Category Archives: Spirituality

God’s Beloved Son–Hear Him

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“And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying,“This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” …spoken by God, the Father, of Jesus at the time of His transfiguration upon a mountain….

Jesus came to heal the broken-hearted and those sick or wounded, as well.
Even in the midst of His arrest, there was a situation He moved to quell.

Soldiers with swords and clubs and torches had been led by Judas in the night.
Chief priests and Pharisees he led also, who were the driving force of the spiritual fight.

Peter had drawn his sword quickly, cutting off the high priest’s servant’s ear.
But Jesus said the arrest should be permitted–then healed the man so that he could again hear.

As regards hearing, Jesus had said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear…”
and receive the good news of the Gospel, which His words and works had made so perfectly clear.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Then He asked them again, ‘Whom are you seeking?’ And they said, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ Jesus answered, ‘I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,’ that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, ‘Of those whom You gave Me, I have lost none.’ Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. So Jesus said to Peter, ‘Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?'” John 18:7-11

At an earlier time, before the betrayal:

“And when a great multitude had gathered, and they had come to Him from every city, He spoke by a parable: ‘A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside, and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold.’ When He had said these things He cried, ‘He who has ears to hear, let him hear!’

“Then His disciples asked Him, saying, ‘What does this parable mean?’ And He said, ‘To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is given in parables, that ‘Seeing they may not see, And knowing they may not understand.’

“The Parable of the Sower explained: ‘Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. But the ones that fall on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.'” Luke 8:4-15

“I am the good shepherd.  The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep….My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”  John 10:11, 27

“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.” John 3:16

People have speculated whether Malchus, after such an amazing event, might have become a believer in Christ as the Messiah. We pray and trust that the Lord, by His Spirit, is healing the spiritual hearing of many today, touching their ears–and hearts…to believe in God’s beloved Son!

(Scriptures New King James Version)

Night of Betrayal

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“When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place for Jesus often met there with His disciples. Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, ‘Whom are you seeking?’ They answered Him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ Jesus said to them, ‘I am He.’ And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. Now when He said to them, ‘I am He,’ they drew back and fell to the ground.” John 18:1-6 NKJV

On the night of His betrayal, Jesus permitted Himself to be found.
In the presence of the great I AM, the “pursuing” soldiers fell to the ground.

After they revived, He let them lead Him to that for which He’d been born.
Willing to do His Father’s will, He yielded to undeserved scorn.

Whippings, mocking, thorns, and then being nailed to Calvary’s cross—
All of this He endured as a Shepherd, so that sheep need not be lost.

P. A. Oltrogge

“…for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Luke 19:10 NKJV

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.”
John 10:11 NKJV

“Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” John 10:17-18 NKJV

“…We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” Psalm 100:3

Hosanna to Jesus, our King

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Photo by Luke Jones

“Thus I will bless you while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.” Psalm 63:4 NKJV

from John, chapter 12:

…six days before Passover:

Jesus came to Bethany, where He’d recently raised Lazarus from the dead;
so Martha prepared Him a supper where He, Lazarus, and others were fed.
Lovingly, Mary took costly perfume of pure nard and anointed Jesus’ feet.
She then wiped them with her hair, a gesture Jesus lauded as sweet.

Judas rebuked it as being wasteful; but Jesus knew that which was lying ahead–
it was an anointing upon His body before His crucifixion and resurrection from the dead. A large crowd of the Jewish people came out, to the town of Bethany that day, to see Jesus, and Lazarus, too–as news of his resurrection had traveled a long way.

The chief priests didn’t like this at all, and putting Lazarus to death was their thought. They were losing many because of this miracle, which Jesus’ power had wrought. The next day, those who had come for the feast learned Jerusalem was then on Jesus’ route. They took branches from the palm trees to wave–“Hosanna!” was the chorus they began to shout.

Further, they firmly cried out, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord;
even the King of Israel!” They thought an earthly Kingdom was what history would record. Humble and riding on a requested donkey that had never been ridden before, Jesus entered Jerusalem, amidst their praise, knowing what was really in store.

For just outside of Jerusalem, on a hill called Golgatha, a cross would hold
the precious body of our Lord Jesus Christ, and another Kingdom’s story would unfold. There He would sacrificially die for all mankind, bearing all of their disgrace. But in three days, He would rise and return to His Father in Heaven, in order to prepare us a place.

