Picture This…

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Picture great crowds, coming to be taught…
Picture the sick, whom others had brought.
Picture them healed through miracles wrought
By Jesus, God’s Son, Whom so many had sought.

Picture a day where the sun was getting low.
“Hear” the disciples saying they just didn’t know…
How the people would eat—and should be told to go;
But picture a lad with loaves and fish that would grow.

“Listen” to Jesus say, “Bring them here to me…”
Picture loaves and fish multiplied by His decree,
With five thousand being fed, at a cost that was free,
And full baskets left over before the disciples put out to sea.

Picture Jesus sending the multitudes away,
Going up to the mountain by Himself to pray–-
Then joining the disciples, through water and spray,
On the fourth watch of the night, just before day.

Picture Peter bravely wanting to join the Lord,
Picture him boldly stepping overboard;
Then see his faith waver as sea and wind roared–
Picture him sinking but, by Christ, being restored.

Picture your own life and remember these things;
Remember that “greatness” to small things Christ brings.
Look to the Lord for your faith to take wings,
As you walk on life’s waters with the King of Kings.

P. A. Oltrogge

Deep Thoughts

Photo by Phil Dolby

Matthew 14:14-31

Remember Job’s Final Outcome

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…spoken by the Lord, to Job:

“Do you give the horse his might? Do you clothe his neck with a mane? Do you make him leap like the locust? His majestic snorting is terrible. He paws in the valley, and rejoices in his strength; he goes out to meet the weapons. He laughs at fear and is not dismayed; and he does not turn back from the sword. The quiver rattles against him, the flashing spear and javelin. With shaking and rage he races over the ground; and he does not stand still at the voice of the trumpet. As often as the trumpet sounds he says, ‘Aha!’ And he scents the battle from afar, and thunder of the captains and the war cry.” Job 39:19-25

Wild Horses

…photo by firelizard5

In Job, we read a reflection by God of the horse’s boldness and might–
a description that can inspire us in our own lives in any spiritual fight.

“He laughs at fear and is not dismayed…”
We can rely on and be confident in God, rejoicing after we’ve prayed.

“From the sword, he does not turn back–”
God’s equipped us with a powerful Sword (His Word) in any attack.

We confront and resist the devil, knowing our covenant with God is in force.
Laughing at fear, continuing in praise, we know that God is our source.

“As often as the trumpet sounds,” we carry on in our spiritual race–
seeking to find, follow, and fulfill God’s will, for a final reward by His grace.

Always remember the Lord’s outcome at the ending of the story of Job–
when he, after all, was blessed very richly, despite the devil’s probe.

P. A. Oltrogge

probe — an investigation
Satan sought to investigate just how strong Job’s faith in God would be if he was visited with adversities.

“You know we call those blessed (happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God) who were steadfast and endured (difficult circumstances). You have heard of the patient endurance of Job and you have seen the Lord’s outcome (how He richly blessed Job). The Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.” James 5:11 Amplified Bible (AMP)

“Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 (NASB)

For your interest: “How to Find, Follow, and Fulfill God’s Will,”
by Andrew Wommack, http://www.awmi.net, see “Store” (Books)

A Step on the Ladder to Success

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I’ve heard it said that if you want to be a success, then help someone else to succeed. This surely reflects, “Give, and it shall be given unto you,” that Jesus has decreed.

You’ll be blessed to share in the joy of their success, as a result of your interaction. And you’ll be giving the journey to your own goals and success that much greater traction.

God wants us to grow in our relationship with Him and also in relating to our neighbor. Caring about their welfare and sharing the love of Christ is our most rewarding labor.

When we look for opportunities to do this–through prayer or action on our part–as always, the Lord will bless us, too, when others are largely on our heart.

P. A. Oltrogge

“And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.’” Matthew 22:37-40

“Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.” John 13:5

“…Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.” John 13:12-15

“But the greatest among you shall be your servant.” Matthew 23:11

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.” Psalm 37:23 (NKJV)

“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:6

Except as noted, all scripture (NASB)

You Walked Away

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The following was written that it might speak to certain individuals…

You walked away, though you were taught about
the name of Jesus, but it seems you’ve come to doubt.
I’ve tried to show you My love in every way,
but you’ve looked to other people and to whom and how they pray.

