Pink Sky in the Morning

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After we’ve come through the dark hours of night,
a pink sky in the morning is a magnificent sight.

In that very first light when the morning is breaking,
it uplifts and inspires—and is truly breathtaking.

Our Creator coats masterfully the sky with His paints,
and gives a song to the birds for the waking of His saints.

P. A. Oltrogge

“The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.” Psalm 19:1 NASB

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” Psalm 143:8 NIV

“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24 NKJV

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 RSV

“For lo, the winter is past. The rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; The time of singing has come. And the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.” Song of Solomon 2:11-12 NKJV

“…giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”
Colossians 1:12-14 NKJV

“Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalm 103:1-5 NKJV

photo Unsplash

The Great Commission Continues Today

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“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8 NASB
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The Lord, Jesus Christ, is the same today as when He walked the earth as a man.
Resurrection and restoration are definitely still a resounding part of God’s plan.

Jesus made blind eyes to see, and He also brought hearing to deaf ears.
He was always willing to heal, and warned men not to give in to their fears.

He touched the lepers to make them feel loved, healing them by His command.
Even upon the Sabbath He healed, such as for the man with a withered hand.

Jesus healed those with long-standing illnesses, obviously hearing the heart’s cry. All of this He did by the Spirit for His Father—being the obedient Son of the Most High.

He called His friend, Lazarus, out of the tomb, and He raised a widow’s son who had died. With “Talitha cumi,” He raised a young girl; and He Himself was raised after having been crucified.

“These signs shall follow those who believe,” He told His disciples in final exhortation. Laying hands on the sick for recovery was theirs to do, too—an awesome revelation.

Casting out devils, speaking with new tongues, were part of the great commission. So today, just as in the book of Acts, laying hands on the sick is still our assigned mission.

Jesus ascended to heaven thereafter. At His Father’s right hand, He took His seat. As believers today, we follow His example and that of the early disciples—enforcing the devil’s defeat.

Lord, when circumstances say, “It’s impossible,” give us a boldness from Your throne—and a knowing that by the authority You’ve given us and by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are never operating alone!

P. A. Oltrogge

Reference Mark 16:14-20

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’” Romans 8:14-15 NKJV

“A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is He who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” John 14:19-21 NKJV

Encouragement at
http://www.sidroth.org

Biblical Steps…Ask, Seek, Knock

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Photo by Porch of the Lord,
Bequia Island

Let “Ask, and it will be given to you,” and “Seek, and you will find,”
and “Knock, and the door will be opened to you,” often come to mind.

God has so many possibilities, when we are thinking there are none–
The disciples were distraught at Jesus’ death ’til they beheld the risen Son.

When hope seems to have ended, remember your mighty God’s deeds.
He’s a “beyond all that we ask or think” God, who supplies beyond our needs.

So be blessed to be a blessing to others as God pours out His love.
Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights above.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen”.
Ephesians 3:20-21 NKJV

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17KJV

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him? Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:7-12 NKJV

No Accident

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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

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“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”

The Process of her Miracle

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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.

A Visit to the Woods While in the City

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Today I have responsibilities that call;
I may not be able to get to them all.

I like to think back on visits I’ve made
to peaceful wooded paths or a quiet glade.

At such places, it’s natural to pause and reflect
on the Lord, our Creator, and give Him respect.

But amidst crowded sidewalks or busy streets,
I can praise you, God, and remember our “retreats.”

P. A. Oltrogge

“And He (Jesus) said to them, ‘Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place
and rest a while.’….” Mark 6:31 NKJV

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 NKJV

“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” Psalm 29:11 NIV

Exodus 33:14; Psalm 23; Psalm 91:1-2; Psalm 119:105; John 14:27; John 20:21

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Photos by Porch of the Lord

There’s Still Light in Goshen

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The Lord was working out a major plan to set free–the captive Hebrew people of old. There would be ten plagues, so the actions of Moses and Aaron would need to be brave and bold.

When they came before Pharaoh, they had commands from the Lord on what to say or do, to warn him of, or initiate, every plague that his nation was soon to go through.

The ninth plague of darkness was so severe that the Egyptians couldn’t get around. For three days, the darkness was “felt” and thick, in the air and on the ground.

One of Egypt’s chief deities was the sun “god,” so such darkness proved the Lord’s might, to prevail over any of the “gods” of the Egyptians. Only His power could end the dark night.

But the Hebrews were under God’s protection; and, in the midst of that constant night, there was light in Goshen in their dwellings because God was in charge of their fight.

Today, people experience darkness, not of God and not a kind where you can’t visibly see, but darkness in their minds when they’ve not recognized “the door,” through which anyone’s able to go free.

Jesus pointed the way, saying, “If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.” You can experience “Goshen” through God’s Son yet today, and you’ll have all of the light that you’ll need.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, darkness which may even be felt. So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. They did not see one another; nor did anyone rise from his place for three days. But all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.” Exodus 10:21-23

“If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36 KJV

“Again therefore Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.’” John 8:12

“I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill, and destroy: I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly.’” John 10:9-10

“But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.” 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 NKJV

In Everything Give Thanks

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When it looks to you, at times, like there’s simply no way out,
let thanking God, the Father, be your sure and chosen route.

When it seems that pressing problems have no known solution,
let thanking the Lord turn any worries into a grace revolution.

Paul and Silas were imprisoned but raised their praises high–
then found they were delivered, with praise their only cry.

When the way seems very foggy and you’re tempted to despair,
just know, though you can’t yet see it, the victory is there.

A great principle of the Bible is to walk by faith and not by sight–
so thank God for His presence when it’s dark and you need His light.

Like a pilot relies on instruments through weather good or bad–
let thankfulness be the “instrument” with which your life is clad.

P. A. Oltrogge

Acts 16:23-40:
“But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them; and suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains were unfastened.” (25-26)

“But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:14-17 NKJV

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV and Hebrews 11:1

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

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

Find Encouragement at:
http://www.sandrakennedy.org
http://www.rhema.org

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