At Pentecost, your Spirit came, with the sound of a rushing mighty wind. The Comforter comes to believers yet today, a promise you’ll never rescind.
Often, your presence is apparent through a reassuring, inner voice. When problems threaten to overwhelm, you encourage us still to rejoice.
You’re blessed by the praises of your people…bless the Lord, oh my soul. I’m thankful you’ve said that on you, dear Lord, all of my cares, I can roll.
It’s good to abide in your presence, for there’s fullness of joy therein. Thank you for provision and healing, as well as for forgiving our sin.
We praise you for your creative ability, for the beauty of bird and flower, the mountains and other majestic things that speak to us of your power.
We’re so blessed you desire to visit with us, as you did first with Adam and Eve. All that you require of us to meet with you, Father, is to believe in your Son and receive.
P. A. Oltrogge
“‘Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him, the Father, God, has set His seal.’ Therefore they said to Him, ‘What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?’ Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.’” John 6:27-29 NASB
“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.” Words of Jesus in John 14:16-17 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
“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:2-4 NKJV
“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 NKJV
After the rain, the sun will come out… Of the Lord’s faithfulness, we must not doubt.
Rain is most often a life-giving thing… May the “rains” of life be faith-strengthening.
P. A. Oltrogge
“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.”
“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
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from the hand of the enemy….” Psalm 107:1-2
“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” Psalm 107:8-9
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” James 1:2-3 NASB
“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart….” Luke 18:1
Jesus said: “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.” …from Matthew 7:24-29
What do you think drove me from heaven above down to this earth? It was the depth of my love. Betrayed by a kiss, a symbol of such– yet what drove me on was that I loved you so much. When they led me away and gave me a shove, what kept me going was the depth of my love. They gave me a trial, but it was not just– bitter to go through, but my heart said, “I must.” A crown of thorns pushed down with a glove, it bruised my head to show the depth of my love. The whipping I took for sin in your place, I found strength to take because I saw your face. I’ve loved you, I’ve called you–you are my dove, for whom I laid down my life with the depth of my love. The weight of the cross became hard to bear– I staggered but made it to Calvary there. On those merciless beams, my hands and feet were nailed down. Next, I was put on display to be mocked throughout town. Then came the time of greatest agony and despair, when I felt forsaken but still kept my care for all of mankind and, yes, just for you. For your welfare and soul, I had made it through. So what kept me going when push came to shove? From your “down to earth” God, it was the depth of my love. Though your sins be as scarlet, they’ll be white as snow. They’re forgiven and forgotten and now you can grow in the knowledge and wisdom that comes from above, and my Word will remind you of the depth of my love.
P. A. Oltrogge
“’Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the Lord, ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.’” Isaiah 1:18
“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 3:16-17
“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. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. 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.” John 10:14-18
“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 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.” John 15:9-10
“For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:12-13
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:14-19 NASB/95
“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
“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
Scriptures: NKJV or as noted
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Jesus knew the purpose of His going to the cross, yet being a Man, I think He did feel great sorrow after all of His suffering, when He cried out the words in the following:
Now when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
Some of those who stood by, when they heard that, said, “Look, He is calling for Elijah!”Then someone ran and filled a sponge full of sour wine, put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink, saying, “Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to take Him down.”
And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last.
Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!” Mark 15:33-39
…Because of all that Jesus did, God and His love will never leave or forsake those who believe in His Son…
…the poetry was written some years ago and are just my thoughts on what our loving Lord might say…God bless you today…
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
Last week was a good week, and I am so thankful to God for continuing to miraculously provide for our friends and pour out His love! Two people were able to get off the streets into permanent housing after living outside for years, and all I can say is take everything to God even when it looks like doors are closed because God is able to open those doors!! We pray and God answers our prayers, and thank you to everyone for your donations to make this possible!
‘E’ is off the streets as of last Tuesday!
“E” is one of the sweetest and kindest people at Tim’s House (always helping with set up and clean up without being asked) and had been living outside for years and mostly sleeping on the el. He has been working odd jobs, seasonal jobs, and even walking dogs, to help to survive but could not ever make enough to also pay rent. He does not receive any type of Social Security disability check, but somehow has survived in this lifestyle and never complained although always looked so tired from not sleeping. Last Tuesday was the beginning of a new life for him because he moved into his own room at the YMCA and is so happy about finally having stability so that he can look for permanent work. Woohoo!!! God is so good that yet another person was able to get into the YMCA and it could only be the favor of God to open this door for yet another one of our friends! He told me on Friday that it was so nice to have a good night’s sleep and appreciated how warm his room was. He is such a thoughtful person and didn’t want to accept our typical ‘Housewarming’ gift (comforter, sheets, pillows, etc.) and said, “That’s okay, please give it to someone who needs it more than me.” He also said, “It is so nice and warm in my room so I won’t be needing a blanket or comforter.” We did get him his ‘housewarming package’ anyway and he expressed so much gratitude but still said, “please give it to someone else who needs it more than me!” But, we insisted.
