left half dead, having fallen among thieves, who stripped and beat him, Jesus said.
There was no one to help the man until a priest came by; but he saw him and continued on, not caring if the man would die.
After that, another, called a Levite, came upon the site, but he, too, hurried on, with no regard to this man’s plight.
Then came a certain Samaritan, who, despite his journey’s goal, forgot his own plans and took steps to see that this man would be made whole.
He bandaged up the man’s wounds, applying oil and wine– “Every life is important,” he must have thought, “What if it were mine?”
He took the man to an inn and cared for him the rest of the day; the next morning he paid the innkeeper to do so, in order to be on his way.
“If more than that is needed,” he said, “I’ll repay you when I come back.” His compassion was deep, and he needed to see that he’d recovered from the attack.
Jesus finished the story and asked who’d been the man’s neighbor of the three. A lawyer answered, “The one who showed mercy to him”–and, likewise, so should we…
not pass up opportunities to help any who need our care; but instead, on a daily basis, of such times, may we be quickly aware.
(postscript to the above…)
Before Jesus told of this story, the same lawyer had put Him to a test– “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He thought that he knew this best.
Jesus pointed him to the Law—to love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind; and then to love your neighbor as yourself—these two, really, are intertwined.
If someone says they love God, whom they’ve not actually seen with their eyes, yet is merciless or hates his brother whom he’s seen, the Bible says that he lies.
Jesus emphasized that loving God was the great and foremost command. But, again, He said, that these two laws always go hand in hand.
By this, Jesus taught of God’s perfect plan– Love God and love your fellow man.
But there’s only been one who has ever fulfilled God’s laws in a perfect way– Jesus Christ, Himself, who has been our example, Teacher, Savior and Lord, from then until this present day.
P. A. Oltrogge
1 John 4:20, 21 “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.”
Matthew 22:37-40 “And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.’”
Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.”
From Luke 10:25-28 and Luke 10:29-37 From John 13:13-15
For an update on Ukraine–how God is answering prayer, and specific prayer guidance, visit http://www.ifapray.org
And for a moment of reflecting on the Trinity of God on this St. Patrick’s Day:
“Top of the morning” to you, on this St. Patrick’s Day! May all of God’s wonderful blessings graciously come your way.
It’s said that St. Patrick used the shamrock, which has leaves of three, as an illustration to the Irish people of God’s holy Trinity.
Just as a shamrock is composed of three separate leaves, yet is one– the almighty God of the Bible is the Father, Holy Spirit, and the Son.
Shamrocks have been associated with “luck,” but God’s promises are sure. While shamrocks cannot last, God’s loving kindness will forever endure.
Today is a day when many will turn to thoughts of the Emerald Isle; but may we daily be sure to turn our thoughts to the Lord for a while.
And on a day when some may be thinking of “wearing the green,” may the people of God reflect His joy, which is the best thing to be seen.
P. A. Oltrogge
“…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are one.” 1 John 5:7 KJV
Of the Word, Jesus, it’s written: “And the Word was made 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 KJV
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” John 1:1-5 NKJV
“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
“Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.'” John 8:58
The Angel of the Lord appeared to Moses from a bush of burning fire… I thought about its glorious light, for things have been dark and dire.
At Horeb, Moses saw that the bush remained intact despite the blaze. From it, came the voice of the One to whom men and angels give their praise.
Moses was informed that he was standing on a holy plot of ground. Then God spoke about His people, who were oppressed and had been bound.
Deliverance, God said, was coming–He’d heard His people’s cries. Likewise, for us today–it’s in His plans, that our future lies.
By Holy Spirit directive, we’re sent out (who have come to believe), with the gospel message, which the world most certainly needs to receive.
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, is the Lord of all– It’s on His Name, that every person who desires to be saved must call.
While some are carrying out, upon the earth, their evil deeds, we know it’s from the Father of lights that every good thing in life proceeds.
Working with Him, we persevere, as we look to His light and pray. As happened long ago with Pharaoh, our God will have His way.
P. A. Oltrogge
“…preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all—” Acts 10:36
“Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” (spoken by Jesus in John 14:9)
“Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. Then Moses said, ‘I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.’ So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’
“Then He said, ‘Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. Moreover, He said, ‘I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God.” Exodus 3:1-6
(God goes on to tell Moses of His plans for deliverance–that He’s heard the cries of His people.)
