I once said to the Master, Jesus, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!” Yet, I was forgiven by Him and blessed to be a part of His Father’s redemptive plan.
I remember when Andrew came to me with some news that truly amazed–that by way of John the Baptist, he had found the Messiah, who was to be praised!
Jesus became our teacher, and we left our nets to follow Him. This meant leaving our daily livelihood, so we weren’t simply doing so on a whim.
No, we knew that this was big. We began to see many miracles taking place–miracles of healing, provision, and protection were wrought by Him, revealing to all God’s grace.
The lame, the blind, and the deaf were finding that the Master was always willing. We disciples saw Him calm the sea during a storm that had been frighteningly chilling.
Another time, faith arose within me to walk towards Him upon the sea. He quickly saved me from sinking below the depths when fear had gotten the better of me.
Once, Jesus took me with James and John on a destined mountain climb, where He was transfigured before us–Elijah and Moses appeared at the time.
I suggested that three tabernacles be built for each, not knowing just what to say. Then a cloud came around us with a message from God on that remarkable day.
It was the voice of His Father in heaven, telling us that this was His beloved Son, and that we should listen to Jesus–His raiment was white as no launderer could have done.
Just as quickly as it had begun, the experience ended and we were alone. We often could expect the unexpected–such was His ministry’s tone.
HIs raising of Lazarus from the dead wasn’t envisioned by any of us disciples, though. Imagine our reaction when we saw death reversed to loose Lazarus and let him go.
I once gave the Lord the use of my boat, for Him to minister from to those on shore…only to be given back the catch of a lifetime–He gave back to us always more!
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!” I declared to Him one day. He said His Father in heaven had revealed that truth to me about the Son, who had taught us all to pray.
At the Passover meal, I was taken aback when Jesus came to me to wash my feet. I allowed Him, though, for He said to be a part of Him, it was a duty I needed to let Him meet.
What a blessed remembrance, to have spent that time with the Lord in the upper room…before His betrayal and crucifixion and eventual resurrection from the tomb.
Of course, I felt remorse for my own denial of Him–my boasted loyalty and support having failed. But afterwards, I came to my senses, realizing that I was one…for whom, to the cross, He’d been nailed.
We disciples were so happy when He appeared to us after His glorious resurrection–and later were so glad to spread the news that Jesus is Lord…by the promised Spirit’s direction.
I loved to tell of Him throughout the following years and was always looking toward…that time of my reunion with Him, the Master and Teacher whom we all had adored.
P. A. Oltrogge
Sea of Galilee today…also called Kinnereth, Lake of Gennesaret, and Sea of or Lake Tiberias
“Have you entered the treasury of snow…?” Job 38:22
“He gives snow like wool…” Psalm 147:16
Like a fine diamond falling down from the sky…
is each unique snowflake that passes by.
God’s the divine artist behind their design…
Of His creativity, they’re a sure sign.
Children especially love it when He sends them down…
Usually they come softly, without a sound.
But then we hear the children out at play,
rejoicing and shouting that “It’s snowing today!”
It’s a picture of sparkling beauty in the moonlight’s glow…
when the ground has been covered with a blanket of snow.
Snowflakes have been captured with a camera lens…
the little fine diamonds that our Creator sends.
P. A. Oltrogge
Snowflake glowing on dark textured background. Macro photo of real snow crystal: big stellar dendrite with glossy, flat surface, thin, complex arms and tiny bubbles of frozen rime across the crystal.
“In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. He was [continually existing] in the beginning [co-eternally] with God. All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has come into being. In Him was life [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the Light of men.” John 1:1-4 AMP
“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
“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18 NKJV
“Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is greater than their names.” Hebrews 1:1-4 NLT
...the poem, above, was written to showcase the beauty in a snowflake’s design, pointing to the Lord, and the joys many of us recall of the enjoyment of snow as children, or even for those who ski or simply love its beauty…
(photo attribution, top, unknown, but appreciated…Bottom photo by Alexey Kljatov-Pixels Real Snowflake 2018-12-26)
“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” Jeremiah 32:27
I believe in the God of miracles, is a good thing to frequently say, especially when we know the Lord wants us to have confidence after we pray.
I believe in His miracles, though things can seem contrary or dark. I believe in miracles, even when the “kindling” isn’t showing a spark.
I believe in God’s miracles…of provision, protection, and to see healings. I believe in His miracles, shows we’re not giving in simply to feelings.
I believe in miracles, as shown in the Bible through and through. I know that miracles still happen–that they’re meant for believers today, too.
I believe in God’s miracles, though afflictions can be harsh and persistent. I believe in miracles; therefore, my faith in Him can be equally insistent.
I believe in seeing miracles, even when patience is sometimes needed. Believing in God and His power and love…can keep us strong until adversity’s receded.
I believe in miracles, because I’ve had some God-given ones prior. I believe in the power of Jesus’ name–that name, of which there’s none that’s higher.
