Category Archives: Hope

Shakings and Hope

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Sharing today…by Kim Potter: http://www.anewthingministries.com

Scandals and exposures are happening all over the place, even in the church. 

There is most definitely a shaking going on. It has many feeling there is no hope, as if things are spiraling out of control. However, it is the perfect time to remember, we dwell in an unshakable kingdom.

See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:25–29).

The book of Hebrews tells us that God will shake everything that can be shaken. From this scripture, many perceive that it is God doing the shaking. If so, what hope do we have? I found the answer to this question in a story I was privileged to hear a couple years ago:

This man moved to the state of Florida. He had his garden professionally landscaped with gorgeous azalea bushes. What a beautiful sight they were. 

Each had beautiful blooms that captured the attention of all that passed by. 

They were stunning bushes — all except one. There was one bush that stubbornly refused to bloom. No matter what they tried, it would not bloom, it produced no flowers. Then, a massive hurricane came through his area. 

Within two weeks, the stubborn azalea bush produced the most beautiful blooms he had ever seen. It was magnificent. He went to speak to the gardener, wondering what had happened. The gardener said he was about to dig that azalea bush up and shake it violently. The owner asked why he would do such a thing. The gardener explained that is what they sometimes do when a bush refuses to flower. He said sometimes the violent shaking causes it to awaken and bloom. The hurricane did that for them. It shook the azalea bush so hard, so violently that it woke up and began to bloom.

Could it be that the shaking the church is experiencing is meant to awaken the Body of Christ and cause us to bloom as originally intended? The Bible calls us a church that the gates of hell will not prevail against. We are still that. God has not forgotten or forsaken those faith-filled words spoken by Jesus, himself. God still has a good plan for His people.

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. (Jer 29:11 AMPC)

God has a good plan, a hope for our future — and this includes you and your family; it includes your city and state; it includes our country. I do not know anyone who hasn’t experienced some kind of shaking over the past few years. 

None of us have been exempt. This being true, perhaps we can change our focus from the shaking as a negative thing to its actually being something that will awaken things in us, destinies God has for us. Perhaps it will shake off all the ungodly things in our personal lives, in our family and even in our country. Maybe this shaking will cause the Church to awaken to the divine destiny God has had for us from the very beginning.

No, these shakings are not pleasant. But His grace is enough — Scripture teaches us this truth:

But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness … (2 Cor 12:9 AMPC)

How then do we walk through this treacherous and chaotic season? The same way Jesus did when He faced the cruelty of the cross.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne (Heb 12:1–2 NLT).

We must follow the example of Jesus Christ:

  • Know that we are not alone. We are surrounded by a huge crowd of witnesses. God and His angels are fighting on our behalf, for us, our family, and our loved ones — even as you read this.
  • Let us lay aside every weight and distraction and get our eyes firmly placed on Jesus. Let’s not allow the shaking to rattle us, but keep trusting God, keep praying, keep interceding.
  • Let us focus on what’s ahead. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Rom 8:18).

Yes, things are surely shaking, but God will hold us steady, if we allow Him to.

 The earth with all its people may shake, but I am the one who holds it steady (Psalm 75:3 NCV).

Some shakings are personal and affect only the family. Some involve a church or even an entire nation. Could it be that in every shaking there is a lesson or a message? Perhaps shaking is sometimes a way of forcing change — breaking down old unfruitful structures, shaking loose negative things so that something new and glorious can come to fruition. Could it be that this shaking is removing everything that needs to be disposed of and releasing an awakening that will cause the Body of Christ to bloom and thrive once again? 

I believe so.

I have hope in God: Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer. (Rom 12:12 AMPC)

Such hope never disappoints or deludes or shames us, for God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us. (Rom 5:5 AMPC)

My friend, we must not lose hope in God. We must be steadfast and persevere in faith, in trust, in hope, remembering that His hope will never disappoint. 

