“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)
“For with God nothing will be impossible.”Luke 1:37 (said to Mary, by the angel Gabriel)
Those who revered God anticipated a Savior, as foretold by the prophets of old. Today, we anticipate celebrating Jesus’ birth in these days of the winter’s cold.
And we anticipate the return of the Lord, as He Himself prophesied. Until that day, we’re to be about God’s business, with His Holy Spirit as our guide.
It’s a time to consider the needs of others–those for whom Christ came. Because of His birth in Bethlehem, the world has never been the same.
It’s a time to reflect on God’s goodness–all He has done and will do. So we praise Him in the midst of the darkness, for His love keeps shining through.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘Iamthelightoftheworld. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12
“Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’” Mark 9:23
“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
“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
“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 5:1-5 NLT
“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
“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.” Philippians 2:14-16
“For Godso 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
“In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:9-11
Scriptures: NKJV or as noted
Regarding the winter’s cold, we’re reminded to pray for and help those ministries (previously mentioned on the blog or others of which you’re aware) that are reaching out to those who need assistance to make it through winter in the midst of war or other adversity, as we’re able.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
For the book, The Return, by Richard Roberts, on signs of the end times and what to expect, refer to the bookstore at: http://www.richardroberts.org
Today’s message on relating to God, our good Father, in prayer is helpful guidance at http://www.givehim15.com
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:6-8 NKJV
“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 NKJV
I cast all my cares upon You, Lord, for worry is something I can’t afford.
I’ll take Your peace, instead of stress; Your thoughts towards me are always to bless.
Oh, what a compassionate God we have. His love for us is like healing salve.
Cast your cares on Jesus–His peace in trade; then leave them there once you have prayed.
Now, keep your confidence–don’t cast it away. Hold fast to your faith in Him each day.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Psalm 55:22 NASB
“Turn all your anxiety over to God because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 GW
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation! O my soul, praise Him, for He is your health and salvation! Come, all who hear; now to His temple draw near, join me in glad adoration.
Praise to the Lord, above all things so wondrously reigning; sheltering you under His wings, and so gently sustaining! Have you not seen all that is needful has been sent by His gracious ordaining?
Praise to the Lord, who will prosper your work and defend you; surely His goodness and mercy shall daily attend you. Ponder anew what the Almighty can do, when with His love He befriends you.
Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him! All that has life and breath, come now with praises before Him. Let the Amen sound from His people again; gladly forever adore Him.
Author: Joachim Neander, 1680 (Germany) Translator: Catherine Winkworth, 1863 (England)
Loosely based on Psalm 103:1-6 and Psalm 150, with echoes from other psalms, this is a strong hymn of praise to our covenant God, who heals, provides for, and defends us. Let “all that has life and breath” sing praise to the Lord!
So many religions speak of various ways to address pleasing God all of your days.
Five times a day, you could be down on your knees, with prayers to the god you hope to please.
But, really, these things are ritual merely and can’t please Him, no matter if done so very sincerely.
But there is a way to come to God, and it’s by looking to the road that Jesus has trod.
He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He paved the way for you through much strife…
released upon Him as He went to the cross, where He suffered in pain so you wouldn’t be lost
to the God who loves you and calls to you now to embrace His Son, Jesus, to Whom, one day, every knee will bow.
But only grace, through faith, is involved—all works are in vain. Through Jesus’ righteousness, our salvation is made plain.
You may want to fall to your knees when you recognize all that was done…by a God who loved so greatly, He gave His only Son.
P. A. Oltrogge
“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 1:14 NLT
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The LambofGod who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29
“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.” spoken by Jesus in John 3:16-17
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.’” John 14:6
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” spoken by Jesus in John 17:3
“But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:21-26
“But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:22-23 NLT
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
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“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
“Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
“Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11 NLT
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“But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward 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, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:4-7
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“In fact, according to the law of Moses, nearly everything was purified with blood. For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.
“That is why the Tabernacle and everything in it, which were copies of things in heaven, had to be purified by the blood of animals. But the real things in heaven had to be purified with far better sacrifices than the blood of animals.
“For Christ did not enter into a holy place made with human hands, which was only a copy of the true one in heaven. He entered into heaven itself to appear now before God on our behalf. And he did not enter heaven to offer himself again and again, like the high priest here on earth who enters the Most Holy Place year after year with the blood of an animal. If that had been necessary, Christ would have had to die again and again, ever since the world began. But now, once for all time, he has appeared at the end of the age to remove sin by his own death as a sacrifice.
