The Bible is widely heard of, yet many people haven’t actually “heard” of much that’s written within its pages. Lord, wake them to Your Word.
For it’s written that it’s the scriptures that make us “wise unto salvation.” Lord, we pray, You’d wake people to Your Word throughout ours and every nation.
Send laborers across the paths of those whose hearts You will have prepared to be ready to receive the Gospel invitation, which those laborers will share.
We thank You, Father, for Your great love and for the Holy Spirit’s power to draw souls to Jesus, our Savior and Good Shepherd, in this important hour.
P. A. Oltrogge
“And he (Jesus) said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Mark 4:9 KJV
“And continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
“And that from a child thou hast learned the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
2 Timothy 3:14-16 KJV
“Therefore, said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.” Luke 10:2 KJV
“And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.” Acts 16:13-14 NKJV
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…in light of yet another tragedy in America, Dutch Sheets, who fervently and steadfastly prays for America, shares today from a book of his, “The Power of Hope” at: http://www.givehim15.com
And the following was shared by the father of one of the priceless little children who lost their lives: “Through tears we trust that she is in the arms of Jesus who will raise her to life once again,” Pastor Chad Scruggs said in a statement shared with reporters.
“Jesus said to her, ‘I amthe resurrectionandthelife. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.'” John 11:25
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
…We lift up in prayer the affected families, the nation, and the world….and are reminded to persevere:
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:11-13 NKJV
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:27
By J. Vetter Guest Contributor
A brief encounter with a young couple visiting our church led me to a joyous venture down memory lane. The wife shared how they were ready to move within the month and requested prayer for their house to sell. This brought to mind the testimonies of God’s faithfulness in each of the various moves my husband and I and our family had made over the years.
In John 14:3, Jesus announces that He is going to prepare a place for us. Of course, He is speaking of heaven; but I realize now that in every move we’ve made, He truly was faithful to lead us to the house he had prepared for us. That is if, and then as, we allowed Him to direct us.
When we moved from Tampa, Florida, to Arlington, Texas, the Lord directed us to sell our home by owner. That didn’t seem too risky since He said that He really was the owner.
My husband, Ted, was already working in Texas, and we had gone out to look for a house. After an unsuccessful week, I returned home. At that point, I had this God-inspired idea to write out a list of what I wanted in a home and, then, to let the Lord lead Ted to the right house.
One Sunday, as he was driving around, he saw a home that was “for sale by owner.” After looking at it, he excitedly called me. As he began to describe the home, I realized it had everything in it that I had put on my list (which I had not shared with Ted)! My list included even rose bushes and fruit trees, so when I heard him mention those, I felt pretty sure this house was it!
The clincher was that the interest rate was so high at that time, and the Christian couple who owned the house were willing to hold the mortgage at a lower interest rate. I had put that on my list, but really did have my doubts. I thought, perhaps, I was asking too big. But then I thought of the scripture in Ephesians 3:20, where God says that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.
So we decided to go ahead and purchase that home. However, our house in Tampa needed to sell now! I returned to the Lord with my question. “Did I hear You right?” My answer came as I was reading Hebrews 10:35. “Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.” And verse 37, as well. “…And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.”
Shortly, a former neighbor arrived with a contract for us, which was so perfect. He was a realtor who knew the desirability of our home model. He had the contract fully filled out, even with the closing date, which fit perfectly with the closing date on our home in Texas.
So, this sheep was very grateful for the blessing of learning to hear the voice of Jesus, my Good Shepherd!
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1
“And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” Matthew 25:37-40
If any of us knew that the Lord was hungry, we would do anything and everything that was needed to make sure He had something to eat. If we knew He was cold, we would give up any of our own clothing to give Him warmth. Today “the least of these” in Israel urgently need our help, and I’m asking you to join us in reaching out to them in Christian love to bless them while there is still time.
There are some 13,000 Ukrainian Jewish refugees now living in Israel. Your love and generosity made it possible for us to help some of them make that trip. But most came with almost nothing…often a single suitcase held everything they have left. We are going to reach out to show them comfort and love as well during the wonderful celebration of Passover this year. But we can’t do it without your help.
In addition to delivering food to the homes of poor Holocaust survivors and Ukrainian refugees, we will be holding special events during Passover both at your Friends of Zion Center in Jerusalem and across the country. Your gift today will let them know that they are not alone and will bring joy into their lives.
Your support of the Jerusalem Prayer Team today allows us to purchase food, medicine, clothing, and other necessities of life for the poor Holocaust survivors, as well as to continue to operate the Friends of Zion Museum, to stand up and speak out for Israel, and to meet urgent humanitarian needs among the poor Jewish people in Israel and Ukraine. Thank you so much for being part of this vital worldwide prayer movement.
A man with deafness and a speech impediment was in need of Jesus’ touch. Those who brought him begged the Lord to heal him, being confident of such.
