I can do allthings through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
“Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” Mark 11:24
“For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.
“Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:30-32
A dimly lit stable or cave on that long-ago, destined night, suddenly became a hallowed place, because of the newly arrived “Light.”
Animals were resting nearby as the baby took His first breath– He was sent from heaven to deliver this world from the snare of sin and death.
Shepherds watching their flock by night were amazed by an angelic visitation– telling them a Savior had been born–Christ the Lord, for people of every nation.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men,” was further proclaimed by a multitude of angels on what had taken place then.
Straightway the shepherds went to Bethlehem to worship the baby in the stall– the One who’d been sent to live among mankind but would give His life for us all.
Death on a criminal’s cross, followed by a victorious resurrection, were in the future of this newborn child, who would live a life of perfection.
If anything has gotten you down today, and at Christmas you’re feeling blue, just remember that all of the love God has still shines through Jesus…for you.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14
“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” John 1:4
“Again therefore Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12
“…For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” from Hebrews 13:5
Emmanuel, God with us… You see, we are not alone. Emmanuel, God with us… Through the birth of a Child, God’s presence was shown. He wouldn’t leave us without knowledge of His love, But made Himself known, coming down from above. Emmanuel, God with us… From God, the Father, came a Baby so mild. Emmanuel, God with us… God’s Son was embodied in a holy Child. Born of a virgin, the handmaiden of the Lord— From His life, the goodness of God would be poured. After humble beginnings in a manger stall, His name would become great—He would die for all, So that any individual living on this earth Could personally know their God of great worth. Emmanuel, God with us… It’s the greatest name known. Emmanuel, God with us in Jesus, And now we need never be alone!
P. A. Oltrogge
“In that day you shall know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.” John 14:20
“And Jesus came up 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 the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and, lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” Matthew 28:18-20
“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 Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” Psalm 23 KJV
“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
“Then my enemies will be turned back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me.” Psalm 56:9
In any situation that you may be in, these words remind that God wants you to win. This I know, that God is for me… lifts you above the things that are “stormy.”
P. A. Oltrogge
Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Yes, Jesus loves me…
“Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs, And carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.” Isaiah 40:11
“In the same way, the Spirit helps our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27 NASB
“With all prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:18 NASB
“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” Matthew 7:24-27
“The righteous person is rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead.” Proverbs 11:8 NIV
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” Psalm 34:17-18
“In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah Psalm 62:7-8
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” Psalm 23 KJV
…and the depiction of Jesus, above, can also remind us, who are under the care of the Good Shepherd, to pray for those who are lost…
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” Luke 15:4-7
“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.
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:6-8 NKJV
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 NKJV
I cast all my cares upon You, Lord, for worry is something I can’t afford.
I’ll take Your peace, instead of stress; Your thoughts towards me are always to bless.
Oh, what a compassionate God we have. His love for us is like healing salve.
Cast your cares on Jesus–His peace in trade; then leave them there once you have prayed.
Now, keep your confidence–don’t cast it away. Hold fast to your faith in Him each day.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Psalm 55:22 NASB
“Turn all your anxiety over to God because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 GW
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation! O my soul, praise Him, for He is your health and salvation! Come, all who hear; now to His temple draw near, join me in glad adoration.
Praise to the Lord, above all things so wondrously reigning; sheltering you under His wings, and so gently sustaining! Have you not seen all that is needful has been sent by His gracious ordaining?
Praise to the Lord, who will prosper your work and defend you; surely His goodness and mercy shall daily attend you. Ponder anew what the Almighty can do, when with His love He befriends you.
Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him! All that has life and breath, come now with praises before Him. Let the Amen sound from His people again; gladly forever adore Him.
Author: Joachim Neander, 1680 (Germany) Translator: Catherine Winkworth, 1863 (England)
Loosely based on Psalm 103:1-6 and Psalm 150, with echoes from other psalms, this is a strong hymn of praise to our covenant God, who heals, provides for, and defends us. Let “all that has life and breath” sing praise to the Lord!
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8
Hearts Need to “Hear”
Love, with no definite expression of outward action or word, isn’t love at all–since, by our hearts, nothing is “heard.” Kind words, loving service, time spent together, a gift, or a tender touch–without these things tangible, we can’t really feel love much.
Just like most plants need regular sunshine and water, we need regular caring expression from friend, spouse, son, or daughter. Mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters can affirm and encourage–we all can, for this world holds much that can discourage.
Friends and family are meant to uplift us and be a fortress in life; and when loving gestures abound, there will be little, if any, strife. When love is firmly founded thereby, we’ll be ready to reach out…to those needing love from us whom we may meet on a daily route.
