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The Light of the Gospel of the Glory of Christ

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porchofthelord's avatarThe Porch of the Lord

From an account in Matthew 9:27-31

When someone’s not qualified to lead another, we say it’s “the blind leading the blind.”
The Bible gives an account of such an occurrence, but of a very positive kind.

One day two blind men were following Jesus, knowing that the vision which they sought…could surely be realized through His miracles, which they had heard
He’d wrought.

“Have mercy on us, Son of David!” was their heartfelt, earnest cry for His touch.
When He entered into a house, they may have wondered if He’d even heard
them much.

But they were bold to enter the house then, where at the time, Jesus was staying–
They were ready to receive the healing, for which they’d both been praying.

“Do you believe that I’m able to do this?” Jesus questioned the pair;
They answered Him, “Yes, Lord,” for they knew–that He’d done great miracles everywhere

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Inspired Words to Pray

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Photo by Porch of the Lord

Photo by Porch of the Lord

Lord,
Make me an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hatred–let me sow love,
where there is injury–pardon,
where there is doubt–faith,
where there is despair–hope,
where there is darkness–light,
and where there is sadness–joy.

Divine Master, grant that I may
not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive–
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi

…Some versions of this prayer add “where there is friction, union, and where there is error, truth.” You may want to add those thoughts in praying the prayer, as well.

God bless you today,

P. A. Oltrogge

The Safe Harbor

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Caribbean Photo by Porch of the Lord

Caribbean Photo by Porch of the Lord

“The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord.”
Proverbs 21:31 KJV

“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus, our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 NKJV

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23 KJV

A Lesson from a Syrian on “No Other Name”

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Recently I heard a testimony of a Syrian man, who’d escaped from that war-torn land. He spoke of how his faith in Jesus protected his family when bombs were dropping on every hand.

Then he told of their escape to Greece by way of a harrowing passage over the sea. Again, he said, his constant prayers to Jesus were his family’s security.

In both instances, he said, they felt the hand of God, bringing them safely through. In the interview, he added a prayer request for his country and for all of the world, too.

How easy it is for some to express doubts about the Bible and Jesus Christ when not in a dangerous hour–while those in the throes of war do call upon Him, for there is no higher power.

We all, in fact, are in the middle of a war–a spiritual battle for every soul’s fate. Deception is rampant, but God’s still offering grace. May all know Christ as Savior, for the hour is late.

P. A. Oltrogge

From Acts 4: Peter said, regarding the name of Jesus Christ… “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 NASB

From Ephesians 1: Paul prayed… “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. 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 1:17-23 NASB

“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.” Ephesians 6:12 NKJV

“…safety is of the Lord.” From Proverbs 21:31 KJV

Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem

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Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem
A Song of Ascents, of David

I was glad when they said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
Our feet are standing
Within your gates, O Jerusalem,
Jerusalem, that is built
As a city that is compact together;
To which the tribes go up, even the tribes of the Lord–
An ordinance for Israel–
To give thanks to the name of the Lord.
For there thrones were set for judgment,
The thrones of the house of David.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
“May they prosper who love you.
“May peace be within your walls,
And prosperity within your palaces.”
For the sake of my brothers and my friends,
I will now say, “May peace be within you.”
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God
I will seek your good.

Psalm 122 NASB

Blessed be the Lord from Zion,
Who dwells in Jerusalem.
Praise the Lord!

Psalm 135:21 NASB

Photo by Porch of the Lord

Photo by Porch of the Lord

You Must See Victory

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Keep your eyes upon the victory, though the miracle shore seems far. That’s what you need to do when you’re at “where you are.”

Don’t let your eye of faith become for you, instead, an eye of fear. Nearby winds and waves distract–especially when victory is near.

A double-minded person is, himself, like a wave of the sea–driven and tossed by the wind, giving attention to adversity.

So focus on the victory “lighthouse” that’s beaming out for you. Give it greatly your attention, and the Lord will see you through.

