Category Archives: Spirituality

No Greater Star

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“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of Herod, the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.’” Matthew 2:1-2 NKJV

One of the names of the Lord, Jesus Christ, is The Bright and Morning Star.
Long ago, the wise men followed “His” star when traveling from afar.

It guided them like a compass—perhaps giving light to them on their way.
The Bright and Morning Star, through God’s Spirit, is still guiding men who are wise today.

This Christmas, a distant neighbor’s roof has a large, lighted star for all to view.
Its twinkling in the darkness speaks of God’s love—always there to see us through.

Each night, I look for that star, which reminds of the presence of the Lord—
and that, for those who take Jesus as Savior, peace with God has been fully restored.

P. A. Oltrogge

“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1

“Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.” 2 John 1:3

“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

“‘I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.’ And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:16-17

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

“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

Scriptures NKJV

To hear a choral arrangement on the Name above all names, go to http://www.kcm.org and click on Day 13 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).

Christmas amidst troubled times…and a Psalm for all Seasons

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I’m so thankful for the many wonderful Christian ministries that can explain Biblical benefits and blessings in a more detailed way than I can poetically convey. So today, in light of the many calamities which we hear of in these times, I would like to refer you to the devotional for today at http://www.josephprince.org, entitled, “God is your refuge from evil.”

Right now we’re anticipating Christmas, a beautiful time of year….
But we’re living in a world that’s tossed with events that, often, would bring fear.

Yet, as Christians, we have a banner of faith that is world-overcoming…
Victory began at Christ’s birth, to end the fears that the world is drumming.

From the manger to the cross, our true leader, Jesus, showed us the way…that we could rely on His Father in heaven, who hears us whenever we pray.

P. A. Oltrogge

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:4 KJV

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11 KJV

Psalm 91:

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most high will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!”

For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper, and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.

You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day;

Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.

A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not approach you.

You will only look on with your eyes, and see the recompense of the wicked.

For you have made the Lord, my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place.

No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent.

For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.

They will bear you up in their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone.

You will tread upon the lion and cobra, the young lion and the serpent you will trample down,

Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.

He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him, and honor him.

With a long life I will satisfy him, and let him behold My salvation.

(You may also like to check out Day 12, “Christmas Every Day” at the 25 Songs of Christmas at http://www.kcm.org )

“Now Jesus was telling the disciples a parable to make the point that at all times they ought to pray and not give up and lose heart…” Luke 18:1 AMP

Keep faith in seeing the goodness of the Lord 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)

A portion of scripture to hold onto when things seem impossible or very dark….

is Psalm 27:13-14…it’s like suddenly hearing the song of a meadowlark.

God desires to answer your prayers far more than you would realize–

Believe in seeing the goodness of the Lord, rather than fearing that He denies.

And notice that it speaks of His goodness in “the land of the living”; it’s not pointing to after we die.

God has answers, and His love is great…He’s heard your heart’s every cry.

So be strong and courageous and wait on the Lord, as the Word has stated.

He has the perfect timing and plans–a truth which needs never to be debated.

P. A. Oltrogge

And if you’re going through something which is particularly stormy,

it will be good to remember, too, “This I know, that God is for me.”

“Then my enemies will be turned back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me.” Psalm 56:9

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

Check out the song for today at http://www.kcm.org and click on Day 11 of the “25 Songs of Christmas.”

For prayer support, visit http://www.govictory.com (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).

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11

You may enjoy doing an internet search for the lovely sound of the song of the meadowlark….

Photo/Unsplash

The First Noel

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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).

Seal the Deal

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God has graciously sent out a worldwide appeal,
and now is the time to seal the deal.

Pastors and missionaries have spread the Word
that everyone needs Jesus, so that they can be assured

that eternal life is theirs…by way of “the new birth.”
The blessing of new life is offered for all people of the earth.

So it’s not only the planting of gospel seeds that needs to go through,
but praying for many to respond is a vital part of working in the Lord’s harvest fields too.

Just as, at Jesus’ birth, the angel proclaimed God’s good tidings of great joy to shepherds in a field, we also can tell of that “good news,” and even personally pray with some individuals…for their deal to be sealed!

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.'” Luke 2:8-12

“For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2

“Jesus answered and said to him, (Nicodemus) ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'” John 3:3

“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

“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.” John 10:10

“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14

Scriptures: New King James Version

Visit “25 Songs of Christmas” at http://www.kcm.org, Day 7, “I Surrender All” and Day 8, “Who is this Baby?” (a beautiful Christmas ballad, which you may not have previously heard).

Though I’ve used the familiar expression, “seal the deal,” the more Biblical way of stating what transpires when you receive Christ as Savior and Lord is that you are not only receiving forgiveness of sins, but you are entering into a covenant relationship with God.

The following quote is from the booklet, A Covenant of Blood, by Kenneth Copeland. “Jesus became the sacrificial Lamb that established your covenant with God. His own blood was shed. The book of Hebrews says that we have a new and living way to approach God. Remember ‘the way of blood’? Well, the blood of Jesus has made the way for us to have a covenant relationship with the Father.”

This quote reprinted with permission from Kenneth Copeland Ministries

Train Ride

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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

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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

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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

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“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

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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