by L. Mudrak
Guest Contributor

On and after Memorial Day, we think about those who gave their lives for our freedom, and we want to thank those who are still serving. They protect us from the harm of other nations that don’t have good intentions.

The following devotional by Ken Claar speaks of the protection our God gives us every day. We may have good days and bad days, but God is there.
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When I was young, my brother and I used to visit our grandparents. They lived in a rural area near a narrow railroad track. We used to walk along it and explore.

One day, when I was six years old, I heard a strange sound and went over into a thicket of bushes and blackberry vines to investigate. The sound was coming from a hornets’ nest. In my panic to get away, I became trapped in the spiny vines.

My brother, who was 12, rushed in and untangled me from the vines, ignoring all the stings he was getting. He freed me and took me to Grandma’s house, where I was treated for the stings. After I had been cared for, we discovered that my brother had ended up with twice as many stings as I had and still had hornets in his jacket attacking his arms.

Though my brother has since passed on, I am reminded that I still have a protector in Christ. Jesus freely went to His death to save us. And He still helps us whenever we get into a “nest of hornets” that we can’t seem to escape. Psalm 37:24 is God’s promise and our hope for those blackberry-vine days.

“Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” Psalm 37:24 NIV
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Years ago, I was picking damson plums at our neighbor’s house. I managed to get stung by bees or wasps (or whatever they were). My face swelled up and I couldn’t see past my swollen cheeks, so I had to take a day off work. I looked a mess, especially since I had just gotten a perm. Yes, my hair was swollen, as well as my face!

Perhaps you feel like you’re in the middle of a hornets’ nest of problems. Your God is there for you, to take the stings of people’s words and/or actions. He loves you, and He’ll take the pain from you. Choices we make sometimes put us in harm’s way, but we always have a protector who never gives up on rescuing us.

“I sought the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears…
The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.”
Psalm 34:4,7 and see the entire Psalm
Also be blessed by Psalm 91

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:57

“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

“Whoever offers praise glorifies Me, and to him who orders his conduct aright, I will show the salvation of God.”
Psalm 50:23

“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.”
Hebrews 13:15

“In God we boast all day long, and praise your name forever.”
Psalm 44:8

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all….” 1 Timothy 2:1-6 NKJV

So we come to God in thanks for our President and all others in places of authority–God grant them wisdom, cooperation, and protection in these times. We especially pray for any who don’t know the Lord in a personal way, to come into the knowledge of Him.

Father,

Our fervent prayer today is for our country, the beautiful U.S.A.
The news reports regarding it have been very dark each day.

The rioting and looting are a war on those police who are good.
We ask for continued courage for them as they serve in every neighborhood.

We pray for their protection–through the covering of Psalm 91,
as well as for every American, who is someone’s mother, father, daughter, or son.

We’re seeing that due to lawlessness, more people have been hurt or have died.
It’s only our prayers and looking to You that can stop this dangerous tide.

We ask You for restored law and order, for without it, no one can thrive.
We know Your Word has said there are demonic forces with which we strive.

Yes, wrongs have happened in America, and those things must be addressed.
But help people to pray and to work together, in a way that keeps us blessed.

The devil would seek to divide, while You, Lord, want people to unite.
We thank You for an awakening to love…through Jesus, this world’s light.

In Jesus’ name, we, your people, pray

Amen

“…’Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of Hosts.”
Zechariah 4:6

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints….”
Ephesians 6:18 KJV

At times, people wonder why God “permits” some things;
but, really, we know it’s from Him that all hope springs.
Our adversary is the devil, the scriptures clearly state;
so prayer and keeping faith in God will determine our fate.

The tenacity of a bulldog with a bone may be required
to see the manifestation of some things we’ve desired.
I will say of the Lord, He is my God in whom I trust–
Voicing God’s Word is wise, is creative power, and is a must.

“The Word of the Lord is proven,” forever His Word is true.
“This I know, that God is for me” applies firmly to you.
Don’t fall for the devil’s lies, giving in to despair–
God knows all of your concerns, and He definitely does care.

Faith and patience in many things are often the key–
so say it always, with sure conviction, “Jesus loves me!”
As for God, His way is perfect–we’re never forgotten.
This we know, through faith in the Son, whom God has begotten.

P. A. Oltrogge

“…For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5 NKJV

“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.” Hebrews 10:35 KJV

“I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.” Psalm 91:2 KJV

“He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.” Deuteronomy 32:4 NKJV

“As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.” 2 Samuel 22:31 and Psalm 18:30 NKJV

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

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 NASB

“…that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:12 NASB

Teaching/creative power of God’s Word:
http://www.charlescapps.com
Encouragement despite difficulties at:
http://www.jerrysavelle.org

The following is a recent uplifting Word from the Holy Spirit, received by minister and evangelist Jerry Savelle. This has been shared with his ministry partners (jerrysavelle.org) and also by Pastor George Pearsons of Eagle Mountain International Church (emic.org)

Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

A Word from the Holy Spirit:

Do not fret and do not fear;
I still plan to give you a supernatural year.

