“The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.” Psalm 34:10

As a lion cub depends upon its mother,
So, for the Christian, there is no other
To look to for sure protection and provision
Or for right guidance on any decision
Than Jesus Christ, the Lord of hosts–
Who reigns over lands and seas and coasts,
Throughout this earth of His own making–
Yet to His children, He’s never-forsaking.

“Seek the Lord, while He may be found,”
Is good instruction to make your way sound.
And if you’ve strayed or not yet come to God’s “den,”
There’s room still for you, no matter where you’ve been.
The Lion of Judah is also His Name–
This Lord and Savior whom we proclaim.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts. Let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.”
Isaiah 55:6-7

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling.” Psalm 46:1-3

“The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah” Psalm 46:7

“Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah”
Psalm 24:10

“…Behold, the lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David…” Revelation 5:5

“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

(scriptures NKJV)

In recognition of the March for Life held yearly on January 22nd

Yes, there is a life inside the womb,
Where it was meant to be safe
But a multitude have met doom–
A delicate bud created to bloom
To be a beautiful flower, but was cast away;
Yet many have been spared because you did pray.
And I have My “angels” going around
Rescuing those women who haven’t yet found
That the one inside is special and gifted–
Not a burden that needs to be lifted.
An awakening can bud–a turning around,
So all the unborn can be brought forth sound.
And “parents” who’ve aborted these and may know little of Me
Can repent and then I will set them free
To go on and find a better day;
For I remove sins far and away.
And what of those who performed the deed?
These also I’d forgive if they would realize their need
To repent for this taking of humanity,
And what a sad realization it would be.
Tears of remorse can so overwhelm–
Remember, I forgive all sins in My Realm.
But for those who faced the world and stood
For these little ones when no one else would,
I won’t forget the things you’ve done
At the time the battle is truly won.
For I am the Giver of Life on this earth,
Declaring the value of each person’s worth.

P. A. Oltrogge

“For Thou didst form my inward parts; Thou didst weave me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Thy works, and my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from Thee, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth. Thine eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Thy book they were all written, the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them.” Psalm 139:13-16

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you….” Jeremiah 1:5

“From that time Jesus began to preach and say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'” Matthew 4:17

…thanking God for the storm downgrade on the Eastern coast, yet praying stil for its continued weakening, joining other Christians in the command of “Peace, be still!” to it in the name of Jesus. Praying for the protection of people and property…

There are so many needs requiring very many prayers—
situations that are coming in crises with cares.
Pray that aid will get through to meet all the needs,
and give tangible help, as the Lord leads.
We’re in a world battle of great spiritual proportions;
we serve a good God–He doesn’t send the misfortunes.
Many can be helped through our prayers and our giving,
and by sharing God’s Word, which restores hope for living.
We’re so grateful for those who actually go forth to care
for those in a crisis, showing Jesus is there.

P. A. Oltrogge

http://www.samaritanspurse.org
http://www.cbn.com (Disaster Relief organizations)

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 (KJV)

“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference….” Jude 1:21-22

Photo by Justin Otto

Brown, black, reddish, or gray,
squirrels are definitely here to stay.

It’s fun to view them as they eat
an acorn or a nutty treat.

I think of them scurrying among leaves in fall
More than at any other time of year at all.
To watch them can give your spirits a lift,
As they climb up a tree or do other things swift.

I don’t remember seeing a squirrel that’s just a baby;
If I take a nature walk down a woodsy path–maybe.
I thank the Lord for these little creatures,
Among His creation with their own unique features.

P. A. Oltrogge

Today a problem came to occupy my mind.
I claim to trust God, but what would it find?
Would it find a mind at rest,
Trusting Jesus through the test?
Or would my mind be in worry mode?
If so, I’ll carry a heavy load.
But “faith” versus “action,” which way should I go?
Ask God to make plain when you just don’t know.
Then give it to Jesus if it seems beyond your care;
Give it to Jesus, and leave it there.

P. A. Oltrogge

“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

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity….” Proverbs 2:6-7

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7

“Casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

“As a father has compassion for his children, so the Lord has compassion for those who fear Him.” Psalm 103:13 (Gods Word)

This message is a thank you for the encouraging thoughts and feedback on this poetry blog. I’ve not posted any of them, though, since it’s my inclination that it might be good for readers to have a place to come to where they can just quietly reflect upon the scriptures and anything that might uplift from a poem’s message. Jesus went away to a quiet place at times to rest and pray–may this be a bit like such a place for you to also do that on any given day.

“And after He had sent the multitudes away, He went up to the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.” Matthew 14:23

“Then Jesus said, ‘Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.’….”
Mark 6:31 (NLT)

“And He came out and proceeded, as was His custom, to the Mount of Olives….”
Luke 22:39

“Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!

The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah”

Psalm 46:10-11 (NKJV)

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

Jesus Christ is the church’s head,
The first begotten of the dead.
In His own blood, He washed you from sins,
And through faith in Him, new life begins.

He took the form of a servant at the Passover Feast,
Through washing of feet, He became the least.
So, too, for the brethren, lay your lives down,
Serving them and others before obtaining your crown.

His body was broken for you–of this bread, take and eat;
His blood was poured out to secure Satan’s defeat.
Christ suffered all for you to be whole,
And that blood paid for the redemption of your soul.

As often as they wish, or have the need,
Of this covenant meal, His sheep may freely feed.
Do this in remembrance of Him, in taking the bread–
The cup is the New Testament in His blood that was shed.

In this way, you do show the Lord’s death ’til He comes back.
Your well-being’s been bought, and there is no lack.

Some say it’s a benefit Christ didn’t obtain,
That He couldn’t have died for your sickness and pain.
He did surely die, most importantly, for your soul,
But restoration of blessings was a large part of His goal.

Caring for your body, His temple, is wise,
But of greatest need is to keep His promises of health before your eyes.
“He forgives all your sins, He heals all your diseases,” proclaims the Word.
“The generous man will be prosperous,” needs also to be heard.

For God’s resources are vast, and we’ve only just begun
To see what will happen through faith in His Son.

Do not be discouraged if you haven’t yet seen
The miracles you’ve prayed for or some souls to come clean.
For fields of souls are white for harvest just now,
And lack and sickness, too, in this harvest will bow!

P. A. Oltrogge

“…Christ also is the head of the church….” Ephesians 5:23

“And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.” Revelation 1:5

“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” 1 John 1:16

“Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget none of his benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities; Who heals all your diseases.” Psalm 103:2-3

“My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your sight; keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their whole body.” Proverbs 4:20-23

“Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:10-12

“The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered.” Proverbs 11:25

“Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” Luke 6:38

“…Behold I say to you, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest.” John 4:35

We pray, but then may experience struggles of various, unwanted kinds;
We can compare them to labor in childbirth, if they tend to trouble our minds.
It’s easy to tire, thinking nothing is happening–despite effort and some pain;
But there’s a birth ahead that’s coming–the struggles make that plain.
So if you have prayed for something, whatever your request,
Remember, despite waiting or struggle–there’s a “birth” ahead that’s blessed.
And all of the pain or problems that went before that birth
Will quickly be forgotten when we see God’s answers of great worth.

P. A. Oltrogge

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

“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.” Hebrews 10:35
(New International Version)

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

Mark 11:22-26
Romans 5:3-5
James 1:2-4