“And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.” Hebrews 9:22-28 NLT
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“In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:9-11
To many, Christmas is about finding that special gift and tying it up with a bow; but JESUS is the true “Reason for the Season” amidst the winter’s snow.
Today is the day that Christmas shopping officially seems to start… Giving Christmas on the Porch as a gift can be an expression of God’s heart.
A blessed and happy Thanksgiving to the followers of this blog, who appreciate Biblical poetry and want to meditate on God’s Word. I thank you for reading the Porch of the Lord posts. I’m thankful for those who have been followers for a number of years and for those who’ve signed on more recently; and I do pray for you all. God bless you today and always…
P. A. Oltrogge
The following is an old, traditional Thanksgiving hymn:
1 Come, ye thankful people, come, raise the song of harvest home; all is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin. God our Maker doth provide for our wants to be supplied; come to God’s own temple, come, raise the song of harvest home.
2 All the world is God’s own field, fruit as praise to God we yield; wheat and tares together sown are to joy or sorrow grown; first the blade and then the ear, then the full corn shall appear; Lord of harvest, grant that we wholesome grain and pure may be.
3 For the Lord our God shall come, and shall take the harvest home; from the field shall in that day all offenses purge away, giving angels charge at last in the fire the tares to cast; but the fruitful ears to store in the garner evermore.
4 Even so, Lord, quickly come, bring thy final harvest home; gather thou thy people in, free from sorrow, free from sin, there, forever purified, in thy presence to abide; come, with all thine angels, come, raise the glorious harvest home.
United Methodist Hymnal, 1989
Jesus’ parable of the wheat and tares:
“Another parable He put forth to them, saying: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, ‘First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.'” Matthew 13:24-30
The parable explained:
“Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, ‘Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.’
“He answered and said to them: ‘He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!'” Matthew 13:36-43
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The hymn, above, makes one think of God’s provision of harvest time yearly…but it also very much speaks of His gathering of the souls who’ve come to love Him dearly.
We give You thanks, this day, dear Lord, for Your bountiful blessings in our daily lives–but, most of all, that, having repented of our sins and having put our trust in Your Son, Jesus, the Savior of the world, we, then, as Your children, now have our names written in heaven…
“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” spoken by Jesus in Luke 10:19-20
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“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” spoken by Jesus in John 3:16-19
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“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
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13
“And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.” John 1:16-18
“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 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 3:14-17
Lord, help me to always have a thankful heart, even if things seem to have gone wrong–for it’s only by trusting in Your love, that the faith in my heart will remain strong.
Help me to see what’s been good, and how You have touched my days. Then, in thinking upon such things, my words will be given to praise.
Help me to thank You, in faith, for any specific blessing I might desire. Let thankfulness be my “prayer” always, for it’s that which will lift me higher.
And I should thank You in front of problems. There’s benefit and healing in laughter—believing in Your solutions before they’re seen, not waiting to have joy ’til after.
Keep me from forgetting to count blessings, or of thinking only of my own concerns; for it’s in considering the various needs of others, that any discontent turns.
Remind me to look to Your finished work and Your victory for us through the cross. As the Israelites looked at the serpent on a pole, only then were they kept from loss.
Thank You for giving me the example, of earnestly seeking Your Father’s will, so that I may do the same with my own life, seeking His plan to follow and fulfill.
Yes, even if I’ve gone through something hard or have come to a difficult place, I want to thank You for being there for me, with Your presence, Your love, and Your grace.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” Psalm 100:4
“Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.” Hebrews 13:15 NASB
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17
“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:1-4
“All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.” Proverbs 15:15
“A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.” Proverbs 15:13 …and “A merry heart does good, like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.” Proverbs 17:22
“Trust in Him at all times, you people. Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah” Psalm 62:8
“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.” …spoken by Jesus in John 16:33
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 NASB
“The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
“Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits. The God of our salvation! Selah.” Psalm 68:19
“And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Make a fiery serpent (of bronze) and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live.’” Numbers 21:8 AMP
“‘And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.’ So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.” Mark 16:17-19 KJV
“And He said to them, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.’” Luke 10:18-20
“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
Scriptures: NKJV or as noted.
In these times, when we may need supernatural help, we are so thankful to be able to look to the cross and Jesus’ finished work there on our behalf, for our forgiveness, well-being, and eternal life–such wonderful gifts of God. Thank You, Lord!
