If you have ever stepped in front of an amusement park mirror
and have seen the distorted image of how it makes you seem to appear,
you know, of course, for certain, that’s not really how you look.
Likewise, the devil tries to distort your image that’s established in God’s Book.

God sees you as being loved, forgiven, victorious, prospered, and healed–
so just agree with Him about the image for you that He has revealed.
It isn’t at all amusing to take, as real, an image that’s wrong–
so step away from the devil’s mirror to God’s, where you rightly belong.

Let your words align with the Lord’s, so the distorted image will be corrected.
God’s Word is the wonderful mirror where His view of you is reflected.
And His view of you is His will for you, so keep that always in mind.
God’s Word is the most accurate mirror that any believer in Jesus can find.

Distortions of the Word of God may come, but we know they’re merely lies.
Meditation of and embracing God’s truths will always prove to be wise.
The devil may try to “reflect” some things, but you must step away
to the mirror that is within God’s Word–See yourself as God sees you every day.

P. A. Oltrogge

…loved, forgiven, redeemed, and blessed with many benefits:

“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 lovingkindness 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

“The Lord appeared to him from afar, saying, ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with lovingkindness.'” Jeremiah 31:3

…righteous and victorious through Jesus Christ as Lord of your life:

“For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:17 NKJV

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV

…protected and provided for, and one who has a heart for God and others:

“No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent.” Psalm 91:10 (and entire Psalm)

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1

“Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6 (and the entire Psalm)

“And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.” Luke 12:29-33 KJV

Photo by Anthony Kelly

Pre-Valentine’s Day thoughts for those who are married…

Some learn the lesson a little late–
that ways which seem to irritate
can become endearment, as God has planned,
of the one who wears our wedding band.

All it takes is some time alone,
without hearing their voice across the phone.
Day-to-day living without their smile
will make us miss their particular style.

Habits or ideas that seem amiss
don’t matter at all without their kiss.
Arms that enfold us mean so much
on a troubled day, when we need their touch.

A wise thing it is to put conflicts away–
In love, serve one another, and, together, pray.
Thank the good Lord for a love that’s true
and be glad of the moment you said, “I do.”

P. A. Oltrogge

Photo by Roman Boed

Sometimes…

It’s nothing but God’s mercy and nothing but His grace
that can take over for my faith, in running the Christian race.
When I’ve exercised my faith, but find there is no trace
of a faith that will endure–then I just need the solid base…
of Christ as my life’s Savior, who’ll extend His hand of grace.

If troubles overwhelm, we need to sense the Lord’s embrace.
So think of “grace” through any circumstance; and in every case,
Christ’s love will lift you from discouragement–there is no disgrace.
Sinking, by fear of wind upon the water, Peter then looked to Jesus’ face.
“Lord, I believe–help my unbelief,” is understood by God’s heart of grace.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.  And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’  And they cried out for fear.  But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer!  It is I; do not be afraid.’  And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’  So he said, ‘Come.’  And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.  But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’  And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’  And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.  Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly You are the Son of God.'”  Matthew 14:25-34 NKJV

…from the account of Jesus healing a boy with a mute spirit:

“…’But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.’  Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’  Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, ‘Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!‘  When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, ‘Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!’  Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him.  And he became as one dead, so that many said, ‘He is dead.’  But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose.” Mark 9:22-24 NKJV