The First Noel

Posted on December 10, 2021 by porchofthelord

The first Noel the angel did say
was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
in fields where they lay keeping their sheep,
on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
born is the King of Israel….

A familiar carol that’s sung every Christmas is “The First Noel,”

about an angel coming from heaven, with the greatest news to tell.

The King of Israel and Savior of the world that day had been born.

He’d come to bring us God’s peace, though He would meet with scorn.

He aimed to please His Father in heaven, seeking only His will,

even to the point of death on a cross, in order that He would fulfill

His Father’s desire for us to have relationship with Him as well.

Of that greatest birth, the first Noel, He’s now appointed us to tell….

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel…born is the King of Israel!

P. A. Oltrogge

“Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 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. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe, wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.’

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

(From Luke 2 NKJV)

Years later,, during His ministry as an adult, Jesus gave this commission:

“And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation. He who has believed (in Me) and has been baptized will be saved (from the penalty of God’s wrath and judgment); but he who has not believed will be condemned.’” Mark 16:15-16 AMP

And the Apostle, Paul, wrote to the Romans:

“Therefore there is now no condemnation (no guilty verdict, no punishment) for those who are in Christ Jesus (who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior).” Romans 8:1 AMP

Of the first Noel, the good news of great joy, rings every Christmas bell!

To hear a great rendition of this Christmas carol, go to http://www.kcm.org and click on Day 10 of the “25 Songs of Christmas.”

For prayer support, visit http://www.govictory.com 24/7 (morning prayer M-F, 9:30 a.m. ET (8:30 a.m. CT), for viewing the program). To call, the number is 877-281-6297, where you can pray with and for others for their needs or submit a prayer request of your own.

That number can also be reached throughout the day until 11:00 p.m. ET, (10:00 p.m. CT). Then, on Saturdays/Sundays from 10:00 a.m. ET (or 9:00 a.m. CT) to 6:00 p.m. ET (or 5:00 p.m. CT).

God is Good, All the Time

Posted on December 9, 2021 by porchofthelord

…from Luke 13:10-17

In this account, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues; and it was on a Sabbath day.

A woman was there who, for eighteen years, had had an infirmity caused by a spirit—she was bound by satan that way.

She was bent double and was totally unable to straighten up at all.

But she made her way over to Jesus, upon His invitation and call.

“Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity,” He said, laying His hands upon her—immediately she became erect.

She began to glorify God that Jesus’ ministry had had such a powerful effect!

But due to rigid adherence to the Torah, a synagogue official could only “see” the Law.

Jesus should not have healed on the Sabbath, he indicated. All he could see was this “flaw.”

In the face of such a miracle, he still, obviously, wasn’t persuaded.

His only desire seemed to be that Jesus’ act of love should be degraded.

Jesus then called him a hypocrite, saying that he, and the other synagogue officials, would untie their own oxen or donkeys on the Sabbath to lead them to some waters.

How much more, then, was it right for Him to heal, even though on a Sabbath, this woman, who was one of Abraham’s daughters.

After Jesus had said these things, his opponents were put to shame…

while, for the glorious things He was doing for others, the people were giving Him great acclaim.

As believers, we, too, are heirs of Abraham; and on any night or day…

the Lord, who never slumbers or sleeps, will hear and answer us whenever we pray.

P. A. Oltrogge

“And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.” Galatians 3:29 NASB

“…He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” Psalm 121:3-4 NASB

You may want to visit http://www.govictory.com 24/7 (morning prayer M-F, 9:30 a.m. ET) 877-281-6297 where you can pray with and for others for their needs or submit a prayer request of your own.

Photo/pxfuel

Train Ride

Posted on December 7, 2021 by porchofthelord

I was traveling on a train that had many stops it would be making…
but I knew my destination and which stop that I’d be taking.

I thought I’d ask the traveler next to me where he was going to go;
then, surprisingly, he said it wasn’t something he could know.

I thought that that was rather odd, for one needs to be quite sure,
for travelers can’t ride indefinitely on a never-ending tour.

I’d researched my destination, having heard it was a beautiful place;
but my fellow traveler’s plans were vague and uncertain in his case.

Eventually, he’d need to get off—there would come an end to the trail.
It reminded me of those who travel equally vaguely, but on a spiritual rail.

They think that any exit will get them to a final place of peace,
but they haven’t secured the ticket to where God’s love will never cease.

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life…don’t travel until it’s too dark.
Secure your ticket by taking Him as Savior—then you’ll KNOW where you will disembark.

