If you feel so led, you can participate, beginning today, and for twenty-one days, in a corporate time of prayer/fasting with Eagle Mountain International Church. For details, visit: www.emic.org/fast
Time Set Apart with the Lord
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God Calls Them by Name
.…this poem was inspired by glancing at a photo of my Dad, when he was a young man. He is now with Jesus, his Lord and Savior. In reading the poem, you might be reminded of a loved one of your own…
A brave new young face, a captivating smile…
All of God’s creations are only here for a while.
If you have a loved one who’s no longer here,
you know the significance of the one you held dear.
Rejoice over loved ones–God’s treasures they are–
each one is as special as a bright shining star!
P. A. Oltrogge
“He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.” Psalm 147:4 NIV
“But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” John 10:2-4
“What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7 NLT
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you…” From Jeremiah 1:5
“For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.” Psalm 139:13-15
“All things were made through Him, and without Him, nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” John 1:3-4
“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: 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 3:21-23 RSV
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 KJV
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?'” John 11:25-26
Thank you, Lord, for those you’ve given to us as unique and precious family or friends… thank you that we will see them again in your heaven… And thank you for those who are still with us, who make our lives so very blessed!
God’s blessings be upon you, dear friend of this blog. You are very special to me and to God…
Scriptures NKJV, or as noted.
The Flowering…
…along the road to Calvary…
Though it meant for Him His darkest hour, Jesus trusted in His Father’s redemptive plan and power.
Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, much new birth would flower…We’re blessed because of His suffering–He took, for us, of the sour.
God “sowed a seed” through the gift of Jesus, His beloved Son; and, for those who’ve called Him Savior and Lord, their new life has begun.
Jesus laid down His life for God’s harvest–that many souls would live. No one took Jesus’ life from Him, but it was His life, which He was willing to give.
He had power to take it again. He is risen, indeed…For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross–thereby from judgment, we’ve been freed!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” John 5:24
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Jesus’ words in John 3:16
“He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will but as You will.” Jesus’ words in Matthew 26:39
“Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” Jesus’ words in John 10:17-18
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10
“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36
“For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light, we see light.” Psalm 36:9
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 1:2
“But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.” Hebrews 8:6 NLT
“The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all—” Acts 10:36
“Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11
“If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” John 14:15-17 KJV
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” Ephesians 5:1-2
“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” 1 John 3:16
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?’” John 11:25-26
Scriptures: NKJV, or as noted
Photo/Unsplash
Out from the Shadow of Death…to Under the Shadow of The Almighty
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1
Recently, a minister shared a message about people who were living in Noah’s day. Noah was a preacher of righteousness, but the people didn’t listen to what he had to say.
As such, Noah certainly told them that a time was coming when the ark that was under his construction…would be lifted up on floodwaters, and that he knew this from God’s instruction.
Not having listened to the warning, except for Noah and his family, all were swept away; and “as in the days of Noah,” many are living under the shadow of darkness and death today.
They’re being warned that a day is coming (and even now) when they’ll need the safety of “The Ark,” …which is found in God’s grace through Jesus Christ, who is “the Light” that brings escape from the dark.
Anyone can come under the shadow of that “Ark” today. May people repent because of their sin…and find God’s forgiveness and join His family in Christ. Through faith in Jesus’ name and sacrificial blood, they can “enter in.”
P. A. Oltrogge
“…and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly….” 2 Peter 2:5
“And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.” Luke 17:26-27
“But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart’ (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:8-10
“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:14-17
…of John, the Baptist:
“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;
For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,
To give knowledge of salvation to His people
By the remission of their sins,
Through the tender mercy of our God,
With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us;
To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,
To guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:76-79
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12
“For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins…..
“For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.” from Colossians 1:13-23
photo…Jumonville cross, Pennsylvania
Visit: www.christinprophecy.org
This ark structure was built according to the dimensions recorded in the Bible and is located in Williamstown, Kentucky…photo/Unsplash.
Visit: www.arkencounter.com
“Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.” Psalm 63:7
“In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:9-11
Purity of Heart and Speech
Help me, Father in heaven, to be mindful of what Your Word has said–that my words shouldn’t be critical of others, but they should bless instead. If someone’s ways seem contrary to mine, or if they’ve hurt me in some way, every person is still made in Your image–I must show love towards them and pray.
A forest spring doesn’t flow with waters that are both bitter and fresh; likewise, help me in “keeping under” any wrong attitudes of my flesh. A fig tree doesn’t produce olives, and figs don’t come from a grapevine; neither should judgmental words towards others come from these lips of mine.
The same lips that praise my God, should speak with His love; and I should be kind, in turn. Purity, being peace loving and gentle, willing to yield to others, are things that I must learn. With humility that’s gleaned from Your wisdom, I’ll avoid jealousy and selfish ambition, for You’ve said that disorder and evil of every kind come from either condition.
I should be full of Your mercy, showing no favoritism, and always be sincere–Planting seeds of peace, I’ll reap a harvest of righteousness–all truths that You’ve made clear.
P. A. Oltrogge
“And just as you want people to treat you, treat them in the same way.” words of Jesus in Luke 6:31
“People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.
