Dear blog followers,

Thanksgiving time in America is approaching, a time when we especially stop to thank God for all of His goodness and blessings to us. I’d like to take a moment today to thank all of you who have signed up to follow The Porch of the Lord blog posts/poetry, and thanks to all of you who occasionally send “likes” regarding them. Your encouragement is greatly appreciated.

I am praying for you and believe that you will find all of the goodness and mercy the Lord has for you today and always as you trust in Him. His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches over you.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” words of Jesus in Luke 12:6,7 NKJV

Life presents situations that sometimes are very tough,
so these words might seem simplistic amidst things so rough.

But when circumstances are trying, it’s wise that we bring out
the “BIG GUNS” of our PRAISES, adding their spiritual clout.

You may be hurting badly, and it might, at the time, seem hard–
but you’ll be ministering to the Lord, and giving the problem less regard.

Thank the Lord for His goodness and for all that He’s already done.
Tell Him that if anyone can help you now, you know that He’s the One.

Consider giving an hour…Jesus said, “Could you not watch with Me one hour?”
Many have been amazed by the results and the outflow of His power.

Even if you don’t see things change right away after doing such,
keep praising and praying with the spirit, both of which will avail much.

It’s our praises that stop the adversary, as Biblical examples have told,
and there’s something about being loud and something about being bold….

But even if you can only offer praise with a voice that’s faint,
you’re doing the right thing, so persevere, dear saint.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; and to him who orders his conduct aright, I will show the salvation of God.” Psalm 50:23 NKJV
.
“But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” words of Jesus in John 4:23-24

“For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.” 1 Corinthians 14:14-15 NKJV

“Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, ‘What! Could you not watch with Me one hour?’” Matthew 26:40
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I well remember when a young woman in my church, who had had a pelvic fracture due to an accident was healed at a morning service during praise. She suddenly realized she was standing normally. Later, x-rays confirmed the miracle.

The following are from the booklet, “Confessions for ‘Whole’ Life” by Sandra Kennedy Ministries. These regard pain…

Isaiah 53:4 The Lord bore this pain in His own body. Therefore, I don’t have to bear it.

1 Corinthians 10:13 God is faithful and has made a way of escape out of this pain.

Mark 4:39 I speak to the pain center of my brain and the nerve endings and I say, “Peace, be still.”

Mark 11:23 I speak to the mountain of pain and I say to you, “Be thou removed.”

Song of Solomon 1:3 Your name, Lord, is as ointment that soothes my pain.

Psalm 103:3 The Lord heals all my diseases and all associated pain.

Psalm 40:17 The Lord is my God and my Deliverer, and He will deliver me from this pain.

and others, including scriptures for many other afflictions. The booklet is available at http://www.sandrakennedy.org

Joseph Prince speaks often on the benefit of daily communion,
http://www.josephprince.org

“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…

“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.