Peace be with you

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“Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” John 20:19 NKJV

Jesus came and stood in the midst of His disciples after He’d been raised from the dead.

He’s in our midst today, the eternal Prince of Peace–for us, His blood was shed.

Our Shepherd laid down His life for the sheep. He’s the chief cornerstone and our rock.

We praise God for what His Son has done and that we’re part of His blessed flock.

Nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

In the midst of troubled times, He’s the mighty fortress, who, with trust, we always look toward.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.” Isaiah 26:3 KJV

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:26-27 KJV

“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.” John 19:14-15 NKJV

“Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:19-21 NKJV

“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 NKJV

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 KJV (and all of verses 31-39)

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2 NKJV

“Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.” 1 Peter 2:6 NKJV

“Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come—  that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.” Acts 26:22-23

See today’s http://www.givehim15.com

Our Faithful Tour Guide

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(…originally posted in February of last year….)

By Joan Vetter
Guest Contributor

The thought just wouldn’t go away. 

When I saw that Andrew Wommack’s Ministry was coming to Phoenix, Arizona, for three days for their Gospel Truth Crusade, excitement began to rise up in my spirit to attend.

However, there were many logical reasons why maybe this wasn’t a great idea. It would be a two-day drive, and my husband, Ted, was having a surgery just two and a half weeks before this. Plus, he had spent six days in the hospital with a heart problem just the year before. However, he told me that he could “see” or “picture” us at the conference. He was visualizing in faith, which boosted my faith. It was in the beginning of January, though, so we wondered what the weather would be like. Also, covid was spreading rapidly at that time.

But my Mom came to mind, who had always loved adventure, which kept her healthy and her mind sharp right up to 103 years old! She had often encouraged us to be sure to see the Grand Canyon one day. Yes, we could combine our trip with an excursion to the Grand Canyon!

So this door to adventure was standing open, waiting for a “yes.” We knew there were preparations to make, beyond just securing hotel reservations and packing. We recognized how important faith was before we even started. Scripture states, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). So after determining that we were following the Lord’s leading, we knew it was to be a faith journey all the way; and each negative or fearful thought needed to be met with faith to counter it.

When we hear that God has plans to prosper us–plans for good–our spirits need to agree with that and not allow a picture of anything that would negate that in our minds. Thus, once we made the decision to go, every negative thought was to be defeated. Our part was to continually agree for the Lord’s blessings. (“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

We felt a sense of “mission” before we left. We were to pray for the country and to bless the people along the way. The first night at our hotel, I was able to share the Lord’s love with a woman working there. When I asked if she could use some prayer, she was so thankful. She lived on the Navaho reservation and had a broken water pipe at home. She also was experiencing some conflict with her son. Then, a waitress I talked with shared a need for prayer, as well, regarding her children. With both of these ladies, I thought of what Jesus said in John 4:4–that He needed to go through Samaria. Even as it was a divine appointment for Him to speak to the woman at the well in Samaria, I felt we were directed to meet both of the women that we did. As we continued to drive through New Mexico, I found myself praying for all of the Navaho people.

The Andrew Wommack conference was wonderful–we basked in the teaching of the Word; and the hotel was beautiful. 

Andrew taught on truth, and the Holy Spirit was present to bring understanding and hope for many personal situations. An explanation, so simple, has remained a constant since we’ve come home. He said that three different people will have an opinion as to the length of the stage, but then someone will measure it. That becomes the only truth! With the Word of God, we don’t need people’s opinions. We will “know” the truth and the truth will set us free (John 8:32).

Andrew teaches the truth of Galatians 5:6 – that faith works by love. He says, “Love is the driving force behind our faith. Many of us try harder to believe when we should be seeking a greater revelation of God’s love for us. Then faith would just naturally work.” The atmosphere in the meetings is such a powerful demonstration of both love and faith. An hour before and after each session, prayer counselors pray with those who desire prayer. To explore his ministry, see:  http://www.awmi.net

I bought a T-shirt with the words WARRIOR NOT WORRIER on it. Yet, I have to confess that the subtle fear of contracting the virus was still trying to crowd out my confidence. As we traveled home again through New Mexico, they were strict about masks; and there were constant signs along the road about obtaining the vaccine. On top of that, Ted seemed to be developing a cough. Then, when we stopped for lunch, we were told that four waitresses had left work feeling sick that morning. However, we felt confident in God’s protection, so we stayed. When our waiter came to our table, he had on a mask with the words, “PROTECTED BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS.” Amen! Thank you, LORD!

