Photo by Porch of the Lord
“…for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace….” Hebrews 13:9
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we exult in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2
“You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 2:1
“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want…
He leads me beside the still waters…
He restores my soul.
He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Dear follower of this blog:
May the Lord “shepherd” you today in a beautiful way, I pray.
Photo:Unsplash
“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
…for Bible teaching with an emphasis on Israel, prophecy,
and the Jewish roots of Christianity: http://www.levitt.com
Photo/Unsplash
Peter, James, and John went up with Jesus to a mountaintop and, there, were witness to…
an experience like no other that Jesus had ever led them to view.
Their Master Teacher was transfigured before them; His face shone like the sun.
His clothing became white as the light or snow, like no launderer on earth could have done.
They then saw Him conversing with Moses and Elijah, who had supernaturally appeared.
God spoke from out of a bright cloud that overshadowed them. Falling down, the disciples feared.
“This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Hear Him,” were the words that God, the Father, came to declare.
Thereafter, Jesus touched them, telling them to not be afraid. Then they stood up and found that only Jesus was there.
Clearly, they’d seen that Jesus was the Son of God Almighty, with all that that could mean…
Yet, later, we see Peter being approached by some men in Capernaum at a different Biblical scene.
The men were collectors of the temple tax and questioned Peter as to whether his Teacher would pay.
Peter said that He would—then entered the house where Jesus was, to see what He would say.
Jesus knew what Peter was going to ask but first questioned him, on from whom the kings of the earth drew tax collection.
Was it from their sons or was it from strangers, Jesus asked. Peter chose “strangers” as the obvious selection.
“So the sons are free,” Jesus was emphasizing, so that Peter would have firm realization…
that, as the Son of His Father, God, He had special status or privilege, as magnificently shown at the transfiguration.
Jesus really didn’t need to pay, but with humility and not wanting to offend, he sent Peter out to go down to the sea.
There, by casting in a hook and taking the first fish that he caught—in its mouth, he would find a coin to cover the exact fee.
As a disciple of Christ, Peter, too, was free. Yet, Jesus paid the temple tax for them both in this Matthew, chapter 17, story.
In even greater humility, He went to the cross, where He paid for all who’ll believe, so that they, too, can be free, as a son or daughter of the King…of glory!
P. A. Oltrogge
“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” Hebrews 1:1-4
“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:26
“But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” Galatians 4:4-7
“So the Jews answered and said to Him, “What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” Then the Jews said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” But He was speaking of the temple of His body. Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.” John 2:18-22
“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free’. They answered Him, ‘We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can you say, ‘You will be made free’?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.’” John 8:31-36
“Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’” John 20:16-17
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
Also, Mark 9, the transfiguration account
(Scriptures NKJV)
Unsplash/Lake Louise, Canada
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 sow Kingdom seeds to you,
A goodly harvest is produced in everything I do.
P. A. Oltrogge
“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
“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
“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
“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
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
“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
“My flesh and my heart may fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26
“With a long life I will satisfy him, and let him behold My salvation.” Psalm 91:16
“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.” Ephesians 6:10
“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
“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
BUT MORE THAN CONQUERORS!
“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
Romans 8:37
“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
“The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.”
Proverbs 28:1
“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
“This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9
“Fear not for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (RSV)
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For you are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31:24
“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” Hebrews 12:2
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27
Scriptures: New King James Version
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. 10 If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
12 So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— 13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. 23 And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. 24 For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.
Romans 8:1-25 NASB
Unsplash/Robert Lukeman
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.” Psalm 42:5
“Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls….” verse 7
“The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me—a prayer to the God of my life.” verse 8
Praying for you, dear friends/followers of this blog….
Book recommendation:
Psalm 91: God’s Umbrella of
Protection by Peggy Joyce Ruth
Pexels
Some people think of feeding the birds, especially in the cold of wintertime–
though, for the many birds there are, it’s God’s provision that’s really prime.
Jesus said we should consider how excellently that God’s creations are supplied. This brings confidence to our lives, knowing that, for us, He will certainly also provide.
Jesus commissioned us to share the Gospel and care for others, as He leads.
We’re assured that as we give unto the Lord’s work, He will supply all of our needs.
We’re to be about our Father’s business. In giving to the poor, we’re lending to the Lord. And in seeking first God’s kingdom and righteousness, His bountiful blessings on us are poured.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?” Matthew 6:26 NASB
”But seek first His kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 NASB
“He who is gracious to a poor man lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his good deed.” Proverbs 19:17 NASB
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NKJV
“‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now on this,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.’” Malachi 3:10 NKJV
Photo Unsplash/Conrad Ziebland
“On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, ‘Let us cross over to the other side.’ Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, ‘Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?’ Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, ‘Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?’ And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, ‘Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!’”
Mark 4:35-41 NKJV
Just as this night moon is full, as pictured here,
we’ve come to the end of 2018, the fullness of the year.
In the picture, the sea and the heavenly light
made me think of the time when Jesus ended the fright
of His disciples when a storm had overtaken their boat—
and “a great calm” came about, keeping them afloat.
In heading into the new year, with its uncharted waters,
remember the authority given to God’s sons and daughters.
With the Lord’s Word and the Holy Spirit, we have nothing to fear.
We, too, can speak to “the waters” throughout the coming year.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
Words of Jesus in Luke 10:19 NKJV
“Commanding Power” Booklet
by Kenneth W. Hagin
at http://www.rhema.org
($1.95)
and other books on the believer’s authority
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.’”
John 8:12 NKJV
The Porch of the Lord 