I can tell you this–that answers come from Me,
and fulfillment now and always is for those who I set free.
Sure hope that you’ll sense you’re missing being fed
from My Words in the Bible–they’re your daily bread.

Somehow you missed the truth that you must connect
by accepting My Gospel and its power to resurrect.
I remain Jesus Christ of Whom you’ve heard,
and it’s only by My name that salvation is assured.

Not only that, but through My loving sacrifice I won
the right to redeem you, to be a precious daughter or son.
So please head home–the time is very late.
The porch light’s still on, but don’t, please don’t wait.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.'” John 14:5-6

“…by the name of Jesus Christ, the Nazarene…which became the very cornerstone. 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.” (From Acts 4:10-12)

“But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” John 1:12 KJV

“For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” Romans 8:14-16

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.’” John 11:25

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16

Except as noted, all scripture (NASB)

(See “About the Porch”)

And also: http://www.lamblion.com

Quotes on Prayer

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spring meadow

…photo by Junio

“Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” Psalm 29:2 (KJV)

“To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.” Martin Luther

“Prayer imparts the power to walk and not faint.”

“We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties.”

“Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.”

(The above quotes: Oswald Chambers…)

The Lord, our Fortress, our Stronghold

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Flowers in the Rocks

…photo by Alan Levine

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

Jesus said, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts upon them, may be compared to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and yet it did not fall; for it had been founded upon the rock.” Matthew 7:24-25

Scriptures from NASB

The Greatest Light of Heaven

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Christian Postcard

…photo by Matt Gillman

The beautiful sun that’s shining at the start of a gorgeous day

is welcomed by us all and always brightens our work or play.

Life seems to have so much to offer–we want to take it all in.

But the promise in a beautiful day can obscure the thought within

that reminds to consider the Son of God and what He said of sin.

Jesus told the world of our need of a Savior because of the Holy One–

His Father in heaven, who, on evil and good, gives of His rain and sun.

Days of sunshine or fun cause many to think only of the here and now;

but Jesus said that His was the Life to which we should make our vow.

Actually, our lives are doubly blessed when we put faith in God’s Son–

Upon doing that, it becomes true that real, abundant life has begun.

Saul was on the way to Damascus when he encountered an extraordinary light–

It was the light of Jesus from heaven, through which his life was made right.

So don’t be deceived by bright thoughts of the future that don’t include the Lord.

It’s in losing your life that you’ll find it and have an exceedingly great reward.

P. A. Oltrogge

“As he (Saul) was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ And he said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting…'” Acts 9:3-5

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.'” John 14:6

“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

“But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven, for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Matthew 5:44-45

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?'” Matthew 16:24-26

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they might have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11

“And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb.” Revelation 21:23

All scripture above: (NASB)

The Powerful River

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Cowichan River Provincial Park

…photo by David Stanley

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear…” 1 John 4:18

Are you at a point where fears are trying to dominate your thinking?
Or are you in a situational “boat” that makes you feel as though you’re sinking?

Then let this scripture permeate your thoughts, to make things perfectly clear,
that “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.”

God’s perfect love surrounds you like pleasant views down a wilderness river.
Knowing you’re afloat on the river of His perfect love has great power to deliver.

P. A. Oltrogge

“And we have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this, love is perfected with us, that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. We love, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:16-19

“How precious is Your lovingkindess, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of your wings. They are abundantly satisfied with the fulness of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.” Psalm 36:7-9 NKJV

“…and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fulness of God. 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 3:19-21

“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, The holy dwelling places of the Most High…The Lord of hosts is with us, The God of Jacob is our stronghold.” Psalm 46:4 and 7

further encouragement:
http://www.moorelife.org “Faith in the Power” series

Fresh as a Dewdrop

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Maidens Hair

…photo by Bill Harrison

“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

“…I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
…words of Jesus in Matthew 28:20

D2EE7C45-7249-44A5-97F0-3AA9B8A1A0B5
Pexels

(See “About the Porch”)