.…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…
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 everlastinglife, and shall not come into judgment, but has passedfromdeathinto life.” John 5:24
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “Iamthelightoftheworld. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have thelightoflife.” 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
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 delicate beauty of this Queen Anne’s Lace was designed by the Lord, who gives amazing grace… Those who make Jesus their Lord, gain the gift of salvation; and angels are assigned to minister to them in every nation.
When Joseph, betrothed to the virgin Mary, learned that she was pregnant, a situation troubling for him to understand,
an angel in a dream revealed to him that the child had been conceived by the Holy Spirit, for the Savior’s birth, which God had planned.
At Jesus’ birth, in Bethlehem, then, the skies were filled with rejoicing angels of great number,
appearing to shepherds, keeping watch over their flock, amid people’s nighttime slumber.
Again, in a dream, an angel spoke to Joseph, to flee to Egypt to escape Herod’s attack,
until he would tell him, at a later time, when and where it would be safe for them to come back.
As an adult, and after His baptism by John, Jesus experienced a time of temptation.
He fasted in the wilderness and withstood the devil’s taunts. Then angels ministered to Him after its duration.
Much later, at prayer in Gethsemane’s garden, Jesus began to feel very great distress
about fulfilling His Father’s will at the cross. So His Father sent an angel there to bless,
strengthen, and comfort Him…as the time for His trial and crucifixion had begun to loom.
Perhaps the angel reminded Jesus that He would be raised up—in victory over the tomb.
Scripture states that Jesus endured the cross because, ahead, He could see the joy—
He would be loved as our Redeemer…from the devil’s works, which He had come to destroy.
Upon His resurrection, heaven sent angels to greet early mourners at the tomb’s site,
to tell them that Jesus had been raised from the dead, dispelling any sorrow they’d had or fright.
Then, we read in Acts, of when Simon Peter, the Lord’s disciple, had been wrongfully jailed,
that God sent an angel to work a jailbreak, proving that Peter’s brethren’s prayers hadn’t failed.
And the apostle, Paul, was on a ship to Rome, sailing in a turbulent storm at sea—
when an angel appeared to him with a message, that no loss of life would there be.
Angels are noted throughout scripture. They minister to the heirs of salvation.
As believers, we are recipients of their aid, and they serve throughout every nation.
I thank the Lord for their service, for their presence as we walk life’s many trails.
I can think of times past when I sensed their protection. Through faith, prayer, and their help, God’s Kingdom never fails.
P. A. Oltrogge
References: Matthew 1:18-24; Matthew 2; Luke 2:1-20; Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:9-12; Luke 22:41-44; Hebrews 12:2; 1 John 3:8; Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:11-13; Acts 12; Acts 27:23-25; Hebrews 1:13-14
“I sought the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears… The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.” Psalm 34:4, 7 NKJV
“Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.” Psalm 103:20 KJV
“Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty, Who cover yourself with light as with a garment, Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain. He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters, Who makes the clouds His chariot, Who walks on the wings of the wind, Who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flame of fire.” Psalm 104:1-4 NKJV
“Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ, the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.’” Luke 2:10-12 NKJV
“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.” Matthew 18:10-11 NKJV
“…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 12:2 NKJV
”He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8 NKJV
“Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” Hebrews 1:13-14 NKJV
“For He shall give His angels charge over you , to keep you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11 NKJV
“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts! Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all you stars of light!” Psalm 148:1-3 NKJV
_________________________
Please visit today’s message regarding the angels at: www.givehim15.com
Another encouraging devotional message today is at: www.josephprince.org
The Lord’s great heart of compassion is at work always–at times, behind the scenes.
He answers prayer for salvation, guidance, protection, healing, and provision well beyond our means.
Let’s not limit Him by doubting that He can do more than we could ever ask or think.
Jesus came to establish the new covenant. Now, through Him, we have that blessed link.
“The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works,” the Bible’s stated.
God’s desire is to love, through His Son, to even greater measure, every person He’s created.
“If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, you shall be free indeed,” Jesus said, all because of that compassionate heart.
When you take Jesus as Savior, you can forget the past, knowing God’s given to you a fresh start.
Even if there are times when you don’t recognize that He’s working in your life right then,
He encourages you to always keep the faith. He’ll bring things to pass, though you may not know when.
Jesus told us of God as His heavenly Father. Those in Christ are children of God. Therefore…
as part of His beloved family, we can expect all of the good things that He has in store.