That lighthouse, you recognize, is God’s unfailing Word. It’s the light unto your pathway, and on which you’ve believed after having heard.

P. A. Oltrogge

Photo by Porch of the Lord

Photo by Porch of the Lord

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” Hebrews 11:1-2 NIV

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17 NKJV

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” James 1:2-8 NKJV

“My son, give attention to My words; incline your ear to My sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes. Keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4:20-22 NKJV

“Your Word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 NLT

After reading the above poem, you will not want to be lost at sea, so to speak, in situations of life, but you may be encouraged by reviewing the true account, “Lost at Sea” in the archives of this blog–a story in which the speaker found herself with very little hope but for God’s intervention.

God’s Glory and Voice

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Photo by Porch of the Lord

“The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.” Psalm 19:1 NKJV

“The voice of the Lord is over the waters; The God of glory thunders; The Lord is over many waters.” Psalm 29:3 NKJV

“Now when He (Jesus) got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We are perishing!'”

“But He said to them, ‘Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?’ Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. So the men marveled, saying, ‘Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?'” Matthew 8:23-27 NKJV

“Jesus shouted to the crowds, ‘If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me.'” John 12:44-45 NLT

Joshua and the Walls of Jericho

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“By faith, the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith, Rahab the harlot, did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.” Hebrews 11:30-31

Joshua, the son of Nun, Moses’ servant, was the one chosen after Moses’ death
to lead the Israelites into the promised land, by direction of God’s own breath.

“Only be strong and very courageous…and meditate on the law day and night.”
These instructions were given by God to Joshua, so that events would turn out right.

Joshua told the officers to tell the people–that they should begin to prepare,
to move on out in three days time, knowing God’s faithfulness would surely be there.

A “mountain” that needed to be overcome was the turbulent Jordan River for one–
then the great walls of the city of Jericho needed to be…

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Seek His Kingdom

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Photo by Porch of the Lord

“Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith! And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:24-32 NASB

Jesus goes on to talk about being a giver, so that you may have unfailing treasure in heaven. I pray the Lord’s blessings upon any who follow or visit this blog–that you will continue to be blessed to be a blessing in this new year.

P. A. Oltrogge

Just say “No!”

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I woke up this morning with an adverse thought
on something bad that could happen, if that thought could be “bought.”

I recognized it was from the devil, who always spreads fear,
so I boldly said, “No!” for him to clearly hear.

It was the “father of lies” versus the Greater One within.
Using my God-given authority, the devil cannot win.

I’ll stand firm in God’s promises, whatever the case,
always praising the Lord and giving the devil no place.

If negatives seem to persist, I’ll again say, “No!”
Then…”Yes, God, let Your daily, bountiful blessings flow!”

An authoritative “No!” wields power in the spiritual realm,
for it says, “Yes!” to God, keeping Him “at the helm.”

P. A. Oltrogge

“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 NKJV

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 NKJV

“Jesus said to them, ‘If God was your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. You are of your father, the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.'” John 8:42-47 NKJV

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Words of Jesus in John 10:10 NASB

“”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

“Be angry (at sin–at immorality, at injustice, at ungodly behavior), yet do not sin; do not let your anger (cause you shame, nor allow it to) last until the sun goes down. And do not give the devil an opportunity (to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness.)” Ephesians 4:26-27 AMP

“Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, The God of our salvation! Selah”. Psalm 68:19 NKJV

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 NASB

“Surely goodness and loving kindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6 NASB

You may like to do an internet search for the Christian song, “I’m Trading my Sorrows,” which I was reminded of after writing the above poetry. It is a song which includes a great refrain on saying “Yes!” to God!

Psalm 150 NKJV Let All Things Praise the Lord

Praise the Lord!

Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty firmament!

Praise Him for His mighty acts;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!

Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet;
Praise Him with the lute and harp!
Praise Him with the timbrel and dance;
Praise Him with the stringed instruments and flutes!
Praise Him with the loud cymbals;
Praise Him with the clashing cymbals!

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord!

For your interest/inspiration–an account of victory:

Something Extra!