P. A. Oltrogge

“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 NKJV

“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2 NKJV

There’s a Song in the Air

Posted on December 3, 2021 by porchofthelord

There’s a song in the air; there’s a star in the sky…
There’s a mother’s sweet prayer, and a baby’s low cry.
And the star rains its fire, while angelic choirs sing,
for the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King!

There’s a tumult of joy, o’er the wonderful birth,
for a virgin’s sweet baby is the Lord of the earth.
Lo, the star rains its fire while angelic choirs sing,
for the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King!

In the light of that star, angels sang of His worth,
and their song from afar has swept over the earth.
Every hearth is aflame, as we join in and sing,
in the homes of the nations that Jesus is King!

We rejoice in His light as we echo the song
that was heard in the night from the heavenly throng.
The shepherds rejoiced and also made known
that the Savior had arrived from God’s heavenly throne.

Josiah G. Holland/Karl P. Harrington

Since this was authored long ago, I adjusted the song somewhat to a bit more modern thought… It is a beautiful Christmas hymn.

P. A. Oltrogge

Visit http://www.kcm.org to prepare for Christmas with “25 Songs of Christmas”… As in the above, December 2nd was a beautiful rendition of “O Holy Night”

Photo/pxfuel

Enter into God’s Kingdom

Posted on November 29, 2021 by porchofthelord

Yes, Christians, in every walk of life, are working to persuade
that “the way” to eternal life for every person has been made.

Because of Jesus’ life, ministry, death and resurrection–
through Him, our Father God sees any believer in perfection.

And you don’t have to take one Christian’s word alone,
for there’ve been many testimonies that conclusively have shown

that Jesus is alive–His Father is still giving time to decide
to accept His invitation, which is going out worldwide,

to be a part of His kingdom through Jesus, His spotless Lamb–
an invitation very graciously extended by the great “I AM.”

Please respond as soon as you can–one thing unknown is the exact date,
of when things will come to a close, so it’s very wise not to wait.

There are really just two kingdoms, one of darkness and one of light.
Come into the kingdom of God’s dear Son, the only choice that’s right.

P. A. Oltrogge

“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 NKJV

“Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too.”
2 Corinthians 5:11 NLT

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:3 NIV

“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” 1 John 5:11 NIV

“Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” 1 John 5:12 NIV

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 NKJV

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” Matthew 24:36-37 NKJV

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” John 5:24 NKJV

Internet search: You Tube Jerry Savelle Terri’s Fingers and see http://www.jerrysavelle.org (Word of the Lord for 2021)

Further testimonies at ministries such as:
http://www.josephprince.org/praisereports
http://www.kcm.org and http://www.awmi.net

Photo: “Little Heaven”
Unsplash

Turn Back

Posted on November 27, 2021 by porchofthelord

“While He was on the way to Jerusalem, He was passing between Samaria and Galilee. As He entered a village, ten leprous men who stood at a distance met Him; and they raised their voices, saying, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!’ When He saw them, He said to them, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they were going, they were cleansed. Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice, and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered and said, ‘Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine—where are they? Was no one found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?’ And He said to him, ‘Stand up and go; your faith has made you well.’” Luke 17:11-19

Turn Back

When I think of the healing of the ten leprous men,
and how only one man turned back, in thanks to God, out of the ten,
I’m reminded of how I often take for granted God’s care,
when I should “turn back” to the place of blessing and thank the Lord there.

We’re to enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. That is the very best way to begin each and every one of our days.

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

Photo/Pixabay

There’s always wonderful praise music to join in and bless the Lord with at the start of the services at Eagle Mountain International Church, http://www.emic.org (go to “Latest Service” at the bottom right-hand corner).

Providing a Lift with a Heartwarming Christmas Gift

Posted on November 26, 2021 by porchofthelord

The Porch of the Lord is reminding you of this seasonal fact–
It’s able to offer a gift book that’s like a Christmas gospel tract.

Those who know, or don’t know, Jesus will find reflections therein
on the extraordinary birth of God’s Son, who was sent to redeem us from sin.

In the midst of present times, which have so promoted fear,
sharing Christmas on the Porch will, instead, bring welcome cheer.

“Unto you…is born a Savior,” the angel proclaimed that night.
“Christ, the Lord” is our Prince of Peace and our ever-guiding Light.

May the peace that passes all understanding that came by Jesus’ birth
come to those who haven’t yet put their faith in Him–the Lord of all the earth.

