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; 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”
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)
“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).
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
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
“Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, ‘Let the children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God,’” Mark 10:13-14
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you…” From Jeremiah 1:5
“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.” From Psalm 139:13-16
More scriptures are listed under the archived post, “God’s Word on the Unborn”
See also: you tube soundslikereign turn your eyes upon Jesus
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)
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30
Since Jesus said His yoke is easy and that His burden is light, I shouldn’t let things that seem worrisome keep me up in the night.
I need to cast on Jesus all of my worries and cares instead, for He lovingly said that He has numbered the very hairs of my head.
If I’m worrying, I’m saying that God isn’t really big enough to handle or resolve problems that, to my mind, seem so tough.
Can’t He who created your own brain know better what to do? Consider that and believe that it’s His ability that will see you through.
Why not fully release to God the things that you’ve prayed about? Put all your confidence in Him and leave no room at all for doubt.
When he who tempts with fear is urging you to be distraught, just say, “I’ve cast my cares on Jesus,” by the faith that He has taught.
Then go ahead and rest in His love–know it is done and give Him praise. Remember He leads in green pastures where His sheep may safely graze.
P. A. Oltrogge
“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
“Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-8
“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” Jeremiah 32:27
“But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26
“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
“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” Hebrews 12:2
“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in you.” Psalm 56:3
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures….” Psalm 23:1-2
Having been assured by the Lord, Jacob arose, with his descendants, to make the journey with their property and livestock to Egypt, God’s ordained place. And to Goshen, the final destination, Joseph headed in his chariot for their reunion, where he wept on his father’s neck upon seeing his face.
He wept there a long time; and Jacob spoke of the peace he would have now in death, due to seeing that his beloved Joseph was, wonderfully, still alive. In acknowledgement of God’s love, Joseph likely thought of all he could now offer, which was worth all the adversities with which he’d had to strive.
So Joseph took five of his brothers to appear before Pharaoh, where they stated their desire to sojourn as shepherds in Goshen, a choice part of Pharaoh’s land. Pharaoh’s answer, to Joseph, was that Egypt was at their disposal–and that if some of them were capable, then put his own livestock under their command.
Joseph presented also his father to Pharaoh, who inquired as to his age, which Jacob shared; and he blessed this Pharaoh who had exalted his son. Then Joseph settled his father and brothers and gave them a possession in the land, and provided them food–all of which his obedience to God had won.
“I never expected to see your face; and behold, God has let me see your children as well,” Jacob said to Joseph; and he blessed his children in this true Bible story. After Jacob’s death, Joseph’s brothers needed reassurance of his forgiveness, which he freely gave, comforting them kindly–and it was to God that Joseph gave all of the glory!
“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” Genesis 50:20 KJV