MATT MOVED INTO PERMANENT HOUSING LAST FRIDAY AFTER 15 YEARS OF BEING ON THE STREETS.
Matt is a disabled man in his 50’s who has been living outside in a tent for 15 years on and off, spending a few years either in the hospital or in a nursing home. He suffered from very serious health problems when my friend Ann found him in bad shape; and thanks to your donations, we were able to get him into a motel with the goal of hopefully getting him healthy until he could get into subsidized housing, but did not know how long the wait would be.
Matt was able to financially help with the monthly rent for the hotel room with part of his disability check, but could not afford to do this on his own and needed financial help to pay the hotel rent. Once he was living inside the hotel room, Ann was able to get him needed medical appointments and help him with the right kinds of food and medicine! He completed a housing application 5 months ago for subsidized housing, and we prayed that God would open this door. His legs had been severely swollen and his mind was not clear because of the years of living outside, but God is so good because after just a short time of living inside in a hotel room, his health began to improve. God answered our prayers because a beautiful subsidized apartment that also has a social worker in the building opened up; and after just a 5-month wait, Matt was able to move into his first apartment last Friday!!!. He will be able to pay his rent independently from his Social Security disability check because it is 1/3 of his income, but we were able to help him with the Security deposit which would have been an obstacle for him. Thank you for making this possible. Matt is so grateful and so happy and feeling so much better physically and mentally and said, “I’m human again. I didn’t feel human when I was on the streets!”
Thanks to all of your donations, we were able to purchase the blankets, sheets, and towels for him, as well as help to support him; and thank you again from the bottom of my heart. This man’s life was truly saved and it is a picture of a miracle of God; and very grateful to my friend Ann who walked with Matt step by step…and he is now independently living like a human being.
Pictured below are my sweet friends who cook and help every Friday in the kitchen. They have added pancakes and bacon to the already delicious menu of eggs, hash browns, sausage, and lots of sweet rolls and bagels. To see the smiles on everyone’s faces as they walk through our doors with the aroma of home cooking, is so beautiful and as someone said, “This is the best breakfast in Chicago!”
…and from another report:
PEOPLE ARE INSIDE MOTEL ROOMS DURING THIS BITTER COLD IN CHICAGO
Thanks to the goodness of God through your generous donations, we have continued to place people in a motel as temporary emergency housing during the bitter cold, and some are inside as I write this e-mail. I know it’s God that we have a great relationship with the manager of a Motel and all I have to do is text him and then send people over with a check. Someone who is new to Timothy’s Ministry and just joined us at Tim’s House (along with 2 others) last week, shared on Friday after lunch as he asked for prayer saying that his feet were swollen inside of his boots because he was sleeping on the train at night and unable to lay horizontally. When I asked him if he would like us to get him a motel room he said, ‘Oh no, that is way too expensive, I don’t expect that at all.” I shared that “This is what God has led us to do and it’s all from God because He is our Great Provider!” Then he began to cry, saying, “a shower and a bed and being able to elevate my feet would be a Godsend.” He called this morning to express his gratitude saying, “I just want to thank you for this warm room, and I was able to elevate my feet and take showers and get such good sleep; and my feet aren’t swollen any more and feel so good.”
We are working continuously while praying and asking God to open doors in getting people permanent housing such as a subsidized apartment or a permanent room at the YMCA, and another person will be moving in this week! Even though more new people continue to join us at Tim’s House, we have God on our side. Thank you so much!!!
(Marian also shared about helping one person with pain who has been needing hip surgery. One hip surgery has already been done.)
We praise You, Lord Jesus, and push away any gloom, for You are the Victorious One who was raised from the tomb.
You give hope that’s not wishful thinking but is joyful expectation. We’re more than conquerors always because of Your dedication.
You’re seated at the Father’s right hand—the place that was due…to the One who was so obedient to Him—He calls You Faithful and True.
We’re “above” any circumstances, not “under,” because Your power–and the name of the Lord Jesus is our shelter and strong tower.
P. A. Oltrogge
“But God, who is 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, so that in the ages to come, He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:4-7
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ….” 1 Peter 1:3 (NIV)
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” Romans 8:31-34
“But in all these things, we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
“…so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant. And the former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers, because they were prevented by death from continuing. But He, on the other hand, because He abides forever, holds His priesthood permanently. Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:22-25
“…we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a minister in the sanctuary and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man.” Hebrews 8:1
“But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises.” Hebrews 8:6
“(The Coming of Christ) And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war.” Revelation 19:11
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” 1 John 5:14-15 (NKJV)
Scriptures NASB, NASB/Ryrie, or as noted
…according to the Word in Romans and Hebrews, above, you don’t face any trial alone…Jesus is interceding for you at the Father’s throne…
But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27
Does this world seem like a desert–parched and offering little shade? Thank God, we have an oasis, when our minds on Christ are stayed.
It’s there, we find “living water,” through God’s Holy Spirit and His Word. Why struggle, as if in a desert, when the “rain” of God has occurred?