“He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.” Psalm 91:15-16 (and all of Psalm 91)
We read in the Bible that Ruth, of Moab, had a loyal and loving heart. So upon the death of her Hebrew husband, she felt that she couldn’t part–from Naomi, her beloved mother-in-law, who had urged her to make her way, back to Ruth’s own parent’s home; but, instead, Ruth begged to stay.
She shared her heart, stating that where Naomi went, so, in fact, would she; where she lodged and the God she worshiped–these would also be…what she desired for her own particular life, even to her day of dying. To stay with her late husband’s “family” was the future on which she was relying.
Naomi allowed Ruth, then, to go with her on her Bethlehem-Judah return; there Ruth would find a special blessing that only God could have discerned. For there was a kinsman-redeemer through Naomi’s husband’s line, whom Ruth would meet, while gleaning in his fields, by God-ordained design.
Related by blood, willing and able to redeem this woman, Boaz entered her life; a prominent free man, total provision was hers, when she later became his wife. One can easily see an analogy here to the Bible’s New Testament account that we read…of God becoming Man, through Jesus Christ–the Kinsman-Redeemer He knew we would need.
Like Ruth, leave the “god” you once were told about; find shelter under the true God’s wings. Look to the Way, the Truth, and the Life–and experience the peace that Christ brings. Don’t try to make it on your own with God, through acts of service, however kind; there’s provision for us as “the bride of Christ,” which He, the Bridegroom, wants us to find.
P. A. Oltrogge
“If one of your brethren becomes poor, and has sold some of his possession, and if his redeeming relative comes to redeem it, then he may redeem what his brother sold.” Leviticus 25:25 (The concept of a kinsman-redeemer comes out of the book of Leviticus.)
“But Ruth said, ‘Entreat me not to leave you or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me.’” Ruth 1:16-17
“And Boaz answered and said to her, “It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and have come to a people whom you did not know before. The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.” Ruth 2:11-12
“And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the Lord, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.” Ruth 2:20 KJV
“You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent ahead of Him.’ He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made full. He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:28-30 NASB (words of John the Baptist regarding Christ, the Bridegroom)
Other references:
Enjoy an encouraging message also on the account of Ruth today, her place in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, and God’s unmerited favor upon your own life through Jesus at: http://www.josephprince.org
Matthew 1:5, Matthew 9:15, Mark 2:19,20
Rejoicing to hear of those of today who have left their perception of God to find faith in Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life…
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.” spoken by Jesus in John 14:1
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'” John 14:6
“Peace I leave with you, Mypeace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” spoken by Jesus in John 14:27
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” spoken by Jesus in John 17:3
“And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true; in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.” 1 John 5:20
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)
“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)
I’ve shared this Biblical poetic account previously, but would like to add, if you’ve not yet come across it, recommendation of the book, by Robert Cornuke, The Lost Shipwreck of Paul. In it, the author takes you on his captivating journey to Malta to research the actual location of Paul’s shipwreck and any possible remains of the ancient Roman anchors mentioned in the Biblical account. The book is available at Amazon.com, where you can also find many positive reviews of it.
(Having appealed to Caesar, Paul is sent to Rome… a poetic narrative of Acts 27-28)
When it was decided to go to Italy, Paul and some other prisoners entered a ship at Adramyttium and were put to sea, to sail along Asia’s coasts.
Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment, treated Paul kindly, letting him receive care at Sidon from people who were Paul’s friends and hosts.
From Sidon, they sailed under the shelter of Cyprus due to the strong, contrary gales.
Then, over seas off of Cilicia and Pamphylia, they came to Myra, Lycia, where they were put aboard another ship bound for Italy in their forthcoming sails.
They sailed slowly many days, arriving with difficulty off Cnidus—the wind didn’t permit them to proceed.
So they sailed under the shelter of Crete off Salmone, passing it also with difficulty, coming to Fair Havens, a stop of need.
They’d lost a lot of time, and the weather was becoming dangerous as it was so late in the fall.
So Paul spoke to the ship’s officers about it—that he perceived trouble ahead, with great damage to the cargo and ship and even to the lives of them all.
But the centurion was more persuaded by the pilot and captain of the ship than by anything that Paul had said.
And because the harbor wasn’t suitable for wintering, the majority reached the decision to put out to sea, going ahead.
