…just a little poetry (not a scientific study of conifers, pines, etc.) which features part of God’s creation, found on what many of us simply call evergreen trees…
Dear Lord, you’ve fashioned and designed so many beautiful things…such as the flourishing evergreen, to which the unique pine cone clings.
Children and adults, as well, enjoy collecting the cones for their decorative use. On tree branches or scattered on a woodsy floor, their presence can be profuse.
From certain cones come the kinds of pine nuts that people have liked to try; but to creatures of the forest, the pine cones are a rich part of their food supply.
Thank you, Lord, for these trees and seed-bearing cones that are like a distinctive flower. Along with other wonders of nature, they speak of your creative and life-giving power.
P. A. Oltrogge
“The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works. All Your works shall praise You, O Lord, and Your saints shall bless You.” Psalm 145:9-10
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”Matthew 1:23 KJV
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A simple book of poems appeared a few short years ago, and that book reappears at the time of the winter’s snow.
Christmas on the Porch is Biblically-based research…on the birth of Jesus Christ, who is the head of His blood-bought church.
“Come, they told me, pa rum pum pum pum, to see the newborn King”…a carol tells of a little boy coming to play for Him on his drum.
Oh come, oh come…Jesus came, not just for some–God wants the WORLD to know … Emmanuel has come!
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“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:10-12 KJV
“All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, and shall glorify Your name. For You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God.” Psalm 86:9-10 NKJV
Oh come, oh come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here, until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel…shall come to thee, oh Israel.
Oh come, Thou Wisdom from on high, who orders all things mightily. To us the path of knowledge show, and teach us in her ways to go. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel…shall come to thee, oh Israel.
Oh come, Thou Branch of Jesse’s tree, free men from Satan’s tyranny…from depths of hell, by Thy power to save, and give them victory o’er the grave. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel… shall come to thee, oh Israel.
Oh come, Thou Dayspring from on high, and cheer us by Thy drawing nigh. Disperse the gloomy clouds of night and death’s dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel…shall come to thee, oh Israel.
Oh come, Thou Key of David, come, and open wide our heavenly home. Make safe the way that leads on high, and close the path to misery. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel…shall come to thee, oh Israel.
Oh come, Desire of nations bind, in one the hearts of all mankind. Bid Thou our sad divisions cease, and be Thyself our King of Peace. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel…shall come to Thee, oh Israel.
J. M. Neale/C. W. Douglas
Jesus came–He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life of servanthood, yet died through crucifixion as a sacrifice for our sins, but was resurrected, and then ascended to His Father in heaven…and Jesus is coming back again:
“Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.’” Acts 1:9-11 NKJV
When someone’s not qualified to lead another, we say it’s “the blind leading the blind.” The Bible gives an account of such an occurrence, but of a very positive kind.
One day two blind men were following Jesus, knowing that the vision which they sought…could surely be realized through His miracles, which they had heard He’d wrought.
“Have mercy on us, Son of David!” was their heartfelt, earnest cry for His touch. When He entered into the house, they may have wondered if He’d even heard them much.
But they were bold to enter the house then, where, at the time, Jesus was staying– They were ready to receive the healing, for which they’d both been praying.
“Do you believe that I’m able to do this?” Jesus questioned the pair; They answered Him, “Yes, Lord,” for they knew–that He’d done great miracles everywhere.
So Jesus touched their eyes, saying that according to their faith it was done; Then their eyes were opened to see perfectly—a new life for each had begun.
Though they’d been blind, they’d helped each other, on a pathway of which they felt sure. Their faith in Jesus and readiness to receive brought about their miraculous cure.
Though Jesus charged them to let no one know, they couldn’t help sharing their story–of how Jesus Christ had given them sight, and they gave to Him all of the glory.
There have been testimonies in these days, too, of people receiving their sight– I praise God to hear of it and for His heart to heal those who face any health fight.
There’s darkness of an even greater kind, that seeks to keep people from following Christ’s way; In such cases, they need someone who’s spiritually-sighted, to lead them to the Light of day.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” John 8:12
“While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.” John 9:5
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.” Matthew 5:14-15
“In whose case, the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:4
“Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:38
“But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day.” Proverbs 4:18
“If you love Me, keep My commandments,” are words that Jesus said. Today, may His people remember His commands that they have read.
Jesus spoke to His disciples about the great value of a little child. Voting pro-life keeps that affirmation of the Lord’s from being defiled.
And God creates us male and female, so wonderfully designed. May His people not vote for those who support that being redefined.
“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty”–that’s Biblically sound; and our President has spoken boldly that religious liberty must abound.
These are just a few observations on issues for which God, more than anyone, has a heart. From basic Biblical guidelines, I pray that His people and then our nation will not depart.
P. A. Oltrogge
Matthew 19:4-5; Genesis 2:20-23; 2 Samuel 22:31; Mark 10:13-14; Jeremiah 1:5; Psalm 139:13-16; 2 Corinthians 3:17
(Reference: The Bible–as might be spoken by the Creator)
For My original intent, we have to look back to a man and a woman–not a thing would they lack, with a bountiful garden and glorious days ahead– But sin entered in and things were different instead.
From beautiful Eden they then had to leave, yet children were planned for Adam and Eve. And so it’s continued down to this day– A man and a woman–not any other way.
To change this design, gives Me displeasure and is not my intention by any sort of measure. Don’t fail to see that it’s in My Book– Turn to Romans 1:26-27 and there take a look.