“And God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ” Exodus 3:14
“The sight of the glory of the Lord was like a consuming fire on the top of the mountain in the eyes of the children of Israel.” Exodus 24:17
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:17
Reference to the name of Jesus Christ: “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
“For the upright will dwell in the land, And the blameless will remain in it; But the wicked will be cut off from the earth, And the unfaithful will be uprooted from it.” Proverbs 2:21-22
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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 11:28-29 NIV)
The following, from Saturday, is told by Marian, a woman who has been serving, for many years, the homeless people in Chicago, which she began doing after the death of her young son, Timothy.
Good Morning!
Wonderful week at Tim’s House and we have continued to place people in hotel rooms during the bitter cold days. Yesterday, we paid for 6 rooms for the people who are completely outside and they will be there until Monday. I wish I could adequately share the joy and complete gratitude expressed by each person who has had this opportunity to sleep in a warm bed. Honestly, the gift of having a warm place and a bed to sleep in is something that I know that I take for granted! After staying at the motel, one man walked into Tim’s House with a huge smile on his face with both arms in the air, “It’s a whole new world! Thank you!” People are so grateful and continue to tell me that “I don’t know how I can ever thank this Ministry!” We have had a rough winter here in Chicago, and thank you to everyone who has helped to make this possible through your donations!
After our sweet volunteers cooked and served a hot breakfast all morning, beginning at 8 a.m. while baking brownies (and frosting them) for our birthday celebration, Mel stopped by with 60 bagged lunches and more treats! God is so good, and there was something about the aroma of chocolate brownies baking in the oven that added to the ‘feeling of being at home.’ People enjoy this breakfast so much and they love visiting and seeing people, resting, helping themselves to clothing, and as ‘Mike’ said yesterday as he was visiting with someone while eating, “I love this place!” It is so amazing to me because it does feel like home for everyone.
We sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to Eric and Felix, and everyone helped themselves to the homemade frosted brownies and also take-home cheese bread and bagged lunches that Mel and her 95-year old Dad put together! Thank you and God bless you Don!
A man came up to me yesterday and said, “I believe in Miracles!’ He said, “I got this coat last week, and today I just walked to the stage (where we keep clothing) and look at these shoes! They fit perfect and they are so nice and I didn’t even tell you that I needed shoes! And look, I got this backpack too, and it’s just what I needed!” Only God knows what we need, and this happens all the time! Thank you for your beautiful donations!!!
The above photo is from Wednesday night’s dinner. We gather on Wednesday from 3 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. and have a wonderful Bible Study and time of sharing after dinner.
PRAYING TOGETHER FOR UKRAINE AND THE WORLD After breakfast and celebrating birthdays, we gathered yesterday (Friday) for our Bible Study. As we opened in prayer, a man to my left prayed for the people in Ukraine and then, one by one, many people prayed for the people there; and I was just in awe of the compassion I could hear from people who do not have much in this world, but they know what it is to experience hardship. And as one man said, “I can’t imagine!” We read from the Bible of how God, many times, allowed a small army to conquer a vast army (2 Chronicles 14). “Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army. Lord, you are our God….” (from verse 11). We talked about whatever we face, when we are coming against something bigger than us; and even though it feels impossible, as with David and Goliath, that we can trust God because He is all powerful!
At Pentecost, your Spirit came, with the sound of a rushing mighty wind. The Comforter comes to believers yet today, a promise you’ll never rescind.
Often, your presence is apparent through a reassuring, inner voice. When problems threaten to overwhelm, you encourage us still to rejoice.
You’re blessed by the praises of your people…bless the Lord, oh my soul. I’m thankful you’ve said that on you, dear Lord, all of my cares, I can roll.
It’s good to abide in your presence, for there’s fullness of joy therein. Thank you for provision and healing, as well as for forgiving our sin.
We praise you for your creative ability, for the beauty of bird and flower, the mountains and other majestic things that speak to us of your power.
We’re so blessed you desire to visit with us, as you did first with Adam and Eve. All that you require of us to meet with you, Father, is to believe in your Son and receive.
P. A. Oltrogge
“‘Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him, the Father, God, has set His seal.’ Therefore they said to Him, ‘What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?’ Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.’” John 6:27-29 NASB
“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” Words of Jesus in John 14:16-17 KJV
“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
“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:2-4 NKJV
“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 NKJV
The Porch of the Lord 