It’s not over and you will not fail.
Didn’t I tell you that the gates of hell shall not prevail?

Rest in Me and I’ll see you through,
and I’ll bring to pass all that I said I would do.

So thank your Father in Heaven that you have a choice.
You can choose to fear or you can choose to rejoice.

So rejoice and do not cease.
This is how you tap into My supernatural peace.

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

As a follower of Jesus…

You are a disciple taught of the Lord, obedient to His will. Great is your peace and undisturbed composure. You are established in righteousness through Him; therefore, you are far from oppression and fear and terror, for it shall not come near you. No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment (or to accuse) you shall condemn. This is your heritage as a servant of the Lord.

You are like a tree planted by the rivers of water, and you bring forth your fruit in your season; your leaf also shall not wither, and whatever you do shall prosper. You are blessed going out and coming in. You have the mind of Christ and can do all things in Him who strengthens you. Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

You’ve been delivered from the power of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of God’s dear Son, by whom you have redemption through His blood. You look not only to your own interests but also to that of others. You seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all things are added unto you.

You are not anxious but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, you let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, guards your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Goodness and mercy follow you all the days of your life, and you shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 1:3
Psalm 23:6
Psalm 119:164-166
Psalm 121:8
Isaiah 54:13-14, 17
Matthew 6:33
Romans 3:22
1 Corinthians 2:16
Philippians 2:3-5
Philippians 4:6-7, 13
Colossians 1:12-14
2 Thessalonians 3:3
2 Timothy 1:7
1 John 4:4

Blessed be the Lord,
Who daily bears our burden,
The God who is our salvation. Selah
God is to us a God of deliverances;
And to God the Lord belong escapes from death.

Psalm 68:19-20 NASB

A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand,
But it shall not approach you.

Psalm 91:7 NASB

Those who trust in the Lord
Are as Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides forever.
As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
So the Lord surrounds His people
From this time forth and forever.

Psalm 125:1-2 NASB

You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.

Isaiah 26:3 NKJV

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

..words of Jesus in John 14:26 NKJV

We do what we can in the natural, in times of crisis, to protect;
but the real truth is that, ultimately, prayer has the greatest effect.
Remember, Jesus cursed the fig tree, and it withered from its roots and died.
Jesus said to say unto this “mountain”–thereby God’s answers are supplied.

(lessons from Mark 11)
“And Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God.'” Mark 11:22

Dear Porch Blog follower,

You’re in my prayers. Together, we continue to pray for all,
(1 Timothy 2)

For specific daily prayer,
9:30 a.m. Eastern USA Time:
http://www.govictory.com

Outreaches:
http://www.samaritanspurse.org
http://www.operationblessing.org

This morning’s post focused mainly on prayer. I would like to repeat the entire archived poem this evening as it focuses a bit more on knowing we have received answers to our prayers. Refer to the earlier post for the relating scriptures, but I’ve added a couple of new ones here. For greater encouragement on PRAISE and the importance of our confession of faith in the Word of God and the blood of Jesus, be blessed to visit the on-line latest service of today, March 15, at http://www.EMIC.org by Mark Hankins, “Fill Up Your Praise Basket!”

“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” Hebrews 13:15 NKJV

Shut away where no one sees,
those who pray are down on their knees.
It’s a very high call, but only I know
of what they do since there’s nothing to show
until a later event or final outcome
shows “something” was done–that’s where it came from.

With confidence to the throne of grace they draw near,
to receive mercy and grace to help–they know I’ll hear.
At times it may seem like a lonely place,
but they’ve learned to love to seek My face.
My eyes are toward them, My ears hear their cry.
They know My promises–it’s impossible for Me to lie.

According to 1 John 5, verses fourteen and fifteen,
they pray and then know–there’s no in between.

P. A. Oltrogge

“And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.” 1 John 5:14-15

“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

“If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.” Proverbs 24:10 NKJV

Someone has said, “Don’t worry that you’re not strong enough before you begin. It’s in the journey that God makes you strong.”

And in Isaiah 58:11, we read, “The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.”

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

“…the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit.” (from James 5:13-18)

Poetic thoughts on prayer:

With confidence to the throne of grace we draw near,
to receive mercy and grace to help–we know You’ll hear.
At times it may seem like a lonely place,
but we’ve learned to love to seek Your face.
Your eyes are toward us, Your ears hear our cry.
We know Your promises–it’s impossible for You to lie.

“And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.” 1 John 5:14, 15

“Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

“The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.” Psalm 34:15

“God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” Numbers 23:19

“…it is impossible for God to lie…” (from Hebrews 6:18)

“…in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago.” Titus 1:2

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23

“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret, will repay you.” Matthew 6:6

Conservatory photo by Porch of the Lord

Words of Jesus:

“I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 NLT

“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in His love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.” John 15:9-17 NLT