This is a hope that comes from God alone. May that hope bubble over in you today, as we prayer this prayer over you:

May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope. (Rom 15:13AMPC)

God’s Word, Our Compass

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

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Even when it seems as though the enemy has gotten farther ahead, realize that you’re more than a conqueror, as the compass of God’s Word has said.

For the “ship of faith” sails, on every journey, at a steady and determined pace; with the guidance of God and faith and patience, it will certainly win the race.

Just as Jesus spoke to the winds and waves in the midst of a furious storm, with the spirit of faith and God’s Word on your lips, your victory, too, will form.

P. A. Oltrogge

“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

“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:10-11

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

“…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.” Ephesians 6:16-17

“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:11-12

“To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:  Grace to you and peace be multiplied.” 1 Peter 1:1-2

“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 

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.  And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:3-5 

“We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak.” 2 Corinthians 4:13 KJV

Book recommendation: “The Spirit of Faith” at: http://www.markhankins.org

See today’s post on prayer by Dutch Sheets: http://www.givehim15.com

The Fourth Man

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Of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we read…

Into Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace, three men were thrown into its fire. But a Fourth Man came to deliver them–an event that certainly inspires. This divine intervention for them left them without even the smell of fire. They’d refused to bow down to an idol–their trust in God was so much higher.

Jesus, the Fourth Man, is with you in the midst of your trouble or fire. Thank the Lord for His presence, lifting your praises higher. He knows your every need for help; He knows your every desire. Jesus, our Redeemer and Deliverer, is The Fourth Man in the fire…

P. A. Oltrogge

(Account in Daniel 3)

“Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?”

They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.”

“Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” Daniel 3:24-25 NKJV

“Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous, but the Lord rescues him from them all.” Psalm 34:19 AMP

“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 NKJV

Be blessed to search on you tube for Oral Roberts’ classic message, “The Fourth Man in the Fiery Furnace.”

A Very Present Help

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

__________

Troubles come to all of us, trials are an unsolicited part of life;

but there is One who is a very present help in the midst of any kind of strife.

He’s not only present, but He’s VERY present amidst things which can be dire–

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, remember, weren’t burned though engulfed by fire.
__________

The men had refused to worship the gold idol, as King Nebuchadnezzar had decreed–

Such a decree to these men of faith was something they simply wouldn’t heed.

Anyone who disobeyed would be cast into a fiery furnace that had been stoked very hot–

At the sound of the horn, flute, harp, or lyre, all were to bow down, but these three men would not.
__________

Called before the king, he gave them another chance to obey, but they bravely made it clear…

that their God could deliver them; yet if not, they served Him only and had nothing to fear. 

Then, thrown into the furnace, divine intervention left them without even the smell of fire–

Their hair wasn’t singed, nor their clothes affected, because no other “god” was higher.
__________

In the midst of the fiery furnace, a fourth “Man” had appeared, among the other three.

His appearance was “like the Son of God;” and He’d loosed them and had set the men free.

Though they’d initially been bound together, Nebuchadnezzar saw them unhurt and walking separately around–

This miraculous event became proof to him that there was no God but theirs to be found.
__________

God has promised to be our sure refuge, whom we can run to for shelter from any storm–

If the “winds” of life become threatening or cold, under His wings, we’ll be protected and warm.

He’s the strength upon which we’ve come to depend; and we’re blessed by the love He supplies.

Keep looking to Jesus, your very present help. In every circumstance, that will prove to be wise.

P. A. Oltrogge

(The poetic account is derived from Daniel 3)

…trials sometimes come, but confidence in God’s love and care for us (Psalm 91) and the presence of His Holy Spirit within strengthen those who believe….

Jesus said, “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you.” John 14:16-17 (and through 26)

Acts 1:8 and Acts 2:1-4

“I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 (NASB, Ryrie Study Bible)

A few more thoughts on this same Bible account can be found in today’s devotional at: http://www.josephprince.org

And as always, visit today’s: http://www.givehim15.com

What time is it?

