Category Archives: Spirituality

The Wonderful Works of Jesus

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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

Our Triune God

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…a day to reflect on the Trinity of God, once again…

“Top of the morning” to you, on this St. Patrick’s Day!
May all of God’s wonderful blessings graciously come your way.

It’s said that St. Patrick used the shamrock, which has leaves of three,
as an illustration to the Irish people of God’s holy Trinity.

Just as a shamrock is composed of three separate leaves, yet is one–
the almighty God of the Bible is the Father, Holy Spirit, and the Son.

Shamrocks have been associated with “luck,” but God’s promises are sure.
While shamrocks cannot last, God’s loving kindness will forever endure.

Today is a day when many will turn to thoughts of the Emerald Isle;
but may we daily be sure to turn our thoughts to the Lord for a while.

And on a day when some may be thinking of “wearing the green,”
may the people of God reflect His joy, which is the best thing to be seen.

P. A. Oltrogge

“…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are one.” 1 John 5:7 KJV

Of the Word, Jesus, it’s written: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 KJV

“Jesus answered him, ‘The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.'” Mark 12:29-31 NKJV

“These things I have spoken to you while remaining with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you. Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.” …words of Jesus in John 14:25-27 NASB

“And on that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.” …words of Jesus in John 16:23-24 NASB

“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

“How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.” Psalm 36:7 NKJV

“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV

“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 NKJV

“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness….'” Genesis 1:26 NKJV

Genesis 1:1-2; John 14:6-9; John 15:10-12; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 John 1:1-4

God, who made the earth, is still speaking of “the new birth”

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“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105…the Holy Bible, the best of all books!

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One morning, in opening up some coffee, the grounds wafted a pleasant scent,

which made me think of all the good things that, to us on earth, our God has sent.

There are types of teas and great varieties of healthful vegetables and of fruit…

and many other foods of which to partake, that to each person’s taste, will suit.

Consider the different kinds of apples, yet just one fruit–or even the many grains.

Rye, wheat, spelt, oats, barley, quinoa, and more…are grown upon the plains.

God made so much that pleases. People enjoy mountain-skiing and the snow,

while others prefer to swim, surf, fish, or boat on the oceans, to which they go.

Speaking of snow, how about the seasons–winter, spring, summer, and fall?  

Some favor one season over another, while many of us appreciate them all.

Think of the trees, (maples, hickories, oaks, and more), the plants and flowers,

the variety of fish to view or catch, and enjoyment of pets in our daily hours.

Usually, we think of dogs and cats; but, of course, there are others on the earth–

horses and farm animals abound, and zoos celebrate an endangered species’ birth.

God’s given us birds of great variety…we love to hear their early morning singing.

And we’re thankful for the bees and the wonderful honey that they’re still bringing.

How about the divine or natural things He provides for health that give us aid?  

In God’s Word is “health;” while from herbs or plants, helpful things are made.

It’s hard to end the list–necessary insects, or the beauty of each different gem.  

Diamonds, emeralds, rubies, garnets, sapphires, and topaz are just some of them.

And, oh, He made great variety in people, who, really, are of the same race…

some things make us different, but all ancestry back to Adam/Noah can be traced.

If God so generously stocked this earth with unique and special varieties galore,

just think of what His designs must be in His beautiful heaven that are in store!

But there is one thing God hasn’t varied–the way of salvation–only One way will do.  

The way, the truth, and the life…”Jesus, no one comes to the Father, but by You!”

“Your Father is offering new birth to all.  Through You, our lives are blessed.”

Of all the gifts we’re offered by God…Jesus, His only begotten Son, is His very best!

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

“Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.'” John 3:5-8

“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 the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8

“He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 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 1:10-13

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17 KJV

“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 4:20-22

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

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One last thought is of variety in music. The Psalms say to praise God with a new song.  Instruments are used, and the list of hymns of praise has become quite long.

The following is a vital hymn….

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

His oath, His covenant, and blood,
Support me in the whelming flood;
When every earthly prop gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
Clothed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne!
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

Written, 1834 by
Edward Mote
Composed, 1873 by
John Stainer

Wednesday Resources

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Though the Porch of the Lord blog has presented various messages that focus on health and healing in a poetic way, its goal is to share the best detailed encouragement on that and other matters. So, again, it’s referring you to teaching by Dutch Sheets today:

http://www.dutchsheets.org (video)

http://www.givehim15.com (written)

And, for a helpful way to find, meditate on, and quote God’s Word regarding health/healing, you can go to http://www.moorelife.org and click on “Word Supply” and then “Resources,” where you will find “101 Things God Said About Healing” (both Old Testament and New Testament).

Dutch Sheets and Keith Moore (among other good ministries mentioned on this blog) teach well on many Biblical topics. God bless you today. I’m praying for your wellbeing as a follower/friend of this blog.

P. A. Oltrogge

Feast or Famine?

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.…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

There’s a Rainbow!

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If ever there was a subject that should be put into poetic form, it’s that of the magnificent rainbow, which can suddenly appear after a storm.