Yes, I believe in Jesus, the miracle worker, who was called a Nazarene. With our expectation in Him, and all that He’s already done, miracles are sure to come on the scene.
P. A. Oltrogge
“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. ….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 1:1-5, 14
“…how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” Acts 10:38
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11
“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
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.”…words of Jesus in John 14:1
“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 55:11
“For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13
“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 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 4:14-16
“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:9-10
“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.” Luke 18:1
“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
“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
“And Peter, remembering, said to Him, ‘Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.’ 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. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.’” Mark 11:21-26
“Philip said to Him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.’ 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’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works.’” John 14:8-10 (NKJV)
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” John 15:7-8
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” John 17:3 NKJV
“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
“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
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” John 10:11
My Jesus, shepherd me, I can’t see why
You would lay down your life to save lost sheep
My Jesus, shepherd me, I wonder when
This lost lamb will trust you, my dreams to keep
_______________
My Jesus, shepherd me, I don’t know how
To hear your voice in a sea of strangers
My Jesus, shepherd me, I can’t tell where
To place my steps to avoid life’s dangers
_______________
My Jesus, shepherd me, please show me what
I must do, so in your arms I will stay
My Jesus, shepherd me, without you who
Would own and know me and keep wolves away?
_______________
My Jesus, shepherd me, by rod and staff
Bring beauty and union on my behalf.
__________
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” Psalm 23 KJV
After Jesus had come down from the mountain, He was followed by crowds–a great throng.
Wanting to hear the Lord’s teaching and be healed, a leper, at a certain point, had also come along.
He fell down before Christ and worshiped Him, asking for cleansing, if Jesus would be willing.
He had faith that his request could be one of those, that day, which the Lord would be fulfilling.
Jesus stretched out His hand and touched the afflicted man, thereby blessing…
He destroyed what the devil had worked, which, to the leper, had been so distressing.
“I am willing,” Jesus said–what a compassionate touch for the man’s body and soul!
Jesus told him to tell no one, but to go to the priest to reveal that he’d been made whole.
There, bringing a gift in accordance with Moses’ command, the state of his health would be reviewed.
And then, he would be given right of passage to return to society–his life renewed.
Jesus’ loving touch is going forth to those who worship and call on Him still today.
There’s no one who can’t be touched by the Master, who is always willing to heal whenever we pray.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.” Jeremiah 17:14 KJV
“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 (Throughout His ministry, Jesus demonstrated God’s will to heal.)
“Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:12-14
“Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them and you will have them.” Mark 11:24
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17
“And the power of the Lord was present to heal them.” Luke 5:17
“…who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24
“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
That God offers forgiveness of sins and eternal life through His Son has rightly been emphasized much. But let’s also trust in God’s offer of health and healing, believing in the Master’s touch.
“Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart…” Luke 18:1 NASB
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3
“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
Put “101” into the search bar for a list of healing scriptures…
We praise You, Lord Jesus, and push away any gloom, for You are the Victorious One who was raised from the tomb.
You give hope that’s not wishful thinking but is joyful expectation. We’re more than conquerors always because of Your dedication.
You’re seated at the Father’s right hand—the place that was due…to the One who was so obedient to Him—He calls You Faithful and True.
We’re “above” any circumstances, not “under,” because Your power–and the name of the Lord Jesus is our shelter and strong tower.
P. A. Oltrogge
“But God, who is 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, so 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
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ….” 1 Peter 1:3 (NIV)
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” Romans 8:31-34
“But in all these things, we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37
“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
“…so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant. And the former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers, because they were prevented by death from continuing. But He, on the other hand, because He abides forever, holds His priesthood permanently. Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:22-25
“…we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a minister in the sanctuary and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man.” Hebrews 8:1
“But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises.” Hebrews 8:6
“(The Coming of Christ) And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war.” Revelation 19:11
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10
“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 (NKJV)
Scriptures NASB, NASB/Ryrie, or as noted
…according to the Word in Romans and Hebrews, above, you don’t face any trial alone…Jesus is interceding for you at the Father’s throne…
But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27
“A Light to the Gentiles,” by Greg Olsen. Used with Permission: www.GregOlsen.com
____________________________
In Jerusalem, there was a devout man named Simeon, in early New Testament days, who’d been waiting for the promised Messiah, in order to give Him praise.
The Holy Spirit was upon Simeon and had revealed that he wouldn’t die, until he would get to see that One, who was the object of his heart’s cry.
One day the Spirit led him to the Temple and there he saw a Child, whom he knew, by the Spirit’s prompting, to be the One born undefiled.
Mary and Joseph were amazed to hear what Simeon then said about their boy–Jesus would cause many in Israel to fall, but to many others He would bring joy.
Simeon warned that many would oppose Him–the deepest thoughts of hearts would be revealed; A sword would pierce Mary’s very soul–a reference to the cross, to which He’d yield.