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“I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1

When troubles disappoint, overwhelm, or sometimes shock, remember, then, what time it is–it’s always Praise o’clock!

As much-loved members of the Good Shepherd’s flock, His goodness makes us praise Him all around the clock.

After praise and a mighty shout, the walls of Jericho fell down flat. The people followed Joshua’s instructions, and that was that!

When Daniel faced the lions in their den ’til morning light, an angel at Praise o’clock came there to keep their jaws shut tight.

Paul and Silas were imprisoned–their feet were placed in stocks; but they just sang with all their hearts, and made that prison rock!

If your prayer is for a miracle, but it seems to be “out of stock,” don’t give up, don’t give in–look at the time, it’s still Praise o’clock.

Surely when the way seems hard, there’s an answer to any “block,” for continually and forever, the correct time is Praise o’clock!

P. A. Oltrogge

“O come, let us sing for joy to the Lord, let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving. Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods, in whose hand are the depths of the earth, the peaks of the mountains are His also. The sea is His, for it was He who made it, and His hands formed the dry land. Come let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand.” Psalm 95:1-7 (NASB, Ryrie Study Bible)

“For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height–to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fulness of God.

“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 3:14:21 NKJV

“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13 NKJV

“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

It’s in serious times or circumstances that it’s exactly right to praise God in expectation of His help. At the same time, we take our authority, through the blood and name of Jesus, over evil spirits that would hinder or harm in any circumstance, as we’re seated with Christ in the heavenly places, far above them. (Reference Ephesians 1:18-23 and 2:4-10)

“What time is it?” can also make us contemplate the time of Jesus’ return. We’re to occupy until He comes…

“And as they heard these things, he (Jesus) added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, ‘Occupy till I come.’” Luke 19:11-13 KJV

Visit today’s: http://www.givehim15.com

Praying for Notable Miracles

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Dear Porch of the Lord blog followers:

I believe we all would like to see notable miracles, and that’s God’s desire, too. Please join me in prayer that such miracles would more and more come through.

Perhaps, like myself, you have something that’s seemed or has been hard to beat. Let’s pray for one another that such hardships would meet their defeat.

While we continue to stand on God’s promises, even if it seems to be taking long…our prayers for one another can avail much, along with the power of a victory song!

Expect miracles, expect God!

P. A. Oltrogge

“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.  Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.  Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.  Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months.  And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.”  James 5:13-18

Rachel Shafer has written a book, Expect God. She also shares messages, such as “The Power of a Song,” via you tube and her website: http://www.rachelshafer.com

…I do thank the Lord for the notable miracles I have seen in my life. I’m sure you’ve seen such, too…

Today, if you feel alone with some worrisome cares,

come sit with other believers out on the porch chairs.

Join me in praying for those who follow these posts…

He’ll perfect what concerns us, as we trust the Lord of Hosts!

For our country, for our futures, we continue to believe…

for all of the good things that He said we could receive.

Of those suffering for their faith, today, we’re reminded;

we pray for them and their enemies, who are spiritually blinded.

We’re strong in the Lord and in the power of His might…

His Word lights our path as we fight faith’s good fight!

P. A. Oltrogge

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

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.  And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:3-5

Scriptures: NKJV



The Percentage that Promotes Plenty

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I don’t share on this topic a lot, but perhaps I should. God, your Father, doesn’t want you to be in lack, for He is good.

Those Christians who faithfully give to God His ten percent…don’t have to worry, as many people do, about where all of their money went.

They’re well-supplied through provision from the good Lord. Their needs are met consistently, with no true need that they can’t afford.

Often God gives back to them in surprisingly unusual ways. He pours out blessings, as He says–giving to His Kingdom doesn’t cost, but, instead, it pays!