Jesus led him, then, away from the crowd so that they could be alone. He put His fingers into the man’s ears—the beginning of his hearing tone.
Jesus spit upon His own fingers and touched the man’s tongue as well. “Ephphatha,” (“Be opened!”) He said, looking up to heaven—then the man instantly heard, clear as a bell!
The man’s tongue was also freed—his speech became perfectly clear. Jesus told the crowd not to spread the story, but they couldn’t help tell that the man could now speak and hear.
“Everything Jesus does is wonderful,” they shared, in relating this event. The deaf could hear, the dumb could speak. God’s goodness was being displayed wherever Jesus went!
P. A. Oltrogge
From Mark 7:31-37
“Everything He does is wonderful! He even makes the deaf to hear and gives speech to those who cannot speak.” Mark 7:37 NLT
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 NKJV
If you have need of healing or help in any area, you may want to consider using the video prayers for any specific need at http://www.richardroberts.org
“Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
“The Lord executes righteousness And justice for all who are oppressed. 7 He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel. 8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. 9 He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities.
“For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; 12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him. 14 For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.
“As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. 16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, And its place remembers it no more. 17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children, 18 To such as keep His covenant, And to those who remember His commandments to do them.
“The Lord has established His throne in heaven, And His kingdom rules over all.
“Bless the Lord, you His angels, Who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word. 21 Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, You ministers of His, who do His pleasure. 22 Bless the Lord, all His works, In all places of His dominion.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul!” Psalm 103 NKJV
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
…prayers have been said for you here at the Porch of the Lord
Jesus said, “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Matthew 6:26
.…the following was written a few years back, actually. Today, we are hearing wonderful stories of spiritual renewal (revival) coming and revival already here.…
“…man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.” from Deuteronomy 8:3
There’s famine in the world today, though there’s “Bread” that is abounding. So many walk with uncertainty when personal concerns become confounding.
They’re out the door to earn their living to buy life’s necessities and more; but the “Bread” they’re missing in their lives can’t be purchased at any store.
Instead, it’s there in the Bible, where Jesus’ words of nourishment are found, that feed our spirits about the blessings with which God wants us to be crowned.
Not only for things that we may desire, but there are blessings of a still greater kind–peace amidst troubles, faith that endures, and love of others comes to mind.
Never taking the time to read it, or ever searching out a church where it’s taught, can all make up for a very draining day, or for times when they’ll feel distraught.
Let’s pray all the more for those around us, even for believers–and those who are not yet–to realize they don’t have to starve any more–there’s a hearty feast of “Bread” they can get.
P. A. Oltrogge
“And Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.’” John 6:35 NKJV
When the poem says, “even believers,” it’s simply meant that the writer or any person who has already received the Bread of Life, Jesus, will benefit by coming to Him daily, through His Word, not missing that time with Him.
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17 NKJV
See John 1:1-18 — “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
postscript to this poem:
There are places on this earth where there are shortages of Bibles, or it’s not been translated. We pray for the people there, and for those working to bring this great “Bread” for which they’ve waited. (The following links have information on successful Bible translation and distribution work being done.) See www.wycliffe.org http://www.americanbible.org
“The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8
The Christian who needs strength relies, daily on the strength which God supplies….
Thank you, God, for sending Jesus for us all, to pay the ransom for our souls–redeeming us from man’s fall.
Thank you, God, for mighty angels that are mine; and thank you–for this earthly body made so fine.
Thank you, Father, for my heart’s strong and steady beat; and thank you for good health–from my head down to my feet.
Thank you that you’re there, if I come under attack. Thank you, Good Shepherd, that you’ve always got my back.
Thank you that I can look for miracle answers to come my way, for problems that seem difficult, for you hear me when I pray.
Thank you, Jesus, for your promise of a blessed, abundant life. Thank you, too, that you taught us to keep from strife.
Thank you for giving servants who teach your Word for these days. Thank you for their anointing and that they emphasize your praise.
Thank you, Lord, that as I seek to follow after you, a goodly harvest is produced in everything I do.
P. A. Oltrogge
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1 NKJV
“Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.” 1 John 4:17 NKJV
“The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds’ feet, and makes me walk on my high places.” Habakkuk 3:19 NASB/Ryrie
“Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7 KJV
“Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong.” Joel 3:10 KJV
“He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might, He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:29-31 NKJV
“The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.” Psalm 29:11 NIV
“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 NKJV
“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.” Psalm 139:14 NKJV
“…for in Him we live and move and have our being….” from Acts 17:28 NKJV
“Blessed be the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplication. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him. The Lord is their strength, and He is a saving defense to His anointed. Save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance; be their shepherd also and carry them forever.” Psalm 28:6-9 NASB/Ryrie
“My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4:20-24 NKJV
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 NASB/Ryrie
“…Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!'” Nehemiah 8:10 NLT
“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were, the utterances of God; whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11 NASB/Ryrie
“My flesh and my heart may fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 NASB/Ryrie
“With a long life I will satisfy him, and let him behold My salvation.” Psalm 91:16 (and all of Psalm 91, regarding angelic protection, no plague, etc.)
