Here, at the Porch of the Lord, as Christmas nears…
Christmas on the Porch joyously reappears…
With a variety of Christmastime reflections on Jesus, the Messiah’s, birth–
to read this book, or share it with others, can be a gift of eternal worth.
P. A. Oltrogge
Available through http://www.christianbook.com, http://www.barnesandnoble.com, and http://www.amazon.com
From an account in Matthew 9:27-31
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
For miracle testimonies of today, just to name a few ministries, refer to:
http://www.cbn.com
http://www.awmi.net
http://www.oralroberts.com
“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
(Scriptures NASB)
See “About the Porch”
Garden of Gethsemane
Jerusalem, Israel
Jesus,
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
Mary changed the course of this entire earth,
by accepting God’s plan for the virgin birth.
Her agreement with the angel’s words affirmed God’s will,
and the words that she spoke are often quoted still.
She declared herself to be God’s handmaid or servant;
in her, the Lord had found a heart that was fervent.
She had faith the Lord loved her and all of mankind;
she trusted in God’s heart and not her own mind.
She was just a young woman of a tender age,
but she stepped out in faith onto the world’s center stage.
Though startled at first by the angelic visitation,
her faith in God was strong enough to take up her station.
Likewise, it’s wise today to ask the Lord to help us find
the plans and purposes for our lives that He has in mind.
By doing so, we ensure that we’re on His sure quest,
for our loving Designer knows which plans are the best.
Jesus called His disciples to leave earthly pursuits
to follow Him and put down strong spiritual roots.
What He has for our lives can be discerned by His Word;
and through the power of the Holy Spirit, He also can be heard.
The more that we listen to Him, the more we obey,
the brighter the dawn grows to the full day.
P. A. Oltrogge
“But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day.” Proverbs 4:18 (New American Standard)
“And in the sixth month, the angel, Gabriel, was sent from God unto a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, ‘Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.’ And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, ‘Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.’ Then said Mary unto the angel, ‘How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?’ And the angel answered and said unto her, ‘The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible.’ And Mary said, ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.’ And the angel departed from her.”
Luke 1:26-38 KJV
Joseph, a son of David, took Mary for his wife, believing she was carrying God’s very sacred life. Joseph stood by her when others may have condemned. Joseph believed God when they didn’t comprehend.
He was chosen by God, and it was to him that Mary and the Child were sent. He became the protector of God’s great intent. Joseph was quick to recognize that in dreams God often spoke, with messages from His angel, and he obeyed when he awoke.
Joseph named the baby, Jesus, just as he’d been told, for He would save His people from sins as said by the prophet of old. In obedience, Joseph went to Egypt–“Out of Egypt did I call My Son.” Joseph had them stay until God said their time there was done.
We see him obeying God in Bible scene after scene; being warned of God, he went to Nazareth, so Jesus would be called a Nazarene. His part was that of an earthly father, and he obeyed God in that role. His heart to obey Him was needed to accomplish God’s great goal.
Joseph’s life seems an example of the importance of hearing and obeying God’s voice. Dear God, may I seek to do that in each and every choice.
P. A. Oltrogge
“…behold an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for that which has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins.’ Now all this took place that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled, saying, ‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which translated means, ‘God with us.’ And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took her as his wife, and kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.” Matthew 1:20-25
(Further references in Matthew 2)
“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 KJV
“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
Psalm 32:8; Proverbs 4:18; Jeremiah 29:11-13; John 10:1-18; Hebrews 10:35-36
The Porch of the Lord 