Jesus also said that we should love those who don’t love us back; sometimes, such love can move relationships onto the right track. At times, we must look past the things in some that seem odd–we may need to pray for the grace of the unconditional love of God.
For that love has been found to lead others to tangibly feel…the love of the heavenly Father in a way that is real.
P. A. Oltrogge
“And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:5
“These things I command you, that you love one another.” John 15:17
“Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4
“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another, not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” Romans 12:9-11
“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
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
“And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful just as your Father also is merciful.” Luke 6:31-36
“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:11
“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” …from 1 Corinthians 13
“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35
Be blessed where you will be reminded that you are highly favored and deeply loved by God: http://www.josephprince.org
…and a few of the many outreaches of the love of God:
To say, “Good morning!” at every dawn’s new light, and to end each day with a sweet, “Good night”…
is a gift from God, not to be taken for granted; for, with each phrase, deeper love is being planted.
The gift of love in marriage, and the gift of your spouse, are what make a true home of any dwelling or house.
Trust, kindness, and caring, prayer and worship of God together, are sturdy stepping stones through whatever you weather.
The day-to-day living of a husband and wife can seem so routine, but it’s such a precious part of life.
Realize the treasure you have in just saying your spouse’s name. Love starts with just a spark, but it grows to an unquenchable flame.
P. A. Oltrogge
“…the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Romans 5:5 KJV
“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 NKJV
Photo/Unsplash
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In honor of Charlie and Erika Kirk, who promoted love, marriage, and family, as a great Biblical blessing.
Those who are not married can rejoice in being part of God’s family, through the steadfast love of Jesus.
“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
“…then He (Jesus) said, ‘Behold, I have come to do thy will.’ He takes away the first in order to establish the second. By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God….” Hebrews 10:9-12 NASB
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In the dark of night in Gethsemane’s garden, Jesus fell on His face to pray,
seeking possible release for Himself from a most difficult and painful way–
that His Father in heaven had revealed to Him on why He’d come as a Man.
He was to be the perfect sacrifice for our sins, according to God’s plan.
To any one of us, death on a cross would be something we would shun;
yet Jesus was able to say He would do it, so that God’s will could be done.
Being in agony, His sweat became like great drops of blood that fell.
He knew that the way of the cross would provide escape for us from hell.
And a great part of the atonement is bodily healing, just as Jesus had shown.
Abundant life is ours through Him, who sits at the right hand of the Father’s throne.
Jesus was our great example…of listening for and following God’s perfect will.
In setting aside our will to follow God’s, it’s His good purposes that we’ll fulfill.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, ‘Sit here while I go and pray over there.’ And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, ‘My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.’ He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, ‘O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.’” Matthew 26:36-39
Before that time in Gethsemane, we read of what Jesus said:
“When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, ‘Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?’” Mark 8:34-36
“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
“…seek His will in all you do….” is written of the above scripture in the New Living Translation
Jesus always prayed…and said that we should pray and not lose heart….
“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.” Luke 18:1
So many religions speak of various ways to address pleasing God all of your days.
Five times a day, you could be down on your knees, with prayers to the god you hope to please.
But, really, these things are ritual merely and can’t please Him, no matter if done so very sincerely.
But there is a way to come to God, and it’s by looking to the road that Jesus has trod.
He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He paved the way for you through much strife…
released upon Him as He went to the cross, where He suffered in pain so you wouldn’t be lost
to the God who loves you and calls to you now to embrace His Son, Jesus, to Whom, one day, every knee will bow.
But only grace, through faith, is involved—all works are in vain. Through Jesus’ righteousness, our salvation is made plain.
You may want to fall to your knees when you recognize all that was done…by a God who loved so greatly, He gave His only Son.
P. A. Oltrogge
“So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” John 1:14 NLT
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The LambofGod who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29
“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.” spoken by Jesus in John 3:16-17
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.’” John 14:6
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” spoken by Jesus in John 17:3
“But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:21-26
“But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:22-23 NLT
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
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“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
“Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
“Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11 NLT
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“But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:4-7
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“In fact, according to the law of Moses, nearly everything was purified with blood. For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.
“That is why the Tabernacle and everything in it, which were copies of things in heaven, had to be purified by the blood of animals. But the real things in heaven had to be purified with far better sacrifices than the blood of animals.
“For Christ did not enter into a holy place made with human hands, which was only a copy of the true one in heaven. He entered into heaven itself to appear now before God on our behalf. And he did not enter heaven to offer himself again and again, like the high priest here on earth who enters the Most Holy Place year after year with the blood of an animal. If that had been necessary, Christ would have had to die again and again, ever since the world began. But now, once for all time, he has appeared at the end of the age to remove sin by his own death as a sacrifice.
“And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.” Hebrews 9:22-28 NLT
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“In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:9-11
The Porch of the Lord 