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 NKJV
“Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:10-12 (and the following verses on the full armor of God) NASB/Ryrie
“The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” John 10:10-11 NASB/Ryrie
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3 KJV
“Only bethoustrongandvery courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:7 KJV
“The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.” Psalm 121:7-8 NKJV
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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.” John 3:16-17 NKJV
“…being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus….” Romans 3:24 NKJV
“Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 RSV
Just because something set you back in the past, doesn’t have to mean that that “stronghold” will last.
For God has a strong hold on His sons and daughters, to bring them safely through in crossing deep waters.
As you resist the devil and his every concocted doubt… that evil attack from him must then be on its way out.
Peter left the boat to meet Jesus and walked upon the sea… but fear from a blast of the wind caused Peter’s faith to flee.
He cried out, beginning to sink–then felt the immediate pull of the Lord’s victorious hand on him for a recovery that was full.
Keep a strong hold on what Jesus, our Lord, has said… Replace the devil’s thoughts of fear with faith in God, instead.
Proclaim, “I receive it!” the moment you’ve prayed. Then rest in His peace as your mind on Christ is stayed.
Say unto this mountain, and it will be removed…. especially say the Word–God’s Truth that has been proved!
P. A. Oltrogge
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ….” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2
“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.” Nahum 1:7
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
“But He (Jesus) answered and said, ‘It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you… For I am the !ord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior….” Isaiah 43:2, 3
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
“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. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” Mark 11:22-24
“As for God, His way is perfect; The Word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.” Psalm 18:30
“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
“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints….” Ephesians 6:14-18
“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
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“Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
“Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out for fear.
“But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’
“And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’
“So He said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’
“And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
“Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly You are the Son of God.'” Matthew 14:22-33
(This occurred after the disciples had just seen Jesus feed a multitude of people from having blessed just five loaves and two fish.) verse 21: “Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children.”
The very hairs of your head are numbered– Jesus shared that thought so we wouldn’t be encumbered with worries and cares that should be laid at His feet, for God knows the best way to make all lives complete. He satisfies the desire of all living things by opening His hand, and with it He brings bountiful blessings beyond what’s desired, for He loves to give even more than the required. To avoid any pitfalls, you need to become sharpened by going to God’s Word daily, therein to hearken. And don’t think, in any instance, His direction will cease– just go by what lines up with His Word and gives peace. For Jesus is the Good Shepherd; He won’t let you down. He has much for you here and then, one day, a crown.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7
“Thou dost open Thy hand, and dost satisfy the desire of every living thing.” Psalm 145:16 KJV
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” …words of the Lord Jesus in John 10:27-28
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 KJV
“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.” Philippians 4:6-7
“But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:11-12
“For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:14-21
“…Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.’ Revelation 2:10
“So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” words of the Lord from Matthew 6
…below, one of God’s beautifully-crowned flowers….
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
Be blessed at: www.covenantfamily.cc Keith Eggert, Feb.12, for a message on Powerful Prayer Dan Walter, Feb. 5, on the account of Abraham and Isaac
“Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:1-2
When all seems lost, at times, there’s still a strong beacon of Light. Hold on to the Lord Jesus Christ, with a faith grip that’s very tight.
The devil seeks to completely destroy your confident trust in the Master. We can never doubt God’s compassion and love–even in times of disaster.
Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world, but to save us and redeem us from the curse, while satan works to steal, kill, and destroy–only to make lives worse.
The steadfast love of God never ceases; His mercies are new every day. He gladly hears those seeking the Savior–and, absolutely, hears His children when they pray.
God’s love is seen through His servants, who go about giving aid…to those who have need of His help, so their glimmer of hope won’t fade.
Faith, hope, and love are vital, but love is the most highly rated. Through prayers, with and for others, and the use of our helping hands, God’s love is communicated.
And on the cross of Calvary, His love profoundly beamed…through His Son’s willingness to give His life, so that our lives could be redeemed.
Lord, we do sense your love and presence in the midst of things that are dire, by way of the Holy Spirit, who reminds us that your love is always much higher.
“… For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:5 NLT
P. A. Oltrogge
“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13
“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
“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. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” John 10:10-11
“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
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” Romans 1:16
“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” Galatians 3:13-14
“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
“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:12
“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
“Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.” Mark 11:24-25
“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever—the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continuallyand will be in you.” John 14:16-17 AMP
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.” Psalm 42:5
“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.’” John 8:12
“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
“Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’
“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” Matthew 25:34-40
Ministries through which to help share God’s love have previously been mentioned on the Porch of the Lord, and you may have others of which you’re aware. We continue to pray regarding the many situations in this world that need our prayers, and I’m praying for you, dear follower or friend of this blog. God bless you today
The Porch of the Lord 