P. A. Oltrogge

“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”  Malachi 3:10 KJV

“And my God will liberally supply (fill until full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 AMP

“I have been young, and now am old;
Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,
Nor his descendants begging bread.
He is ever merciful, and lends;
And his descendants are blessed.” Psalm 37:25-26 NKJV

_________________________

The Power of the Tithe, by Bill Winston, is a book available in the Store at: http://www.billwinston.org

Tithing Today, by Keith Moore, can be found under Word Supply, and can be read on line, without purchase, at: http://www.faithlife.org

At that website, you can also read a chapter of the Bible, M-F, under Daily Bible Reading

Mike Evans Update

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Please pray for my friend of almost 45 years, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. When I met with him in Washington a couple of weeks ago, I could see the strain of dealing with the war and the many threats facing Israel. He needs special strength and wisdom from God. And I want to tell you how deeply appreciative he is of all that you are doing to help his country in this crisis hour.

Please pray for him and the leaders of Israel in these difficult days. One of the reasons “Bibi” is so hated by so many people is his unflinching moral clarity and his willingness to identify evil when so many prefer to pretend it doesn’t exist. Decisions are being made in Jerusalem right now that will have a dramatic effect on the future…

Today I’m asking you to send a special gift for the suffering people of Israel. There are thousands who are still homeless…thousands mourning the loss of a loved one…thousands struggling to just get enough food to eat. A ceasefire does not mean the end of cold, hunger, despair, worry, or grief. They need our help right now. 

Visit: http://www.jerusalemprayerteam.org

Your support of the Jerusalem Prayer Team today allows us to comfort the people of Israel who have survived the terrorist attacks, to continue to purchase and deliver food, medicine, clothing, and other necessities of life for the poor Holocaust survivors and refugees of Ukraine, 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.

Compassionate Words from Jesus

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Let’s consider just a few Bible accounts that give some tender words (followed by His caring action) that Jesus said:

A widow, out of Nain, came in contact with Jesus on her only son’s burial day.
“DON’T CRY” were the compassionate words that she heard Jesus say.

News came to Jairus of his ailing daughter that would cause him to grieve;
but Jesus encouraged him, “DON’T BE AFRAID ANY LONGER–ONLY BELIEVE.”

When a leper asked if Jesus was willing to cleanse him of that blight…
Jesus said, “I AM WILLING,” and He touched him, delivering him out of his plight.

Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, so hear Him regarding your cares:

“Don’t cry”

“Don’t be afraid any longer–only believe!”

and “I am willing”

…are words that Jesus, our compassionate Lord, still shares.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever.”  Hebrews 13:8 NKJV

“When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion.  ‘Don’t cry!’ he said.  Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped.  ‘Young man,’ he said, ‘I tell you, get up.’  Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk!  And Jesus gave him back to his mother.”  …from Luke 7:11-17 NLT

“While He was still speaking, they came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, ‘Your daughter has died; why trouble the Teacher any more?’  But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, ‘Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.’”  Mark 5:35-36 …and Jesus raised her up (through verse 43) NASB-Ryrie

“And behold, a leper came to Him, and bowed down to Him, saying, ‘Lord, if you are willing, You can make me clean.’  And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, ‘I am willing, be cleansed.’  And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.”  …from Matthew 8:1-4 NASB-Ryrie

“The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.” Psalm 29:11 NKJV

“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits–who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion….”  Psalm 103:2-4 NIV

“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” John 10:14

The Towering Name

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I’ve come across your path today, and I may not know your name,
but though we’re not acquainted, I’d like to speak of Jesus just the same.
He knows the details of your life–anything you’re going through;
yes, even if you don’t know Him, He knows all about you.

I’ve found Him to be a faithful God, Who I know in a personal way.
He desires to help each person intimately–all we have to do is pray.
For those who’ve put their trust in Him, guidance becomes very sure;
His will is good and perfect, coming from a heart that’s loving and pure.

If you’re facing worries, never despair–the name of Jesus is a strong tower—
to run into for help and wisdom, which flow richly from that Name’s power.
And at the name of Jesus, one day, every knee will bow;
but God’s Spirit is moving every day, seeking all who will honor Him now.

P. A. Oltrogge

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.”
Proverbs 18:10 (NASB)

“Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 (NASB)