When we arrived at that evening’s hotel, suddenly Ted began to run a fever. Faith rose up in us both like David going after Goliath, and we refused to be intimidated by fear of sickness. I laid my hand on his forehead and rebuked the fever in the name of Jesus. When Jesus prayed for Peter’s mother-in-law, her fever left immediately (Luke 4:38-39). That was what rose up in our hearts and, within minutes, his fever was gone. I had on my WARRIOR NOT WORRIER shirt, so that was a constant reminder to trust God. The amazing thing was that I was able to go to bed and fall right to sleep. The next thing I knew was that he was waking me up, saying, “Get ready–we need to get on the road!” He was already up and showered.

I savor the memories of our trip–the faith-boosting conference, the Grand Canyon, which we finally saw, other beautiful natural scenes, and the people we encountered. They’re now embedded in our hearts as the rewards of tackling a trip that looked intimidating. But we made it through to the other side. That reminds me of Jesus’ disciples–when He told them to get into their boat and to cross over to the other side–(Mark 4:35 or Matthew 14:22). He knew there would be winds that would be contrary, but He wanted them to go in faith. 

I have an even greater appreciation for Jesus since the trip. He was with us all the way and always will be–He’s the Rock of Ages…

“…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.  Matthew 28:20

“No one is holy like the Lord, For there is none besides You, nor is there any rock like our God.” 1 Samuel 2:2

…photo by J. Vetter, taken at the Grand Canyon…

Jesus, His Name, our Anchor

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For example, there was God’s promise to Abraham. Since there was no one greater to swear by, God took an oath in his own name, saying:

“I will certainly bless you,
and I will multiply your descendants beyond number.”

Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised.
Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.  This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 6:13-20 NLT

In calm times of life or in a storm, a strong anchor is what I need. The name of Jesus is that anchor—demons will take heed.

By quiet waters or a turbulent sea, my anchor firmly holds. Sure and steadfast is my hope as every moment unfolds.

In the order of Melchizedek, Jesus is my High Priest FOREVER. His covering of love gives me confidence in whatever I endeavor.

God has given us His promise and oath. It’s impossible for Him to lie. We have covenant with Him through Jesus Christ—the Son of the Most High.

P. A. Oltrogge

“The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.’” Luke 1:30-33 NASB

“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:14-15 NKJV

“And inasmuch as He was not made priest without an oath, (for they have become priests without an oath, but He with an oath by Him who said to Him: 

“The Lord has sworn and will not relent.
‘You are a priest forever,
according to the order of Melchizedek’”),

by so much more, Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant. Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. But He because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.”

Hebrews 7:20-28 NKJV

“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 42:11

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

“…Christ in you, the hope of glory.” from Colossians 1:27

Recommended:
“The Name of Jesus” book by Kenneth E. Hagin
under Bookstore at: http://www.rhema.org

Raise your thoughts high, praising the Most High

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“I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.” Psalm 7:17

“For the Lord Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth.” Psalm 47:2

“Offer to God thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High.” Psalm 50:14

_________________________

…I’ll admit, this poetry was written after I’d shed some tears over a situation. I felt the Lord said to me…

“After you cry enough, 

ask yourself if you’ve been thinking high enough….”

_________________________

Start thinking high, and glorify…the God of the universe–“the Most High!” 

Glorify Jesus, His Son, who arose, triumphing over all of God’s foes.

Realize, those who are with you are more than those who oppose.

_________________________

By the power of the Holy Spirit…not an audible voice–yet we can hear it,

keep thinking high…and glorify…our God who reigns from very high…

far above the visibly seen sky.