You see, Jesus Christ IS the King of Kings, as sung in the glorifying Hallelujah Chorus. Those who are His, praise Him still with joy–both now and in the Eternal Kingdom yet before us.

P. A. Oltrogge

“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

(Later, under trial before Pilate): “Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.’ Pilate therefore said to Him, ‘Are You a king then?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.'” John 18:36-37 NKJV

Excerpt from Handel’s “Messiah,” “The Hallelujah Chorus”
“For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
The kingdom of this world
Is become the Kingdom of our Lord,
And of His Christ, and of His Christ;
And He shall reign forever and ever,
Forever and ever, forever and ever;
King of kings, and Lord of lords!”

“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’” Revelation 7:9-10 NKJV

A Participant’s Thoughts on Greeting the Coming King

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…A remembrance, on this weekend of “Palm Sunday”….

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Zechariah 9:9

We thought He would be the King of Israel, riding on a donkey, He came…

Instead, He was heading towards Calvary’s cross. There, He would be taking the blame…

for my sins and those of the entire world–God’s gift of salvation for all.

We waved our palm branches before Him–so worthy, for He was following His Father’s call.

P. A. Oltrogge

(the above from Matthew 21)

“Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name.”

“Then a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.’” John 12:27-28

“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.” John 3:16
Scriptures: NKJV

Artist’s sketch by R. Dutton

Turning to the Blessing of the Lord

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“…. and, HE CURED THEM ALL” 

From then on, Jesus began to tell people, “TURN TO GOD AND CHANGE THE WAY YOU THINK AND ACT, BECAUSE THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS NEAR!”

Jesus went all over Galilee. He taught in the synagogues and spread the Good News of the Kingdom. HE ALSO CURED EVERY DISEASE AND SICKNESS AMONG THE PEOPLE.

The news about Jesus spread throughout Syria. PEOPLE BROUGHT HIM EVERYONE WHO WAS SICK, THOSE WHO SUFFERED FROM ANY KIND OF DISEASE OR PAIN. THEY ALSO BROUGHT EPILEPTICS, THOSE WHO WERE PARALYZED, AND PEOPLE POSSESSED BY DEMONS, AND HE CURED THEM ALL.

Large crowds followed Him. They came from Galilee, the Ten Cities, Jerusalem, Judea, and from across the Jordan River. (Matt. 4:17; 4:23-25 – GW) 

Matt. 4:17…   FROM THEN ON, Jesus BEGAN to tell people, “TURN TO GOD AND CHANGE THE WAY YOU THINK AND ACT, BECAUSE THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS NEAR!”

This portion of scripture reprinted,
with emphasis by Rev. Kevin Kinchen

All that one needs to do is to listen briefly to the daily news
to realize there are many people who need to change their views…

to change the way they think and act–in repentance, turning to the Lord.
And to those who seek Him diligently, He promises His reward.

P. A. Oltrogge

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 NKJV

Peter, the Imperfect, Beloved Disciple

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“And Jesus went out, along with His disciples, to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way He questioned His disciples, saying to them, ‘Who do people say that I am?’ And they told Him, saying, ‘John the Baptist; and others say Elijah; but others, one of the prophets.’ And He continued by questioning them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered and said to Him, ‘Thou art the Christ.’ And He warned them to tell no one about Him.

“And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. And He was stating the matter plainly. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. But turning around and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter, and said, ‘Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.'” Mark 8:27-33 NASB

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“But who do you say that I am?” Jesus asked His disciples….

Peter’s answer to the Lord that day was that He was the Christ, which was exactly right. But, thereafter, he spoke amiss, for he hadn’t yet fully discerned the Lord’s role in the world’s most important spiritual fight.

“Get behind Me, Satan…” was Jesus’ firm rebuke….

Peter had doubts in obeying Jesus, to cast out his fishing nets, having worked all night; yet, in another instance, he boldly walked on the water to meet Him, but, then, gave in to fright….

Again, at the Last Supper, when the Lord came to Peter to wash his feet, he didn’t initially understand the Father’s direction that Jesus was wanting to meet.

Then, when he denied the Lord three times after Jesus had been seized and led away, he became an example of one who repents and goes on to serve God, receiving mercy for a “new day.”

