“Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Proverbs 30:5
“Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’” Matthew 19:14
“Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’” Galatians 4:6
Scriptures NIV
Photo/Unsplash
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
“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
“Regardless of the obstacle in your life, there is a wind from God that can bring you out. Let the wind of the Lord blow down every spirit of fear and heaviness that would cause you to give up on what God has promised you.”
“Face the giants in your life, slay them, and move on. Do not be daunted by the mistakes and failures in your life.”
T. D. Jakes
“Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night and turned the sea into dry land, so the waters were divided. The sons of Israel went through the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.” Exodus 14:21-22
Dear Porch blog follower:
If you’ve not heard of the businessman, Stanley Tam, of Lima, Ohio, an internet search will bring you to some videos on the story of his life—a great testimony to what the Lord can do with a life dedicated to living for Him.
God bless you today…
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8 NASB
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The Lord, Jesus Christ, is the same today as when He walked the earth as a man.
Resurrection and restoration are definitely still a resounding part of God’s plan.
Jesus made blind eyes to see, and He also brought hearing to deaf ears.
He was always willing to heal, and warned men not to give in to their fears.
He touched the lepers to make them feel loved, healing them by His command.
Even upon the Sabbath He healed, such as for the man with a withered hand.
Jesus healed those with long-standing illnesses, obviously hearing the heart’s cry. All of this He did by the Spirit for His Father—being the obedient Son of the Most High.
He called His friend, Lazarus, out of the tomb, and He raised a widow’s son who had died. With “Talitha cumi,” He raised a young girl; and He Himself was raised after having been crucified.
“These signs shall follow those who believe,” He told His disciples in final exhortation. Laying hands on the sick for recovery was theirs to do, too—an awesome revelation.
Casting out devils, speaking with new tongues, were part of the great commission. So today, just as in the book of Acts, laying hands on the sick is still our assigned mission.
Jesus ascended to heaven thereafter. At His Father’s right hand, He took His seat. As believers today, we follow His example and that of the early disciples—enforcing the devil’s defeat.
Lord, when circumstances say, “It’s impossible,” give us a boldness from Your throne—and a knowing that by the authority You’ve given us and by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are never operating alone!
P. A. Oltrogge
Reference Mark 16:14-20
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’” Romans 8:14-15 NKJV
“A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is He who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” John 14:19-21 NKJV
Encouragement at
http://www.sidroth.org
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
From Galatians 6
verse 2
NKJV
In practical ways, may we do this, Lord. And help us to be aware when someone needs prayer.
We can apply our faith against accidents (of any kind) on any given day. On this, I appreciate the words that a wise minister of faith had to say.
He told how his mother had worried for his safety, as he traveled on the road;
but he, himself, did not, for he’d given over to the Lord that worry load.
Then, he told her that God’s Word had become such a part of him,
that he trusted it completely—no fear could cause his faith in it to dim.
He relied on Psalm 91 as he traveled in ministry throughout the nation;
and, “No accident shall overtake thee,” he’d heard, was a Swedish translation.
I don’t personally know that language, but it seems like the truth to me.
To declare that, agrees with my Bible, which says, “There shall no evil befall thee!”
Sure, we’ve all heard of accidents sustained by others or ourselves to some degree, but it’s logical that our loving God would want us to live lives that are accident-free.
We also read (Proverbs 21:31) the declaration that “Safety is of the Lord.”
We can claim the covering of Jesus’ blood and use God’s Word, the trusted sword.
Of course, we should be listening for guidance from the Lord as we go throughout the week. It’s by the inward witness (peace to proceed or not) that He will often speak.
So whether we’re at home or are away—whether in the air, on land or sea or in a storm—let’s keep our faith out for the protection that God and His angels are so well able to perform.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” Hebrews 1:13-14 NKJV
“For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.”
Psalm 91:11 NKJV (And all of Psalm 91)
“The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord.” Proverbs 21:31 KJV (also “victory” in other Bible translations)
The Lord bless and keep you, dear blog follower….
The minister referenced in this poem was Kenneth E. Hagin,
Founder, Rhema Bible Church and Rhema Bible Training College, Tulsa, OK
“Fresh as a dewdrop,” My Word is to you.
Go to it daily and find things new.
You’ll find the familiar in it as well–
Of comfort, wisdom, and truth it will tell.
At times, for direction, it gives a faith hint,
Bringing light to your path like a dewdrop’s glint.
Fresh as a dewdrop, I want to impart
More of its treasures into your heart.
Like finding the dewdrops, you can depend
On My being there always to instruct and befriend.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Thy Word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.”
Psalm 119:105
“I will never forget Thy precepts, for by them Thou hast revived me.”
Psalm 119:93
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort….” 2 Corinthians 1:3
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5
“Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth.” John 17:17
“…I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:20
(Scriptures NASB)
See “About the Porch”
You may want to do an internet search to view the testimony of Delia Knox’s healing if you’ve not heard of her story. I remember Delia’s visit, years ago, to my church when she was singing from her wheelchair…
In one interview with her, she tells of being at the healing meeting (where she received healing), but being so focused on a baby that the parents had brought forward for healing…yet she herself was touched by Jesus.
May we continue to focus, too, on the needs of others through prayer and through worthy ministries, of which there are many—below are a few.
http://www.operationblessing.org
http://www.samaritanspurse.org
http://www.lifetoday.org
http://www.danitaschildren.org
Delia shares that whether or not she had been healed, she still would have been seeking the Lord on her journey in life. As she says, it’s all about knowing that God is there for us.
When it looks to you, at times, like there’s simply no way out,
let thanking God, the Father, be your sure and chosen route.
When it seems that pressing problems have no known solution,
let thanking the Lord turn any worries into a grace revolution.
Paul and Silas were imprisoned but raised their praises high–
then found they were delivered, with praise their only cry.
When the way seems very foggy and you’re tempted to despair,
just know, though you can’t yet see it, the victory is there.
A great principle of the Bible is to walk by faith and not by sight–
so thank God for His presence when it’s dark and you need His light.
Like a pilot relies on instruments through weather good or bad–
let thankfulness be the “instrument” with which your life is clad.
P. A. Oltrogge
Acts 16:23-40:
“But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them; and suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains were unfastened.” (25-26)
“But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:14-17 NKJV
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV and Hebrews 11:1
“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
Find Encouragement at:
http://www.sandrakennedy.org
http://www.rhema.org
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Ephesians 6:10-17 NKJV
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand, in the heavenly places, FAR ABOVE all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”
Ephesians 1:18-23 NASB
“And He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint….”
Luke 18:1 KJV
The Porch of the Lord 