Tag Archives: Christianity

You Must See Victory

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Keep your eyes upon the victory, though the miracle shore seems far. That’s what you need to do when you’re at “where you are.”

Don’t let your eye of faith become for you, instead, an eye of fear. Nearby winds and waves distract–especially when victory is near.

A double-minded person is, himself, like a wave of the sea–driven and tossed by the wind, giving attention to adversity.

So focus on the victory “lighthouse” that’s beaming out for you. Give it greatly your attention, and the Lord will see you through.

That lighthouse, you recognize, is God’s unfailing Word. It’s the light unto your pathway, and on which you’ve believed after having heard.

P. A. Oltrogge

Photo by Porch of the Lord

Photo by Porch of the Lord

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” Hebrews 11:1-2 NIV

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17 NKJV

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” James 1:2-8 NKJV

“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 NKJV

“Your Word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 NLT

After reading the above poem, you will not want to be lost at sea, so to speak, in situations of life, but you may be encouraged by reviewing the true account, “Lost at Sea” in the archives of this blog–a story in which the speaker found herself with very little hope but for God’s intervention.

God’s Glory and Voice

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Photo by Porch of the Lord

Photo by Porch of the Lord

“The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.” Psalm 19:1 NKJV

“The voice of the Lord is over the waters; The God of glory thunders; The Lord is over many waters.” Psalm 29:3 NKJV

“Now when He (Jesus) got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We are perishing!'”

“But He said to them, ‘Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?’ Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. So the men marveled, saying, ‘Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?'” Matthew 8:23-27 NKJV

“Jesus shouted to the crowds, ‘If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me.'” John 12:44-45 NLT

Just say “No!”

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I woke up this morning with an adverse thought
on something bad that could happen, if that thought could be “bought.”

I recognized it was from the devil, who always spreads fear,
so I boldly said, “No!” for him to clearly hear.

It was the “father of lies” versus the Greater One within.
Using my God-given authority, the devil cannot win.

I’ll stand firm in God’s promises, whatever the case,
always praising the Lord and giving the devil no place.

If negatives seem to persist, I’ll again say, “No!”
Then…”Yes, God, let Your daily, bountiful blessings flow!”

An authoritative “No!” wields power in the spiritual realm,
for it says, “Yes!” to God, keeping Him “at the helm.”

P. A. Oltrogge

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 NKJV

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 NKJV

“Jesus said to them, ‘If God was your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. You are of your father, the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.'” John 8:42-47 NKJV

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Words of Jesus in John 10:10 NASB

“”Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Words of Jesus in Luke 10:19 NKJV

“Be angry (at sin–at immorality, at injustice, at ungodly behavior), yet do not sin; do not let your anger (cause you shame, nor allow it to) last until the sun goes down. And do not give the devil an opportunity (to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness.)” Ephesians 4:26-27 AMP

“Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, The God of our salvation! Selah”. Psalm 68:19 NKJV

“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 NASB

“Surely goodness and loving kindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6 NASB

You may like to do an internet search for the Christian song, “I’m Trading my Sorrows,” which I was reminded of after writing the above poetry. It is a song which includes a great refrain on saying “Yes!” to God!

Psalm 150 NKJV Let All Things Praise the Lord

Praise the Lord!

Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty firmament!

Praise Him for His mighty acts;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!

Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet;
Praise Him with the lute and harp!
Praise Him with the timbrel and dance;
Praise Him with the stringed instruments and flutes!
Praise Him with the loud cymbals;
Praise Him with the clashing cymbals!

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord!

For your interest/inspiration–an account of victory:

Something Extra!

A Blessed, Merry Christmas to You!

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Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ!  And, after His death on a cross for us, He stiill lives today after a glorious resurrection, and desires for all to receive Him as their Savior and Redeemer… Glory to God in the highest!

“The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” Psalm 119:130 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

Photo by Porch of the Lord

Photo by Porch of the Lord

On an Evening Walk Outside of Bethlehem

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I was taking an evening walk, when I saw some shepherds in a field.
Then I saw a light surround them–they trembled, their fear revealed.
The light grew brighter, and it became an even more glorious light.
Then I realized that we were all seeing an angel on that night

He came and stood before the shepherds–I was able to hear him some…
something about there being good news and that a Savior had come.
Next, to my absolute amazement, suddenly the night sky was filled
with what looked like an army of angels–a scene with which I was thrilled!

They shared a message of peace on earth, with their voices raised,
proclaiming now good will toward men and that God be praised!
They greatly were rejoicing, but then suddenly disappeared from sight–
Later, in town, the shepherds confirmed to me all that I’d seen that night.

They said they’d gone on, as well, to locate the One of whom they were told…
just a newborn baby in a manger, but the divine Child for them to behold!

P.A. Oltrogge

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying. ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'” Luke 2:13-14 KJV

“Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others–the armies of heaven–praising God and saying ‘Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.'” Luke 2:13-14 NLT

The Innkeeper

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“And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.  This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.  So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.” Luke 2:1-5 NKJV
——————————–

A couple stopped at our Bethlehem inn, having come from quite a distance away. But due to the census, I had no rooms left at all in which any more people could stay.