After Jesus’ resurrection, Peter eagerly jumped from his boat into the water to meet the Lord who had appeared on the shore. There, Jesus asked him three times if he loved Him, knowing he would love and serve Him now all the more.

Peter indeed went on to “feed My sheep” as Jesus, his Lord, had made request. We, too, though imperfect followers of Christ, can carry forth the gospel’s work, so that others will be blessed.

P. A. Oltrogge

“He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?’ Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, ‘Do you love Me?’

“And he said to Him, ‘Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.’

“Jesus said to him, ‘Feed My sheep.'”

John 21:17 NKJV

(And from John 13:1-17; Matthew 26:31-35; John 13:36-38; Matthew 26:69-75; Luke 22:54-62)

Blessed are…

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And when He saw the multitudes, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. And opening His mouth He began to teach them, saying,

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

“Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me.

“Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again? It is good for nothing anymore, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

“Nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lampstand; and it gives light to all who are in the house.

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

Matthew 5:1-16 NASB

All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name

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The following is the story of Rev. E. P. Scott and the hymn,
“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name,” (written by Edward Perronet).

This beautiful hymn on the power of Jesus’ name
was used by a missionary; and he found it to tame…
a known, dangerous tribe, which he was endeavoring to reach,
in the Indian subcontinent, where he desired to teach.

He wanted to share Jesus, of whom they’d not heard,
knowing that “Go into all the world” was the Lord’s Word.
Though warned by some friends against going to that area of land,
he followed the Holy Spirit, regardless, and met with a band…

of warriors, who surrounded him, pointing their spears.
But he took out his violin, actually, despite obvious fears.
He began with the words, “All hail the power of Jesus’ name.”
To that name, “let every kindred, every tribe” lay claim!

Having closed his eyes while singing, in their language, the song,
upon opening them, it was clear that Jesus’ name had been strong.
God’s Spirit, thereby, had quenched any dreaded attack;
they’d lowered their weapons–shedding tears, sensing their lack.

For the following two years, the minister taught his new friends
of Jesus, the Savior, on whom the soul’s cleansing depends.
Not just for eternity, but God cares for His children here and now.
They become heirs through the name, to which every knee should bow!

P. A. Oltrogge

“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 2:9-11 NKJV

“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 NKJV

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ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS’ NAME

All hail the power of Jesus’ name!  Let angels prostrate fall; Bring forth the royal diadem, And crown Him Lord of all; Bring forth the royal diadem, And crown Him Lord of all.

Ye chosen seed of Israel’s race, Ye ransomed from the fall, Hail Him who saves you by His grace, And crown Him Lord of all; Hail Him who saves you by His grace, And crown Him Lord of all.

Let every kindred, every tribe, On this terrestrial ball, To Him all majesty ascribe, And crown Him Lord of all; To Him all majesty ascribe, And crown Him Lord of all.

O that with yonder sacred throng, We at His feet may fall!  We’ll join the everlasting song, And crown Him Lord of all; We’ll join the everlasting song, And crown Him Lord of all!

A Bit of the Irish

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“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

Mark 12:28-30; John 14:6; John 14:9; 1 John 1:1-4; John 1:1-5

Inspirational tribute to the life of St. Patrick:
www.dutchsheets.org (video)
www.givehim15.com (written)

Be Rich Towards God

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Photo/Porch of the Lord

Please, dear friend, be rich towards God, thinking not only of your own pursuits; But think about turning your heart to Christ and others, putting down good spiritual roots. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but forfeits his own soul? Helping others spiritually and in tangible ways is God’s plan, in which we’re all to have a role.

Have you spoken to Jesus in a personal way today, or do you just run out to meet the day? A relationship with Him makes a difference for the better–it’s wise to take time to pray. One day Jesus will be coming back in glory and will repay His saints for selfless deeds. Not only for that reason, but for the joy that’s returned, ask Him to show you another’s needs.

God’s not against your having enjoyment of certain things…
But doesn’t want you to miss the fulfillment which living for Him brings.

P. A. Oltrogge

“For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then repay every man according to his deeds.” Matthew 16:25-27

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared? So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:20-21

“Knowing What Belongs to Us” by Kenneth E. Hagin is a booklet which shares the benefits we have, in turn, as believers…available at http://www.rhema.org under “Bookstore” and emphasizes Ephesians 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.”