And with mother and father, children are glad; that’s My original intent–the only one I’ve had. When one parent’s missing, I’ll be there to care– such families who trust Me have found that I’m there.
Any other thinking, I’d have people forsake and turn the corner–an established road’s there to take. I know there are some who want it both ways, but My original intent is still the standard I raise.
P. A. Oltrogge
And He (Jesus) answered and said, “Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh?’” Matthew 19:4-5
“…but for Adam there was not found a helper suitable for him. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh at that place. And the Lord God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. And the man said, ‘This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.’” Genesis 2:20-23
See all of Genesis, chapters 1 through 3
As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried; He is a buckler to all them that trust in Him. II Samuel 22:31
“Fresh as a dewdrop,” My Word is to you. Go to it daily and find things new. You’ll find the familiar in it as well– Of comfort, wisdom, and truth it will tell. At times, for direction, it gives a faith hint, Bringing light to your path like a dewdrop’s glint. Fresh as a dewdrop, I want to impart More of its treasures into your heart. Like finding the dewdrops, you can depend On My being there always to instruct and befriend.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Thy Word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
“I will never forget Thy precepts, for by them Thou hast revived me.” Psalm 119:93
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort….” 2 Corinthians 1:3
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5
“Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth.” John 17:17
“…I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
In Gethsemane’s garden, You prayed to be strong
in what would overtake You in not very long.
It was for me that You were then betrayed.
It was on You that the task was laid.
As filthy rags, God saw my righteousness claimed–
which is why You stepped in to be defamed.
It was for my sins that You went on trial.
You made the payment for everything vile.
It was for me–this undeserved attack.
It was for me You bore stripes on Your back.
It was for me that You wore the thorns,
and it was for me You bore merciless scorns.
It was for me You walked Calvary’s trail.
It was for me that You endured each nail.
It was for me that You hung in shame.
It was for me–You were taking my blame.
It was for me You painfully died.
It was for me that they pierced Your side.
You did it for me, but in three days You rose.
You did it for me that my case would be closed.
P. A. Oltrogge
“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”
Isaiah 64:6 KJV
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:1 NASB
“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” Romans 5:1 NLT
While Jesus, His disciples, and a great multitude were going out of Jericho, a beggar was there sitting by the side of the road.
He was Bartimaeus; and though blind, his hearing was fine to have heard of how Jesus’ healing ministry had flowed.
So, when, that day, Bartimaeus heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, Himself, who was passing by…
“Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me!” became his earnest and heartfelt cry.
Many, among the crowd, told him to be quiet, as if, for him, there could be nothing in store.
But his plea of “Son of David, have mercy on me!” he kept shouting out all the more.
So Jesus heard Bartimaeus, then stood still, and commanded that he be called.
The persistence and “prayer” of Bartimaeus had caused the pace of Jesus’ journey temporarily to be stalled.
Bartimaeus was now beckoned, instead, with words of encouragement, “Rise, be of good cheer; He is calling you.”
Throwing aside his garment, he got up and came to Jesus, who asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” Victory was breaking through…
At that point, Bartimaeus said, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight!”
“Go your way, your faith has made you well,” Jesus said; and immediately his world turned from darkness to light.
Walls had fallen down at Jericho through faith in God in an earlier, historical Biblical story.
And a “wall” of blindness fell at Jericho for Bartimaeus, when by faith in God’s mercy, he saw the Lord’s glory.
The account closes with Bartimaeus following Jesus down that outer Jericho road…
He had been confident of mercy and grace through Jesus Christ—from whom God’s marvelous light had flowed….
and still does today!
P. A. Oltrogge
(Based on the account from Mark 10; Referenced is the story of Joshua and the walls of Jericho at Joshua 6)
“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days.” Hebrews 11:30 NKJV
“But you are a chosen generation, 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.” 1 Peter 2:9 NKJV
When we speak of Jesus Christ–not necessarily at another’s request,
it’s only because we know that God wants them to have His best.
There are those who haven’t yet realized that God is immensely good;
there’s so much about the Lord which they haven’t understood.
He sometimes has been blamed when bad things have occurred,
even though the devil’s existence is clearly warned of in God’s word.
We’re living in a fallen world, though God pronounced it “very good.”
Sin altered it when Adam and Eve didn’t live as He’d said they should.
Some people are deceived in believing that there’s no God at all–
they’re missing the truth that He sent Jesus to redeem us from man’s fall.
Now, we can have salvation and God’s peace as we journey on earth;
Jesus proclaimed abundant life and told of our need for the “new birth.”
God’s Word is more desirable than gold, and even sweeter than honey;
yet after hearing it, some are still hesitant in trusting God over money.
Giving a tenth to His kingdom should be strong in our hearts’ desires.
It’s part of worshipping God and even shields us from financial “fires.”
Besides that, it’s a great blessing to participate in helping others…
in tangible ways, and then to see many become our sisters and brothers.
So continue to share the Lord with people–tell the goodness of His ways,
trusting that by His Spirit, they’ll come to know Him and give Him praise!
P. A. Oltrogge
“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.” …said by Jesus in John 10:10 NKJV
“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'” John 3:3 NKJV
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 NKJV
“He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish like a branch.” Proverbs 11:28 KJV
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” …said by Jesus in John 15:5 NKJV
“The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever. The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them, there is great reward.” Psalm 19:9-11 NKJV
Malachi 3:8-10; Matthew 10:41-42; Luke 6:38; Acts 20:35
The Porch of the Lord 