P. A. Oltrogge
And likewise, we want to extend loving compassion to others, through caring prayer and action…
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 NKJV
“…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 3:19-21 NKJV
“The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.” Psalm 145:9 NKJV
“In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’” 1 Corinthians 11:25
“…to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.” Hebrews 12:24 NKJV
“If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36 KJV
“But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” Psalm 86:15 KJV
“Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” Psalm 62:8 NASB
“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference.” Jude 21-22 KJV
Psalm 78:38; 111:4; 145:8; Matthew 9:36; 14:14; 15:32; Mark 1:41; 5:19; 6:34; 8:2; Luke 10:33; 15:20; John 3:16; 1 John 3:17
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105…the Holy Bible, the best of all books!
_________________________
Recently one morning, in opening a can of coffee, its grounds wafted a pleasant scent, which made me think of all the good things that, to us on earth, our God has sent.
There are various types of teas and great varieties of healthful vegetables and of fruit…and many other foods of which to partake, that to each person’s taste, will suit.
Consider the different kinds of apples, yet just one fruit–or even the many grains. Rye, wheat, spelt, oats, barley, quinoa, and more…are grown upon the plains.
God made so much that pleases. People enjoy mountain-skiing and the snow, while others prefer to swim, surf, fish, or boat on the lakes or oceans to which they go.
Speaking of snow, how about the seasons–winter, spring, summer, and fall? Some favor one season over another, while many of us appreciate them all.
Think of the trees, (maples, hickories, oaks, and more), the plants and flowers, the variety of fish to view or catch, and enjoyment of pets in our daily hours.
Most often, we think of dogs and cats; but, of course, there are others on the earth–horses and farm animals abound, and zoos celebrate an endangered species’ birth.
God’s given us birds of great variety…we love to hear their early morning singing. And we’re thankful for the bees and the wonderful honey that they’re still bringing.
How about the divine or natural things He provides for health that give us aid? In God’s Word is “health;” while from herbs or plants, helpful things are made.
It’s hard to end the list–necessary insects, or the beauty of each different gem. Diamonds, emeralds, rubies, garnets, sapphires, and topaz are just some of them.
And, oh, He made great variety in people, who, really, are of the same race…some things make us different, but all ancestry back to Adam/Noah can be traced.
If God so generously stocked this earth with unique and special varieties galore, just think of what His designs must be in His beautiful heaven that are in store!
But there is one thing God hasn’t varied–the way of salvation–only One way will do. The way, the truth, and the life…Jesus, You said no one comes to the Father, but by You…
The Father is offering new birth to all. Through Jesus Christ our lives are blessed. Of all the gifts we’re offered by God…Jesus, His only begotten Son, is His very best!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Jesus said to him, “I am theway, the truth, and the life.Noone comestotheFatherexcept through Me.” John 14:6
“Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.’” John 3:5-8
“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
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
“For bygrace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8
“He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:10-13
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17 KJV
“My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4:20-22
Scriptures: NKJV or as noted
_________________________
One last thought is of variety in music. The Psalms say to praise God with a new song. Varied instruments are used, and the list of hymns of praise has become quite long.
The following is a vital hymn….
My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace; In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.
His oath, His covenant, and blood, Support me in the whelming flood; When every earthly prop gives way, He then is all my Hope and Stay. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.
When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in Him be found; Clothed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne! On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.
Written, 1834 by Edward Mote Composed, 1873 by John Stainer
“…Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of Hosts.” Zechariah 4:6 NKJV
It’s not by might, nor by power, but by the Lord’s Spirit…As a spring shower causes the sprouting of seeds in the earth— so, also, by His Spirit, comes the “new birth.”
We look to you, Lord, for those for whom we pray… It’s by your awakening, that they’ll find the Way. We trust, Lord, for your Spirit to fall afresh… You’ve said you would pour it out upon all flesh.
P. A. Oltrogge
“But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
“And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.” Acts 2:16-18
“Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: ‘Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.’” John 17:1-3
“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” …from Acts 4:8-12, on Jesus Christ of Nazareth
“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your Word is truth.” spoken by Jesus in John 17:17
“Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!”words of Jesus in John 4:35
Dutch Sheets is speaking/writing about the coming year, 2024, this week. If you missed yesterday’s post, a Holy Spirit message, received by his brother, Tim Sheets, it is still available at: www.givehim15.com
The Lord was working out a major plan to set free–the captive Hebrew people of old. There would be ten plagues, so the actions of Moses and Aaron would need to be brave and bold.