If, somehow, they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing southwest and northwest, they could spend winter there, they thought.
So when a moderate south wind came up, they supposed they’d attained their purpose, weighed anchor, and began sailing along Crete, on the route they sought.
But before very long, a violent wind, called Euraquilo, rushed down to sea from the land.
And when the ship was caught in it, and couldn’t face the wind, they gave way to it and were driven along—totally unplanned.
Running under the shelter of a small island called Clauda, they were scarcely able to get the ship’s lifeboat under control.
After they’d hoisted it up, they used supporting cables in undergirding the ship and let down the sea anchor. Avoiding being run aground on the shallows of Syrtis was the goal.
The next day, as they were being violently storm-tossed, they began to throw the cargo overboard.
On the third day, they threw the tackle over, another thing the ship was carrying but which they could no longer afford.
Sun nor stars appeared for many days, and of the thought of being saved, they’d gradually lost hope.
After having gone without food for a long time, Paul reminded them that if they’d listened to him, with this storm and loss they wouldn’t have had to cope.
Yet he urged them to not lose courage, saying there would be no loss of life among them, but only of the ship.
He shared that this he knew by way of the appearance of an angel of God, who had come and stood before him on the trip.
The angel told Paul that he would yet stand before Caesar and that God had granted him the lives of all those sailing along.
So Paul, again, strongly encouraged them, saying that he believed God and that God’s predictions were never wrong.
He added, however, that on a certain island, they would run aground.
And after the fourteenth night in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight, some of the sailors began to sense that land ahead might soon be found.
They took soundings as they approached; and not wanting to run aground on the rocks, they cast four anchors from the stern, wishing for dawn’s light.
Then the sailors tried to abandon the ship, lowering the lifeboat as though they were going to put out anchors from the front, but they couldn’t quite…
for Paul said to the centurion and his soldiers, “Unless these men remain in the ship, you yourselves cannot be saved.”
So the soldiers cut away the ropes of the lifeboat and let it fall away before any escape could be braved.
Until the day was about to break, Paul encouraged them that not a hair of their heads would perish—that they should not be anxious, going without eating—but to take some food.
He himself took bread and gave thanks to God in their presence and began to eat. So all the others on board took food as well, encouraged and their spirits renewed.
Two hundred seventy-six persons were aboard; and when all had eaten enough, they lightened the ship by casting overboard their wheat.
When day broke, they couldn’t recognize the land but observed a certain bay with a beach. They resolved to drive the ship onto it, if they could accomplish the feat.
So, casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea, loosened the ropes of the rudders, and hoisted the foresail to the wind—then headed for the beach.
But they struck a reef where two seas met and ran the vessel aground. The prow stuck fast and remained immovable. The stern began to break up by many a wave’s forceful reach.
The soldiers had planned to kill the prisoners so that none would swim away and escape; however, the centurion wanted to bring Paul safely through.
So, he kept them from those intentions and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first—the others to follow on planks from the ship or anything with which they could make do.
Thus it happened that all were brought safely to the land—they found that Malta was this particular island’s name.
There, the natives showed extraordinary kindness… Due to rain that had set in and the cold, they received them all and kindled for them a fire’s warming flames.
When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out, due to the heat, and fastened on his hand.
Seeing this, the natives expressed the thought that, likely, Paul was a murderer, lucky to escape the sea, but that death by snakebite was somehow justice served—perhaps divinely planned.
But Paul shook the creature off, back into the fire—the incident, for him, was not ill-fated.
Then the natives, who had expected him to swell up and die, suddenly changed their minds and said that with a “god” he could be equated.
In that region, there was a leading citizen, Publius, by name, at whose estate they were welcomed for three days.
The father of this man lay sick with a fever and dysentery. So Paul went in to him, laid his hands on him, and he was healed. Paul was continuing to follow his Lord Jesus’ compassionate healing ways.
When this was done, other natives on the island who had illnesses also received from Paul’s healing ministry during his stay.
The islanders honored Paul in many ways, giving him and the others much in provision before the time when they would again sail away.
P. A. Oltrogge
“For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, and he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God in his goodness, has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.’ So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said.” Acts 27:23-25 NLT
An archived post, “Lost at Sea,” may be a blessing to you if you’ve not heard of or would like to review Michelle Hamilton’s modern-day true account of accidentally drifting out in a small craft into the vastness of the ocean and how she was rescued by the Lord.
The Porch of the Lord 