You may want to consider giving the book to someone who you know. It’s a simple way to share God’s love, wrapped and tied with a Christmas bow!

P. A. Oltrogge

Available through http://www.christianbook.com, http://www.barnesandnoble.com, and http://www.amazon.com

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 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. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them. Luke 2:8-20 NKJV

Consider the Birds and the Lilies

Posted on November 20, 2021 by porchofthelord

“In His Constant Care” by Greg Olsen. Used with Permission. http://www.GregOlsen.com

Look at the birds of the air…
They don’t sow, reap, or gather
Their needed food into barns—
But are dependent upon God, rather.

Consider how the lilies are clothed—
They toil not, nor do they spin,
But to the heavenly Father’s care
They’re blessed to give in.

Yes, consider these,
And consider giving in,
To the message of Christ’s love
Above this world’s din.

Partake, through the Bible, from God’s table
Of spiritual food fit for a King’s heir,
And be clothed in the love of Jesus,
The finest thing you could wear.

Consider the children,
So gentle and so tender—
What kind of faith
To them will you render?

One that speaks dislike
And contempt of others—
Or one that speaks love
And draws all men to be brothers?

The heavenly Father gave Jesus
To tell of God’s care and to guide.
When we take Him as Savior, He gives love
For all others for whom He has died.

So just like the lilies
Or the birds of the air,
May people of all nations be blessed to give in
To Jesus—the way to the Father God’s care…

P. A. Oltrogge

“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies….” Luke 6:27

“And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. And a second is like it. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.’”
Matthew 22:37-40

“For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink, nor for your body, as to what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body than clothing?

“Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And which of you by being anxious, can add a single cubit to his life’s span? And why are you anxious about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these.

“But if God so arrays the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more do so for you, O men of little faith? Do not be anxious then, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink’ or ‘With what shall we clothe ourselves?’ For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:25-34

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Of such is the kingdom of God…

Posted on November 19, 2021 by porchofthelord

I wrote a poem once about Christmas in heaven and how that might actually be…

imagining the beautiful carols sung there or heaven’s magnificent Christmas tree.

But I missed picturing the children of abortion there, opening the gifts that God, their Father, would give.

God’s greatest gift to them, however, is that there, in heaven, they can experience, in a new way, what it is to live.

So many children, torn from their mother’s womb, never got to see the light of day;

but some have escaped that cruel blow because of those who speak up for them and because of those who pray.

Life in heaven must be glorious, but one wonders what their lives might have accomplished on earth…

Let’s earnestly pray for those considering abortion to, rather, choose the blessed path of giving birth.

Lord, cause the darkness that pushes abortion to be pushed away itself, instead.

“Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them, for of such is the kingdom of God,” are loving words of life that Jesus said.

P. A. Oltrogge

Wonderful true story on this topic:
http://www.ilivedonparkerave.com

Recognize God’s Opportunities

Posted on November 18, 2021 by porchofthelord

Recognize God’s opportunities that come to you on a daily basis…

Listen for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and trust the Word, your spiritual oasis.

Because God’s mercies are new every morning, we can expect good things.

His love is steadfast and never ceases–look for its flow that He faithfully brings.

Forget those things which lie behind. Each day is a brand new start.

We’re to reign as children of the King. Through God’s Son, we’ve been set apart.

P. A. Oltrogge

“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: 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 3:21-23 RSV

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended, but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 NKJV

“But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself him who is godly; The Lord will hear when I call to Him.” Psalm 4:3 NKJV

“Death once held us in its grip, and by the blunder of one man, death reigned as king over humanity. But now, how much more are we held in the grip of grace and continue reigning as kings in life, enjoying our regal freedom through the gift of perfect righteousness in the one and only Jesus, the Messiah!

“In other words, just as condemnation came upon all people through one transgression, so through one righteous act of Jesus’ sacrifice, the perfect righteousness that makes us right with God and leads us to a victorious life is now available to all.” Romans 5:17-18 TPT

There’s always an opportunity to show love: “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 NKJV (and entire chapter)

The Porch of the Lord

a writer's reflections on Biblical themes

Category Archives: Poems

The First Noel

God is Good, All the Time

Train Ride

There’s a Song in the Air

Enter into God’s Kingdom

Turn Back

Providing a Lift with a Heartwarming Christmas Gift

Consider the Birds and the Lilies

Of such is the kingdom of God…

Recognize God’s Opportunities