When they came before Pharaoh, they had commands from the Lord on what to say or do, to warn him of, or initiate, every plague that his nation was soon to go through.
The ninth plague of darkness was so severe that the Egyptians couldn’t get around. For three days, the darkness was “felt” and thick, in the air and on the ground.
One of Egypt’s chief deities was the sun “god,” so such darkness proved the Lord’s might, to prevail over any of the “gods” of the Egyptians. Only His power could end the dark night.
But the Hebrews were under God’s protection; and, in the midst of that constant night, there was light in Goshen in their dwellings because God was in charge of their fight.
Today, people experience darkness, not of God and not a kind where you can’t visibly see, but darkness in their minds when they’ve not recognized “the door,” through which anyone’s able to go free.
Jesus pointed the way, saying, “If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.” You can experience “Goshen” through God’s Son yet today, and you’ll have all of the light that you’ll need.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, darkness which may even be felt.’ So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. They did not see one another; nor did anyone rise from his place for three days. But all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.” Exodus 10:21-23 NKJV
“If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36 KJV
“Again therefore Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.’” John 8:12 NKJV
“I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly.’” John 10:9-10 NASB
“But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.” 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 NKJV
God chooses the foolish things to confound or shame the wise…yet some “wise men” had the wisdom to follow the Messiah’s star which was seen in the skies.
The ultimate in foolishness came through Adam and Eve’s failure to realize…that they had heaven on earth–but yielded to temptation, which proved to be terribly unwise.
Yet God isn’t any loser and had plans to redeem mankind. The first Adam would be surpassed by Jesus, the last Adam–the great Redeemer God had in mind.
We see in Genesis, God took a foolish act done by Joseph’s brothers…to fulfill Joseph’s great destiny. Through him, God saved the lives of so many others.
David committed adultery and devised other foolish plots regarding another man’s wife; but he repented thoroughly to God for having caused such strife.
It may seem foolish to some, that God’s Son was born and laid in a manger so low…but God knew He would be exalting Jesus as King since He would defeat every foe.
Such a lowly place to be born, for Jesus, was only the humble way that He would begin. One day, He would walk in even further humility to the cross, to redeem and free men from the death penalty for sin.
For Jesus to eat with sinners and tax collectors seemed foolish to some. The pharisees and sadducees didn’t understand His invitation for all to “Come!”
Foolishly, the disciples were concerned a second time when thousands needed to be fed. They’d forgotten the previous miraculous feeding of a multitude with so few fish and loaves of bread.
Peter was willing to do a foolish thing, by man’s way of thinking. He stepped out of a boat to walk on the water to Jesus–perhaps, with certainty, that He would save him from sinking.
Of course, when Jesus had been arrested, Peter was foolish to deny three times the Master. But, when the Lord was resurrected, He forgave him and asked him three times to feed His sheep thereafter.
The Bible declares that the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing…but to us, who are being saved, it is the power of God and that which we’re cherishing.
Jesus warned us to be wise and not be foolish–to have our lamps lit for His return. That is certainly an up-to-date lesson…one He wants all of those who love Him–and those who don’t yet–to learn.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.” …from the parable in Matthew 25:1-13
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us, who are being saved, it is the power of God. For it is written:
‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent, I will frustrate.’
“Where is the wise person? Where is the leader of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified; a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things–and the things that are not–to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God–that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.’” 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 NIV
“But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:20-22
“And so it is written, ‘The first man Adam became a living being.’ The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.” 1 Corinthians 15:45
“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
“Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous actthe free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous. Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:18-21
“In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
“God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
“He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.
“So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.”
John 1:1-14 NLT
Jesus is the very Word of God, giving life to every created thing. The darkness can never extinguish the light of Him of whom we sing.
Conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin, the Word became flesh…to dwell among us, offering salvation, so that every life might begin afresh.
He’s the Light unto our path—the Way, the Truth, and the Life—and the Prince of Peace unto a world that’s been tainted by sin and strife.
His life brought the Light of the World to all—forever Jesus Christ will reign. Because He defeated death, “To me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
P. A. Oltrogge
“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21 NKJV
“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 NKJV
“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 NKJV
“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
“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 lamp stand, 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 NKJV
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 NKJV
“(The Word Becomes Flesh) And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 NKJV
The Porch of the Lord 