It’s said that very little water can cause desert seeds to flourish. Likewise, you can be revived–just one word from God can nourish.
Troubles can bombard our minds through circumstances or daily news, so turn to the life-giving Word of God, the blessed oasis that’s yours to use.
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
“Jesus answered and said to her, ‘If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.’” John 4:10 NASB
“Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.” Psalm 119:50 NLT
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105NKJV
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NKJV
“Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not with corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever…. 1 Peter 1:22-23 NKJV
“But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.’” Mark 10:27
“For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, nowis the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2
…by Anne Cook, Guest Contributor
My Jesus is a door, a gate for sheep With trumpet blast that leads to pastures green His call, to climb up, though the way is steep To leave behind my life as it has been
The narrow way is open but can’t wait God’s invitation will not always last I might hope for some more convenient date And find it shut and that my time has passed
But lost and lonely, I look for a home For freedom, love, and a soft place to sleep Once found by Him, I never need to roam From verdant fields and shelter that will keep
His grace is ever searching for my soul As I walk in, His promise makes me whole
Anne Cook
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open for us,’ and He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know you, where you are from…’” Luke 13:24-25
“Then Jesus said to them again, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.’” John 10:7-10
“For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.” Hebrews 12:17
“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.” Revelation 3:8
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20
“After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, ‘Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.’” Revelation 4:1
Scriptures: NKJV
Also by Anne: (written during/about Advent…)
In John 10:9, Jesus reminds us that He came to earth as the door, the entrance to peace with God. Advent in the early church, where the Nativity was a recent event, focused on the Second Coming of Christ. In later years, both the Second Coming and the Nativity were celebrated in Advent; but in current times, Advent is more a remembrance and celebration of the Nativity. The Church fathers, however, remind us not to forget the Second Coming during Advent…and, of course, beyond.
The very hairs of your head are numbered– Jesus shared that thought so you wouldn’t be encumbered with worries and cares that should be laid at His feet, for God knows the best way to make all lives complete. He satisfies the desire of all living things by opening His hand, and with it He brings bountiful blessings beyond what’s desired, for He loves to give even more than the required. To avoid any pitfalls, you need to become sharpened by going to God’s Word daily, therein to hearken. And don’t think, in any instance, His direction will cease– just go by what lines up with His Word and gives peace. For Jesus is the Good Shepherd; He won’t let you down. He has much for you here and then, one day, a crown.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7
“Thou dost open Thy hand, and dost satisfy the desire of every living thing.” Psalm 145:16 KJV
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” …words of the Lord Jesus in John 10:27-28
“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
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 KJV
“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 understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
“But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:11-12
“For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
“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 3:14-21
“…Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.’ Revelation 2:10
“So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” words of the Lord from Matthew 6
…below, one of God’s beautifully-crowned flowers….
“But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.’” Mark 10:27
A sail ship of today… Photo by Porch of the Lord
“Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, ‘Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.’ But Simon answered and said to Him, ‘Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.’ And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.” Luke 5:3-7 NKJV
“JESUS IS MY HEALER”–four words that please the Lord; “Jesus is my healer” shows Him my faith’s “on board.”
“JESUS IS MY PROTECTOR,” against life’s waves and winds. “JESUS IS MY REDEEMER,” Who’s forgiven all my sins.
“JESUS IS MY PROVIDER”–At His word, I let down my “nets;” With each provision, Jesus reminds that I’m one whom He never forgets.
“JESUS IS MY ENCOURAGER,” against fear, unbelief, or doubt; As in Peter’s walk on the water, I can trust the Lord’s hand will be out.
“JESUS IS MY EXAMPLE OF LOVE”–His love fills my heart’s sails, So I may serve others, as He has said, showing that “Love never fails.”
“JESUS IS MY PEACE AND JOY”–His joy has become my strength. “JESUS IS MY SHEPHERD,” guiding throughout my life’s length.
Or I might call him MY CAPTAIN, on watch for any rocky shoal; And Jesus is the STRONG ANCHOR of my very soul.
“JESUS IS MY TEACHER;” May I strive to follow in His steps– To rescue those whose lives have sunk, even to the depths.
For there isn’t anybody, who’s not welcome to come aboard; Take Christ as Savior and join the crew of the SAIL SHIP OF THE LORD.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Bless the Lord, oh my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from the pit; Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.” Psalm 103:1-5
And JESUS IS MY ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST:
“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 6:18-20 NLT
When I remember Thee on my bed, I meditate on Thee in the night watches, for Thou hast been my help, and in the shadow of Thy wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to Thee; Thy right hand upholds me.” Psalm 63:6-8
“My eyes anticipate the night watches, that I may meditate on Thy word.” Psalm 119:148
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You can’t worry and truly worship at the same time. Cast your cares upon Jesus and make worship prime.
Take the “ry” off of worry and add “ship” instead. Worship Jesus, who knows the way through all that’s ahead.
The Porch of the Lord 