Category Archives: Uncategorized

A Paralytic and Four Faithful Friends

Posted on by
1

Jesus had been back to Capernaum for some days, and the news of this became known; Many people gathered at the house to hear Him speak, and the crowd had really grown. In fact, there were so many who wanted to come inside that you couldn’t get near the door; But there was a paralytic, with four friends who had a goal–to hear Jesus say, “Restore!”

So fervent were they in their earnest goal, that though it didn’t seem possible to get through, they weren’t downcast, but instead looked up–gaining entrance through the roof was what they’d do. Their faith in the Lord, their tenacity to attain, moved them to hoist their friend and his pallet up; They made a rooftop hole and let him down to the Lord–it didn’t matter to them to interrupt.

Jesus, seeing their faith, immediately was moved. “Son, your sins are forgiven,” He then said. This prompted thoughts in some scribes who were there, that He was blasphemous and clearly misled. Jesus knew in His spirit the things they were reasoning and confronted them before they could talk. He asked which was easier to say, “Your sins are forgiven,” or “Get up, and pick up your pallet and walk”?

But so that they would know He really did have this authority, He further went on to say–that the man who’d been paralyzed should get up and take his pallet and be free to go on his way. Immediately, the man arose and picked up his pallet and walked out in the sight of all who were there; The people were amazed and glorified God, saying they’d never seen anything like this anywhere.

After that, Jesus went out to the shore of the sea, which can bring to mind the “waves” of God’s grace; The people followed Jesus to the shore, as well, and He continued to teach them at that place. A fitting scene it was to conclude this narrative, for God’s grace does come in wave upon wave. If a problem seems insurmountable, look up, not down–He’ll help you, just be bold and be brave.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God;
For I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.”
Psalm 43:5

“And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.” Acts 4:33

(Story from the Biblical account in Mark 2:1-13)

Pathways Walked With Mom

Posted on by
1

Pathways of love,
pathways where you guided–
sweet memories of those pathways,
dear Mother, you’ve provided.

Much like a gardener,
you tended to my care–
weeding out some tendencies,
while cultivating those that were fair.

And if there were problems
at school or at play,
the pathway to Mom’s door
would help them go away.

Best of all, we walked pathways
which caused my spirit to be fed
with the truths in God’s Word,
so that by His Spirit I’d be led.

Now as I go about, on my own pathways since I’ve grown,
I’m grateful for the pathways that together we’d known.

P. A. Oltrogge

(The white stone borders along the flowers in this photo brought to mind the concept of the pathways in the poem. Hope you enjoy the blooms in the photo, which was taken by my daughter!)

Photo by B. Oltrogge

Photo by B. Oltrogge

It Was For Me

Posted on by
Reply

Jesus,

In Gethsemane’s garden, You prayed to be strong
In what would overtake You in not very long.
It was for me that You were then betrayed.
It was on You that the task was laid.
As filthy rags, God saw my righteousness claimed–
Which is why You stepped in to be defamed.
It was for my sins that You went on trial.
You made the payment for everything vile.
It was for me–this undeserved attack.
It was for me You bore stripes on Your back.
It was for me that You wore the thorns,
And it was for me You bore merciless scorns.
It was for me You walked Calvary’s trail.
It was for me that You endured each nail.
It was for me that You hung in shame.
It was for me–You were taking my blame.
It was for me You painfully died.
It was for me that they pierced Your side.
You did it for me, but in three days You rose.
You did it for me that my case would be closed.

P. A. Oltrogge

“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”
Isaiah 64:6 (King James Version)

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:1 (New American Standard)

“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” Romans 5:1 (New Living Translation)

Palms of Praise

Posted on by
Reply

“And you shall take for yourselves on the first day the fruit of beautiful trees, branches of palm trees, the boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook; and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days.” Leviticus 23:40 NKJV

“Thus I will bless you while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.” Psalm 63:4 NKJV

“Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord.” Psalm 134:2 NKJV

from John, chapter 12:

…six days before Passover:

Jesus came to Bethany, where He’d recently raised Lazarus from the dead;
so Martha prepared Him a supper where He, Lazarus, and others were fed.
Lovingly, Mary took costly perfume of pure nard and anointed Jesus’ feet.
She then wiped them with her hair, a gesture Jesus lauded as sweet.

Judas rebuked it as being wasteful; but Jesus knew that which was lying ahead–
it was an anointing upon His body before His crucifixion and resurrection from the dead.
A large crowd of the Jewish people came out, to the town of Bethany that day,
to see Jesus, and Lazarus, too–as news of his resurrection had traveled a long way.

The chief priests didn’t like this at all, and putting Lazarus to death was their thought.
They were losing many because of this miracle, which Jesus’ power had wrought.
The next day, those who had come for the feast learned Jerusalem was then on Jesus’ route. They took branches from the palm trees to wave–“Hosanna!” was the chorus they began to shout.

Further, they firmly cried out, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord;
even the King of Israel!” They thought an earthly King was what history would record.
Humble and riding on a requested donkey that had never been ridden before,
Jesus entered Jerusalem, amidst their praise, knowing what was really in store.

For just outside of Jerusalem, on a hill called Golgatha, a cross would hold
the precious body of our Lord Jesus Christ, and another Kingdom’s story would unfold.
There He would sacrificially die for all mankind, bearing all of their disgrace.
But in three days, He would rise and return to His Father in Heaven, in order to prepare us a place.

You see, Jesus Christ IS the King of Kings, as sung in the glorifying Hallelujah Chorus.
Those who are His, praise Him still with joy–both now and in the Eternal Kingdom yet before us.

P. A. Oltrogge


“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2 NKJV

Excerpt from Handel’s “Messiah,” “The Hallelujah Chorus”
“For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
The kingdom of this world
Is become the Kingdom of our Lord,
And of His Christ, and of His Christ;
And He shall reign forever and ever,
Forever and ever, forever and ever;
King of kings, and Lord of lords!”

“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.'” Revelation 7:9-10 NKJV

Seek the Lord and Lack Nothing

Posted on by
1

“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)

A Time of Budding

Posted on by
Reply

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

Joining Forces in Prayer

Posted on by
1

…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

Squirrely Thoughts

Posted on by
Reply
Photo by Justin Otto

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

“Then God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the animals that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters subsided.”
Genesis 8:1 (NKJV)

Choose Worry or Choose Trust?

Posted on by
Reply

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)

If you’ve visited here…

Posted on by
Reply

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)