The husband declared that his wife was ready, at any moment, to give birth. So I thought of the stable to offer them, hoping it might be of, at least, some worth.

There just was something about them, and my wife had sensed it, too. But because of the incoming crowds that day, there was nothing else we could do.

My wife took over some swaddling cloths and things she’d kept for a baby’s birth. She overheard the soon-to-be parents speak of their expected child’s great worth.

Later, in the inn, we thought that we heard the sound of a baby’s cry… That evening, we saw a group of shepherds there, who, for some reason, had stopped by.

We finally got some rest for the night–the inn was full with those who’d traveled far; and I turned and looked out the window, where I saw the most brilliant star….

It’s said you can entertain angels, without being fully aware… So I wondered if Someone greater than angels was connected with that special couple there.

P. A. Oltrogge

“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”  Luke 2:7 NKJV

Photo by Porch of the Lord

Photo by Porch of the Lord

The Nativity, God’s Prime “Ornament”

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Photo by Porch of the Lord

Photo by Porch of the Lord

Old, familiar ornaments for our evergreen…and bright, new ornaments we’ve not yet seen–we bring these out before our Christmas tree.  But we’re looking, especially, for the blessed Nativity.

Oh, what a wonderful true story of joy–to know all about Jesus, that heaven-sent boy.  Shepherds of the field, wise men from afar–are part of the Nativity set, and the star.

Mary and Joseph and the baby on the hay–even the animals were “in on” Christmas Day.  Surely, the human heart was meant to receive…the message of Christ’s birth.  It’s so good to believe!

As for the children, each has such a tender heart.  “Let them come” to Jesus before they depart, to one day leave your home to work or study in a distant place.  Then they’ll know the real meaning of Christmas and God’s amazing grace.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them.  But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.  Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.'”  Mark 10:13-15 NKJV

Come, as a little child, to our Savior

“…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.” (From the account of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2)

A Message and Prayer from a Shepherd in the Field

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I was out in the field with the other shepherds on what seemed like an ordinary night, when we suddenly were surrounded–by an extraordinary, glorious light.

I would never have thought to see an angel, but that’s what I saw appear.  He began to give us a message, saying, first, there was nothing to fear.

He continued, speaking of good tidings of great joy, for all people of the earth–for that day, in the city of David, had been Christ the Lord, the Savior’s birth.

Then the angel spoke of a sign, which would help us to locate this wonder.  He’d be wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger–then I heard what seemed like some thunder.

It turned out to be the sound of many angels–not just a few, but a multitude! They were praising God with great rejoicing, creating a festive mood.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men!”  These were the words they left us with, so we went on to Bethlehem then.

We were eager to follow the heavenly directive given to us that night; and just as the angel had specified, we found the Baby in a manger–God’s “Light.”

We stood in adoration of the Christ child, knowing His destiny was divine…and that He had been born to be our Savior–I knew then also that He was mine.

We thanked Mary and Joseph for this moment, having told them of the visitation in the field…then went on to make known to others the good news, that, to us, had been revealed.

What an amazing night I had experienced–the Lord visiting me in such a way!  And may people of all future generations, receive this heralded Savior, I pray.

P. A. Oltrogge

(from the account in Luke 2)

“I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.”    John 12:46 NKJV

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.”  Isaiah 9:2 NKJV

What Has Been Purchased For Us

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I’m surrounded by angels and loved by my Father God.  He’s given me a Good Shepherd who guides me with staff and rod.

His sure Word and blood covenant keep me from destruction.  I listen for the Holy Spirit’s voice and heed every instruction.

The blood of Jesus is my defense to keep plagues and trouble out, and I refuse any worries and refute any doubt.

As Jesus is in this world, so then also are we.  The Greater One is within–we can command demons to flee.

“But it can’t be that simple,” may be your thought.  Just realize the truths that Jesus spoke of and what He bought.

So great a salvation and redemption is ours– We’re seated in the heavenly places amidst God’s highest powers.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”  1 John 4:4 KJV

“Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.”  1 John 4:17 KJV

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

“He sent His Word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”  Psalm 107:20 NKJV

“No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent.  For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.”  Psalm 91:10-11 NASB

“…to shepherd the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.”  (from Acts 20:28) 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.” Ephesians 2:4-7 NASB

Believe you receive all that God has for you….

“Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.”  Mark 11:24 NASB

Helpful sites: http://www.awmi.net, http://www.kcm.org and see http://www.billyebrim.org for “The Authority of the Believer and How to Use It” Booklet

 

With Thanksgiving to our God

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Photo by Avia Venefica

Photo by Avia Venefica

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”  James 1:17 (NKJV)

“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.”  John 3:16 (NKJV)

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”   John 1:12 (KJV)

“Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God….” 1 John 3:1 (KJV)