P. A. Oltrogge

“The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, than the mighty waves of the sea.” Psalm 93:4

“O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens.” Psalm 8:1 NLT

“The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; Let the many islands and coastlands be glad.” Psalm 97:1 AMP

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

“So he answered, ‘Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, and said, ‘Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” 2 Kings 6:14-16 

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.  These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand, in the heavenly places, FAR ABOVE all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come.  And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”  Ephesians 1:18-23 NASB

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus, in order that in the ages to come, He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:4-10 NASB

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4

“His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us.” Acts 17:27 NLT

“Though the Lord is on high, yet He regards the lowly; But the proud He knows from afar.” Psalm 138:6

“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 on him;
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.

“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
And do not return there,
But water the earth,
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:6-11

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!”  from Psalm 107, verses 8, 15, 21, 31

“Then my enemies will be turned back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me.”  Psalm 56:9 Think of that–God, the Most High, is for you!

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

Today, you can be inspired to read an account of terrorist plans thwarted at the home page of the Intercessors for America website and may want to consider ordering their new book on fifty years of answered prayer….

Dutch Sheets reminds today that we need to be firmly anchored in faith in the Lord for these times…

Postscript 2

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Dear Porch of the Lord blog followers. In order to honor the artist, and at his request, I noted his website. However, I’m sorry, there seems to be a problem with the link via my post. If interested to view his site, just entering it on your own via the web should bring you to the site. Thanks for your understanding and patience.

God bless you today….

Why Faith?

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“Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’

“So he said to them, ‘Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.’

“And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, ‘Peace to you!’ Then He said to Thomas, ‘Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.’

“And Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’

“Jesus said to him, ‘Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’” John 20:24-29 NKJV

*******************************************************

Why is faith needed–because, like Thomas, we, too, can sometimes doubt,

so we need to continually go to God’s Word to push wrong thinking out. 

Without faith, it’s impossible to please God–it’s a detriment to us as well. 

How can we doubt God’s integrity, who’s provided heaven and escape from hell? 

The truth about this…is that there’s a deceiver, who actively bombards with lies,

which is the reason God says to be vigilant in keeping His Word before our eyes. 

And words of faith are like a refreshing breeze in the midst of a bad situation. 

“Have faith in God,” Jesus said, which are His words to the people of every nation. 

“For with God, nothing shall be impossible,” is another important Biblical quote. 

We can even “walk on the water,” at His direction, boldly stepping out of the boat. 

Though called “the questioning apostle” or “doubting Thomas,” his doubt didn’t stay. 

He went on to serve in God’s kingdom, leading others to follow Christ and The Way.

So, just like Thomas, we can walk on in faith, despite doubts that have assailed us. 

Fixing our eyes upon Jesus, we’ll be able to say, “God’s Word has never failed us!”

P. A. Oltrogge

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV

The above image of Jesus
used by permission of Bob Berran
at: http://www.bobberran.com
See his Online Store to
purchase reprints of
various sizes.

Thomas’s influence for Christianity has been historically noted in Kerala, India.

For a message on God’s love for all people, see today’s: http://www.givehim15.com

…and visit often: http://www.faithschool.org

A Message from the ACLJ, Jay Sekulow, and a prayer…

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“For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)

The ACLJ is working to raise awareness for the hostages and petition the international community for help to ensure they’re returned home safely. It is for “such a time as this” that your ACLJ has been placed in a unique position with offices in Jerusalem, Europe, and the U.S. to help defend Israel. Please pray for the hostages’ safe return and that Israel will be victorious against Hamas.

Donation site at: http://www.aclj.org

Father,

You’ve seen the brutality of this war begun towards the Jewish people–even infants, children, and the elderly. You also have seen innocent people being harmed in Gaza…and other war zones. We understand the times we’re living in and that the source of evil is the devil, satan.

As written in your Word, you are good to all, and your tender mercies are over all your works.  So, though it seems very difficult in the face of such brutality, we believe for and claim your tender mercies over those taken hostage by demonically-influenced people and your mercies over those who have suffered loss of loved ones and friends.   You are the God of deliverances, so we look to you, Lord, for such.  Help the IDF soldiers–give them courage, wisdom, and strength.  Convict the evildoers….

Thank you for accounts we’ve heard of, of some having received visions/dreams of Jesus, your Son, our Savior….

