Tag Archives: Christianity

In this Lenten Season

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Ruby-Crowned Kinglet on Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge 02

Photo by USFWS Mountain-Prairie

The sweetness of the song of a bird outside that stopped to rest in a tree,
was a little sign of love God brought by my window, sharing His creation with me.

He does send the birds to cheer us…before we start the daily tasks we face,
and every spring breeze or flower that buds reminds us of His grace.

Better than the actions of a loving parent, watching over children on their way, God doesn’t just come alongside us, but lives within us, by His Spirit, each day.

With tenderness and compassion, He answers His children’s every call.
And we answer His call, too, by telling others that Jesus died and rose for us all.

P. A. Oltrogge

“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.” 1 John 4:10

“There was the true light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. 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 those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” John 1:9-12

Choosing the Right Mirror

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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

On a Desert Road

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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

“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

Blueprint Negev trees in the Israeli desert

Photo by David Shankbone

The Love of Your Life

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Photo by Anthony Kelly

Photo by Anthony Kelly

Pre-Valentine’s Day thoughts for those who are married…

Some learn the lesson a little late–
that ways which seem to irritate
can become endearment, as God has planned,
of the one who wears our wedding band.

All it takes is some time alone,
without hearing their voice across the phone.
Day-to-day living without their smile
will make us miss their particular style.

Habits or ideas that seem amiss
don’t matter at all without their kiss.
Arms that enfold us mean so much
on a troubled day, when we need their touch.

A wise thing it is to put conflicts away–
In love, serve one another, and, together, pray.
Thank the good Lord for a love that’s true
and be glad of the moment you said, “I do.”

P. A. Oltrogge

Faith in…God’s Heart of Grace

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White Tulips

Photo by Roman Boed

Sometimes…

It’s nothing but God’s mercy and nothing but His grace
that can take over for my faith, in running the Christian race.
When I’ve exercised my faith, but find there is no trace
of a faith that will endure–then I just need the solid base…
of Christ as my life’s Savior, who’ll extend His hand of grace.

If troubles overwhelm, we need to sense the Lord’s embrace.
So think of “grace” through any circumstance; and in every case,
Christ’s love will lift you from discouragement–there is no disgrace.
Sinking, by fear of wind upon the water, Peter then looked to Jesus’ face.
“Lord, I believe–help my unbelief,” is understood by God’s heart of grace.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.  And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’  And they cried out for fear.  But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer!  It is I; do not be afraid.’  And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’  So he said, ‘Come.’  And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.  But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’  And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’  And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.  Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly You are the Son of God.'”  Matthew 14:25-34 NKJV

…from the account of Jesus healing a boy with a mute spirit:

“…’But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.’  Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’  Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, ‘Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!‘  When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, ‘Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!’  Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him.  And he became as one dead, so that many said, ‘He is dead.’  But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose.” Mark 9:22-24 NKJV

God’s Heart of Compassion

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Gloxinia
Photo by Thomas Au

“Peace be with you.” John 20:21

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…

“…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 NASV

“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

A Star for the Magi, a Star for Us…

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“…they went their way, and lo, the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them, until it came and stood over where the Child was. And when they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.”
Matthew 2:9-11

The Bible relates that some magi sought
A gift so priceless that it couldn’t be bought.
A star was their guide in this long-ago quest;
And it went before them, coming to rest,
Over the place where God decreed it should,
Designating the Christ-child–and there it stood.
It must have been brilliant as it stopped above
To point out the gift of God’s divine love.
They worshiped Jesus there, going inside,
Trusting that the star was their heaven-sent guide.
The Child was the very reason God had brought them to this place,
And they sensed that redemption was theirs to embrace.
A Redeemer God had sent, as had been foretold–
The magi presented gifts–myrrh, frankincense, and gold.
God’s righteousness and holiness would require a sacrifice–
That justice would be met when this Child paid the price.
He would live a perfect life, fulfilling all that’s right
And would urge all to repentance, saying He was the world’s Light.
As an individual, you may think that your life has been good…
But “falling short of God’s glory” needs to be understood.
God sent for all a Savior, an old familiar story–
Only Christ’s sinless life met and satisfied that glory.
Fitting it was for a sparkling star’s light
To magnify the greatest Light on that special night.
Today God sends His Spirit to lead and be your guide–
It’s “standing” above the Lord’s house, inviting you to come inside.
There find the God-sent Christ–for you to worship and believe.
You’ll find that He gives gifts to you–from His goodness, you’ll receive!

P. A. Oltrogge

“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

“But now apart from the Law, the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness because in the forbearance of God, He passed over the sins previously committed, for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:21-26

“Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” James 1:17

Reprinted for Christmas, 2015

Christmas

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Christmas is all about God becoming Man, by a birth that was heaven-sent.
The birth of mankind’s Savior is what Christmas has always meant.

Jesus Christ, God’s holy infant, slept in a stable on a bed of hay,
which demonstrated that genuine humility is always the Lord’s way.