Simeon said Jesus was sent as a sign from God, to reveal Himself and be a light…to every nation upon the earth — “the glory of God’s people Israel” was His birthright.
Just as Simeon was speaking with Mary and Joseph, another given to prophecy came by–Anna, who never left the temple, but stayed day and night, raised her praises high….
How about you? Have you “seen” the Savior, as these people did who were old? Assurance and peace was theirs, having seen Jesus, whose life became the greatest story ever told!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Now Lord, Thou dost let Thy bond-servant depart in peace, according to Thy word; For my eyes have seen Thy salvation, Which Thou has prepared in the presence of all peoples. A light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.” Luke 2:28-32
(Luke 2:21-38 for the entire account of Simeon and Anna)
“Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'” Luke 2:10-11
The Bible says God is a shelter for us. Could He ever be a shelter that leaks?
Hardly, since He made the planets and stars and wonderfully built all of the mountain peaks.
Under His wings, there’s strong shelter, even in situations that are dire.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were sheltered by Him in the midst of a terrible fire.
Daniel, thrown into the lions’ den, and Noah, obeying and building an ark…
Both were sheltered by Almighty God in two different circumstances that were dark.
Likewise, today, we need a shelter in perils and plagues that could distress.
As Christians, we become sheltered ones, under the wings of our God, who so wants to bless.
P. A. Oltrogge
“For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in your tabernacles forever; I will trust in the shelter of your wings. Selah.” Psalm 61:3-4 NKJV
“They have taken crafty counsel against Your people, and consulted together against Your sheltered ones….Let them be confounded and dismayed forever; Yes, let them be put to shame and perish, that they may know that You, whose name alone is the Lord; are the Most High over all the earth.” Psalm 83:3, 17-18 NkJV
“Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; In You I take shelter.” Psalm 143:9 NKJV
“The Lord also will roar from Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; The heavens and earth will shake; But the Lord will be a shelter for His people, and the strength of the children of Israel.” Joel 3:16 NKJV
and Psalm 91 NASB:
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!”
For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper, and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.
You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day;
Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.
A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not approach you.
You will only look on with your eyes, and see the recompense of the wicked.
For you have made the Lord, my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place.
No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent.
For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.
They will bear you up in their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread upon the lion and cobra, the young lion and the serpent you will trample down,
Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.
He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him, and honor him.
With a long life I will satisfy him, and let him behold My salvation.
poem postscript: Some might ask, what about those persecuted for their faith in Christ, or those in war zones, who have lost their homes or have had to flee from them or have lost shelter due to devastating storms? Right now, we pray for them, that “home” would be restored to them. Thank you for sheltering them until then, Lord. To help, go to: http://www.samaritanspurse.org and http://www.jerusalemprayerteam.org
“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:3 NIV
Does this world seem like a desert–parched and offering little shade? Thank God, we have an oasis, when our minds on Christ are stayed.
It’s there, we find “living water,” through God’s Holy Spirit and His Word. Why struggle, as if in a desert, when the “rain” of God has occurred?
It’s said that very little water can cause desert seeds to flourish. Likewise, you can be revived–just one word from God can nourish.
Troubles can bombard our minds through circumstances or daily news, so turn to the life-giving Word of God, the blessed oasis that’s yours to use.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in Thee.” Isaiah 26:3 KJV
“Jesus answered and said to her, ‘If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.’” John 4:10 NASB
“Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.” Psalm 119:50 NLT
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105NKJV
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NKJV
“Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not with corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever…. 1 Peter 1:22-23 NKJV
“But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.’” Mark 10:27
“For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, nowis the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2
…by Anne Cook, Guest Contributor
My Jesus is a door, a gate for sheep With trumpet blast that leads to pastures green His call, to climb up, though the way is steep To leave behind my life as it has been
The narrow way is open but can’t wait God’s invitation will not always last I might hope for some more convenient date And find it shut and that my time has passed
But lost and lonely, I look for a home For freedom, love, and a soft place to sleep Once found by Him, I never need to roam From verdant fields and shelter that will keep
His grace is ever searching for my soul As I walk in, His promise makes me whole
Anne Cook
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open for us,’ and He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know you, where you are from…’” Luke 13:24-25
“Then Jesus said to them again, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 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.’” John 10:7-10
“For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.” Hebrews 12:17
“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.” Revelation 3:8
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20
“After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, ‘Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.’” Revelation 4:1
Scriptures: NKJV
Also by Anne: (written during/about Advent…)
In John 10:9, Jesus reminds us that He came to earth as the door, the entrance to peace with God. Advent in the early church, where the Nativity was a recent event, focused on the Second Coming of Christ. In later years, both the Second Coming and the Nativity were celebrated in Advent; but in current times, Advent is more a remembrance and celebration of the Nativity. The Church fathers, however, remind us not to forget the Second Coming during Advent…and, of course, beyond.
The Porch of the Lord 