We pray and thank you for your help in all of this, in His name, Amen

____________________

“The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.” Psalm 145:9 NKJV

“Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God who is our salvation. God is to us a God of deliverances; and to God the Lord belong escapes from death.” Psalm 68:19, 20 NASB

…and one can assist through other ministries previously mentioned on this blog….

From the Father’s Heart

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“Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen”  Hebrews 13:20-21 

My Son watches over your life as the great Shepherd of the sheep. He is with you always, as He is with all of His lambs, even as they sleep.

Some men trust in military might, but I’m the One of whom to boast. I AM the God of the entire universe and am the LORD of hosts.

“I give my angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.” “No plague shall come near your dwelling”–trust this throughout your days.

I hold all things together in your life by the Word of my great power. The name of the Lord is, to you, your strong and dependable tower.

Jesus’ blood cleanses of all sins, and there’s healing through His blood. That which seems to be failing, by My resurrection power, can bud.

God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit–we are three yet one. “In God we Trust” are words to remember as the Christian race is run.

P. A. Oltrogge

“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in times 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 

“…’Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts.” Zechariah 4:5-7 

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10

“Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven
with the saving strength of His right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;
but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. They have bowed down and fallen;
but we have risen and stand upright.” Psalm 20:6-8

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” John 10:11 

“…how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” Acts 10:38

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2

“…knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver and gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” 1 Peter 1:18-19 

“And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.” Romans 8:11 AMP

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:19-20

…and the third paragraph of the above poem references Psalm 91

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

On healing: www.rhema.org offers the book, “Bodily Healing and the Atonement,” by Dr. T. J. McCrossan, reedited and reprinted by Rev. Kenneth E. Hagin and Dr. Roy Hicks. Refer also to messages on healing at other ministry sites previously mentioned on this blog.

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

“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed;
Save me, and I shall be saved,
For You are my praise.” Jeremiah 17:14

“…who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:24-25

Revelation’s Ride of the King

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The following poetic thoughts were patterned after an old, historic poem. Though this Porch poem was written a number of years ago, it is more relevant with each passing day…

Listen, my children, and you shall hear
of the soon return of the King we revere.
In this present year with which we strive,
not a person is now alive
who knows the exact year, day, or hour, but it’s near.

Jesus clearly said that as the signs appear
on the world stage in obvious sight,
we should have our lamps lit with plenty of oil,
as if on a church tower as a signal light–
both to guide others and serve as our key
when He on the opposite shore will be.

Ready to ride, but first keep us from harm,
He will catch away His children through city and farm–
yes, those with His Word, who’ve been up and “armed.”
When Jesus descends from Heaven with a shout,
there will be no more time for those who claim doubt.

The dead in Christ will be raised up first.
Then believers still alive will leave the earth
to meet the Lord with them in the air,
while others will be left in the tribulation’s snare.

Some misunderstand and say, “None will be left out,”
but that thought is simply a satanic route
to keep you from seeing that God’s beautiful plan
of salvation was meant for each woman and man.

He lovingly yearns for you to come home–
don’t be like the prodigal son who would roam.
For, as in the garden of Eden, the voice
of Satan tells you to make your own choice:
“Surely, God didn’t say Christ was THE WAY–
There are many paths to God—think of Him another day.”

But if this life’s pursuits are all you’ve perceived,
You’ll find, in the end, that you’ve been deceived.
It’s a deceptive lie if you think this is all,
when God’s given each one of us a much higher call–
to love Him and others–then join Christ one day,
bringing all whom we can for an eternal stay.

To put faith in so-called prophets of merit
or even in good things you’ve done,
won’t gain you the heaven you hope to inherit–
since THE DOOR is the sinless Christ, God’s Son.

His blood sacrifice made on the cross
is the only assurance against heaven’s loss.
There won’t be a Messiah by any other name,
but Jesus Christ of world-renowned fame.
You’re sure of these things, you ask, by what right?
It’s all found in the Bible, which gives us the light.

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good,
offering adoption as His children and true brotherhood.
Blessed beyond measure you’ll surely be
both now and for eternity.