If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.
“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:7-18 NLT
“Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and He will grant you His blessing. For the Scriptures say, ‘If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.’” 1 Peter 3:9-12 NLT
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9 (from 1-12)
“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32 (from 25-32) NKJV
Faith in Our Father in Heaven
We walk by faith and not by sight–
with thanks to God, that He’s making things right.
For God, there is nothing that is too hard.
Rely on that truth in any regard.
Pray and obey, as the Lord leads;
meditate on His Word, from which wisdom proceeds.
It may take some time to see right come about…
Just remember He’s faithful and reject any doubt.
There are times in our lives that seem dark and bad,
but keep trusting God, our Father. He’s the very best Dad!
P. A. Oltrogge
But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. Galatians 4:4-7 NLT
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven…” Matthew 6:9-10 KJV
…the magnificence of His creation…
photo/Unsplash…a park in Bucharest, Romania
God Answers Prayers
“The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.” Psalm 34:15
Today is a day to join with others in America in prayer and repentance for the sins of the nation, seeking God’s forgiveness, cleansing, and mercy…
Dutch Sheets explains. See: www.givehim15.com
Porch of the Lord
His Compassions Never Fail
Photo by VASTATEPARKSSTAFF
“The Lord’s loving kindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is Thy faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 NASB
Dutch Sheets decrees this verse today in his message about a time of prayer and repentance, which will occur tomorrow, on behalf of the United States. As Christians, we can see the error of “leadership” in many areas in our beloved nation and want to join in with those who are requesting God’s mercy and His enlightening to the many who need to turn to His Word and way.
View or read the message at: www.givehim15.com
See God’s goodness when “plowing through”
“But Jesus told him, ‘Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God,’” (Luke 9:62 NLT) and Jesus said “The fields are already white for harvest” (John 4:35) and 1 Corinthians 9:10 speaks of plowing in hope….
When things transpire in ways that we can’t fully understand, we need to keep faith in the goodness of God and the things which He has planned.
Sometimes we become focused on bad news or a loss, instead of meditating on Jesus’ victory over satan through the cross.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. Fully trust in Jesus, and don’t be unnerved by the devil’s grandstanding.
He wants you to contemplate disasters that he has brought about–thereby building up unbelief and causing you to doubt.
And to fuel your fears, he’ll get you to dwell on those things that seem fearful. He doesn’t want you to “count it all joy” or, with the joy of the Lord, to be cheerful.
Joseph of the Old Testament was stalwart in keeping faith in God, whose hand was kept upon him throughout the difficult pathways he trod.
God sent an angel to the apostle Paul, who was on a ship that was in a fierce storm, to reassure him and the others on board when troubles continued to form.
Jesus kept faith in His Father while carrying out what He’d asked Him to do. For the joy ahead that He “saw,” He trusted God’s guidance to help Him through.
Just as a farmer, despite a rain shower, may continue to work in the field, let’s plow on through, with faith in God, knowing the profit which that will yield.
And if circumstantial “rains” get too rough, we’ll find shelter in Jesus’ name. It’s the high tower for the safety of those for whom He came….
all those who believe in and have put their faith firmly and forever in Him! As we follow the Light of the World, our own lights in this world will not grow dim.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV
“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 14:10-12 NKJV
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4 NKJV
“…Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 (Sometimes we may weep with those who weep (Romans 12:14-16); but, always, our Abba, Father, sustains us.)
“Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’” Galatians 4:6 NIV
“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 8:15 NKJV
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 NKJV
“But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’” Matthew 14:27 NKJV
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV
“When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature. For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.
“You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.” Colossians 2:11-15 NLT
“Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 RSV
“For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy.” Psalm 61:3 NKJV
A Psalm of David: 1 Praise the Lord, who is my rock.
He trains my hands for war
and gives my fingers skill for battle.
2 He is my loving ally and my fortress,
my tower of safety, my rescuer.
He is my shield, and I take refuge in him.
He makes the nations submit to me.” Psalm 144:1-2 NLT
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10 NKJV
“While He (Jesus) was still speaking, they came from the house of the synagogue official (Jairus), saying, ‘Your daughter has died, why trouble the Teacher anymore?’ But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, ‘Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.’” (from Mark 5:35-36 NASB)
“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” Genesis 50:20 NKJV (spoken by Joseph, to his brothers)
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12 NKJV (and believers are lights to the world, as stated in Matthew 5:14-16)
Sunday note, p.m.
Former United States Ambassador to Israel, David M. Friedman, who served under President Trump, was featured as the guest speaker today at Eagle Mountain International Church in Ft. Worth, TX. The entire service is always good to watch; but if you are not able to do so, he gives his message following an introduction by Pastors Terri and George Pearsons, in which they also refer to Saturday’s observance of Holocaust Remembrance Day. Their introduction begins at about 43, if you scroll in. Just before that, (around 39), a beautiful song on Jerusalem was sung by their daughter, Aubrey Mitchell.
You can find this, titled, “Do Not Negotiate God’s Covenants,” under “Latest Service” at http://www.emic.org
The Porch of the Lord 