This newborn baby would grow up to be the greatest teacher of all time.
It’s of His life and redemptive work, that the joyous Christmas bells chime.

Mary and Joseph were chosen as parents to nurture God’s very own Son–
to guard and protect Him carefully until their guidance over Him was done.

Then Jesus began to follow what His heavenly Father was conveying—
and His Father’s will was reflected in the things He began doing and saying.

He taught by Word and example, but eventually was led to a hill,
where something more lowly than His birth in a stable was awaiting Him still.

From the stable to a criminal’s cross, the Spirit of God was His guide.
Christmas is Christ–He was born for us all, and for all of us, He died.

But a victorious resurrection came about–He’d vanquished all of His foes!
Now we, too, can walk in newness of life because Jesus Christ arose.

The little town of Bethlehem is where Christ’s ministry began…
Foretold and fulfilled, Christ accomplished for us God’s redemptive plan.

So share “A Blessed, Merry Christmas!” greeting, honoring the Biblical scene…
of the beautiful Nativity of Christ, something “happy holidays” can never mean.

P. A. Oltrogge

Photo by John Pavelka

Photo by John Pavelka

“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

Children Love to Sing of the Newborn King

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Photo by Icelight

Photo by Icelight

“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

If there had never been a Savior, Christmas carols would never have been heard.
We wouldn’t have learned that the baby in the manger was God’s very Word.

If there had never been that baby’s birth, then when each December comes around,
we wouldn’t sing of “Joy to the World,” but merely of some snowfall on the ground.

Songs of snowmen or of reindeer can’t bless young children like songs that show
that they’ve a God of love–who created the real, live reindeer and the snow.

“Away in a manger, no crib for His bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head;
the stars in the sky look down where He lay” are words that bless so much more instead.

“The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay” helps children to understand Christmas Day.
“Oh Little Town of Bethlehem,” song of His birthplace, has words that anyone can pray.

On a silent, holy night, all was calm and all was bright, when a virgin gave birth–
to a holy infant, tender and mild. A child senses peace by this carol on Jesus’ worth.

When children know of God’s gift of the Savior, they’re blessed to have the realization
that lighted trees and giving of gifts are in honor of the Son of God’s birthday celebration!

P. A. Oltrogge

Oh, little town of Bethlehem,
how still we see thee lie.
Above thy deep and dreamless
sleep, the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth,
the everlasting light.
The hopes and fears of all
the years are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary
and gathered all above;
while mortals sleep,
the angels keep
their watch of wondering love.
Oh, morning stars together
proclaim the Holy birth.
And praises sing
to God the King,
and peace to men on earth.

How silently, how silently
the wondrous gift is given.
So God imparts to human hearts
the blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming,
but in this world of sin,
where meek souls
will receive Him still,
the dear Christ enters in.

Oh, holy child of Bethlehem
descend to us we pray.
Cast out our sin and enter in,
be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels
the great, glad tidings tell.
Oh come to us, abide with us,
our Lord, Emmanuel!

(Words by Phillips Brooks
Music by Lewis H.Redner)

Powerful Prayers for Peter

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Herod began to persecute those who believed in Jesus, it’s told in the twelfth chapter of Acts. James was martyred by the sword and Peter was seized, though there had been no criminal facts.

The church was offering up constant prayer for Peter–imprisoned by Herod Agrippa, the king. So in the dark of the night, God sent an angel to visit Peter there, who was asleep despite everything.

Four squads of soldiers had been assigned to him; and he was chained as he slept that night. A soldier on each side of him and guards were there, who were keeping the prison door barred tight.

Suddenly, the angel of the Lord stood by Peter, and a light shone inside the prison cell. The angel struck him on his side and raised him up; and from Peter’s hands, the heavy prison chains fell.

At the angel’s instruction, Peter dressed quickly to follow him–though it all seemed to be unreal. They went past the first and second guard posts. This must be a “vision,” was how it made him feel.

They came to the iron gate that led to the city, which simply opened to them of its own accord–then went out and down one street, and the angel departed. What a rescue from an angel of the Lord!

Peter came to his senses, realizing it had actually happened–he’d escaped Herod and leaders of the Jews. He proceeded on to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where they’d fervently prayed for this news.

Peter knocked at the door of the gate to the house, and a girl by the name of Rhoda came to see who was there. In her joy at hearing his voice, she ran to tell the others it was Peter, and that God had answered prayer.

They just couldn’t believe her, so Peter had to continue to knock, until they opened the door themselves to see… that God, indeed, had heard their prayers for Peter, and had sent His angel–to miraculously set him free!

At dawn, back at the prison, there was a commotion among the soldiers, as to how Peter’s captivity was defied. After a search was endeavored, Herod ordered the soldiers’ deaths; but the Bible records that he, too, soon afterward died…

“But the word of God grew and multiplied!”

P. A. Oltrogge

(From the account in Acts 12)

On divine interventions of today:
http://www.sidroth.org
Many encouraging archived programs…