So receive the Lord–it’s simple to pray.
Repent of your sins and turn to Christ’s way.
For as in the time of Noah, it’s now–
what God says is wrong, we must disavow.

The days will get darker in this world of sin;
but Christ is the “Ark,” and He’s urging us to come in.
Things are happening fast upon the world’s scene—
it’s time to embrace what God really did mean.

A hurry of hoofs from a heavenly street,
and the fate of all souls will then be complete.
Revelation tells us that Christ will appear
on a white horse to reign down here,
with a shout of victory and not of fear–
a voice piercing this world’s darkness,
the voice of Him Who is “the Way” and “the Door.”
His Word shall echo forevermore!

For, borne on the night-wind of the past,
through all earth’s history, to the last,
in the hour of darkness and peril and need,
the people who know Him and have listened to hear
for the hurrying hoof-beats of that steed,
heed the end-time message of the King we revere!

P. A. Oltrogge

“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve, as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, and remain until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

“And I saw heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True; and in righteousness He judges and wages war. And His eyes are a flame of fire, and upon His head are many diadems; and He has a name written upon Him which no one knows except Himself. And He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood; and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. And from His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may smite the nations; and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written. ‘KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.’” Revelation 19:11-16

“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

“Jesus therefore said to them again, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door, if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.’” John 10:7-9

“But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:8-9

…for detailed and insightful resources: http://www.davidjeremiah.org  

And more at: http://www.davidjeremiah.blog

For faith in these times, visit: http://www.faithschool.org
Faith School, “By Faith, Noah”
(Week 13)

“Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps lit.

You, too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect.” Luke 12:35,40

Passing on this message from Jerusalem Prayer Team

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…as of October 18

I am in Israel, a nation at war. Everywhere I go, I can feel the tension in the air. The warning sirens are not just going off in the south. Even Jerusalem is being threatened. And Hezbollah in the north is continuing to ramp up their attacks. These are prophetic days, and I’m asking you to join hands with us to fulfill the mission God has given us to bless and defend His Chosen People. We need to raise $250,000 to continue our outreach to the families of victims and the survivors of these attacks. So far 1,034 friends have given $146,748, which means we still need to raise $103,252. Will you help with your best gift today? 

To donate, go to http://www.jerusalemprayerteam.org

What I have seen over the past few days is heartbreaking beyond belief. The people of Israel are struggling to deal with this shocking assault. There are physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wounds from these attacks, and someone needs to step up and make a difference for the survivors. That’s why we have our Rapid Response Team in place on the ground in Israel…and because we do have that team, we can start helping right away. 

The Rapid Response Team reaches out to Israeli families who have suffered terrorist attacks. We provide immediate humanitarian support and help with the expenses that are often so great. We host events at FOZ to honor the victims and survivors and let them know they are not alone. And we tell the truth about what is happening that the liberal media wants to ignore. Your generous gift today will bless the lives of those who are suffering so greatly right now and be an unmistakable witness of Christian love in action.

Your support of the Jerusalem Prayer Team today allows us to purchase food, medicine, clothing, and other necessities of life for the poor Holocaust survivors, as well as to continue to operate the Friends of Zion Museum, to stand up and speak out for Israel, and to meet urgent humanitarian needs among the poor Jewish people in Israel and Ukraine. Thank you so much for being part of this vital worldwide prayer movement. 

Your ambassador to Jerusalem,

Michael David Evans

Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem
A Song of Ascents, of David

I was glad when they said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
Our feet are standing
Within your gates, O Jerusalem,
Jerusalem, that is built
As a city that is compact together;
To which the tribes go up, even the tribes of the Lord–
An ordinance for Israel–
To give thanks to the name of the Lord.
For there thrones were set for judgment,…
The thrones of the house of David.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
“May they prosper who love you.
“May peace be within your walls,
And prosperity within your palaces.”
For the sake of my brothers and my friends,
I will now say, “May peace be within you.”
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God
I will seek your good.

Psalm 122 NASB

Blessed be the Lord from Zion,
Who dwells in Jerusalem.
Praise the Lord!

Psalm 135:21 NASB