As the sun starts shining, it’s especially vivid, after the rain has poured; and its message comes from God, as it’s the signature of the Lord.

He said that He was setting His bow in the cloud, to always remind afresh, of His covenant made with Noah and his sons, and every living creature of all flesh…

that never again would He send a flood to cover the entire expanse of the earth. To all successive generations, the rainbow’s reminded of this covenant of great worth.

We remember today that Noah was a real person, who steadfastly undertook…the building of a great ark by God’s direction, no matter how, to others, that would look.

It took many decades to accomplish the task, and there never had been a flood. Today, God is offering the safety of an ark that was “built” by Jesus’ sacrificial blood.

God is not willing for any to perish. He’s giving much time to accept His invitation, to enter into the ark of the Lord–His provision for any person of any nation.

When I see the rainbow there in the sky, I’m reminded of God’s covenant made to mankind–including the one He made for us through Jesus, the greatest covenant He wants all of us to find.

P. A. Oltrogge

“But I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall enter the ark….” Genesis 6:18

“Then God said, ‘I am giving you a sign of my covenant with you and with all living creatures, for all generations to come. I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth. When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, and I will remember my covenant with you and with all living creatures. Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life. When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth.’ Then God said to Noah, ‘Yes, this rainbow is the sign of the covenant I am confirming with all the creatures on earth.’” Genesis 9:14-17

“For this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you for the remission of sins.” Matthew 26:28

“But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises.” Hebrews 8:6

“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

“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14

“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

“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

In the Land of the Living

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“I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 (NASB, Ryrie Study Bible)

Dear Lord,

You’re the great author of the act of giving;
therefore, your most generous ways…
are revealed to those in the land of the living.
You give miracles as we’re given to prayer and praise.

P. A. Oltrogge

Though we may not always have seen such great things as Dutch did in his post today, we still learn from such a testimony and look to our God, from whom all hope springs. It’s surely God’s desire that we be inspired and continue to grow in our faith…in Him and His Word, His faithfulness and power. He is the God of plenty and has plenty more of amazing incidents to give, as we persevere in believing….

“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 NKJV

http://www.dutchsheets.org (video)

http://www.givehim15.com (written)


His Strength is Our Strength

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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 be thou strong and very 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

Photo/Unsplash…Lake Louise, Canada

Of More Value

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The beauty of this peacock’s fanned-out feathers is a unique display…
of one of God’s masterful designs, among the many seen in nature on any given day.

Notice this delicate, little hummingbird and its shade of turquoise blue—
Only the Lord Himself could have adorned it with such a lovely hue.

And consider the magnificent body, soul, and spirit He has given to you…
The privilege of spending time with our Creator is such an important thing to do.

Jesus emphasized that, certainly, we are of more value than the birds,
which makes us eager to meet with Him daily, esteeming His divine words.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore!” Psalm 105:4

“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

“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.'” Genesis 1:26

“For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one.” 1 John 5:7

“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.” John 1:3-4

“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 KJV

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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 11:28-30

“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

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you….” James 4:8

“Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, ‘Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.’ And Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things; But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.’” Luke 10:38-42

“But one thing is needful…” verse 42, KJV

(Scriptures: NKJV or as noted)

Be a Blessing

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Due to these times when so many need help in various situations, the following is encouragement on giving….

Let those who favor my righteous cause and have pleasure in my uprightness shout for joy and be glad and say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, Who takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.

– Psalm 35:27, The Amplified Bible

…by Kenneth Copeland

If traditional religion has taught you that God wants you poor and oppressed, I have good news for you today. The Bible says, “God takes pleasure” in your prosperity. God wants you to prosper!

Not just in the financial realm but in every area of your life…spirit, soul and body.

No matter where you are or who you are, God wants to see you delivered from every adverse situation.

Why? Because He loves you and He has a job for you to do. He wants you to help meet the needs of mankind and He’s smart enough to know that you can’t give away what you don’t have. You can’t give to spread the gospel or buy food for the hungry when you’re broke. You can’t go out laying hands on the sick when you’re lying in a hospital bed. You can’t minister joy to others when you’re being held captive by depression. No! You have to be blessed to be a blessing.

If you really want to tap into the riches of God today, make up your mind to be a blessing to others, and before you know it, you’ll be receiving more from God than you ever dreamed.

That’s what happened to me. I decided years ago, first and foremost, to be a giver. I developed a lifestyle of giving. Today, I literally “live to give.” And I don’t mind telling you, God dumps blessings on me by the truckload!

He’ll do the same for you if you’ll become His servant—if you’ll lay down your time and your money and your love for those who need it. Become a giver—and God will take pleasure in prospering you!

The above is reprinted with permission from Kenneth Copeland Ministries

You can view recent services at Eagle Mountain International Church, which works together with Kenneth Copeland Ministries, at http://www.emic.org

Under “Latest Service” or “More,” then “View all EMIC Services,” are Sunday, March 5th’s message, as well as sessions with minister of healing, Billy Burke, which took place on the 2nd and 3rd of March.