Tag Archives: Poetry

There’s a Rainbow!

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If ever there was a subject that should be put into poetic form,
it’s that of the magnificent rainbow, which can suddenly appear after a storm.

As the sun starts shining, it’s especially vivid, after the rain has poured;
and its message comes from God, as it’s the signature of the Lord.

He said that He was setting His bow in the cloud, to always remind afresh,
of His covenant made to Noah and his sons, and every living creature of all flesh…

that never again would He send a flood to cover the entire expanse of the earth.
To all successive generations, the rainbow’s reminded of this covenant of great worth.

We remember today that Noah was a real person, who steadfastly undertook
the building of a great ark by God’s direction, no matter how, to others, that would look.

It took many decades to accomplish the task, and there never had been a flood…
Today, God is offering the safety of an ark that was “built” by Jesus’ sacrificial blood.

God is not willing for any to perish. He’s giving much time to accept His invitation
to enter into the ark of the Lord–His provision for any person of any nation.

When I see the rainbow there in the sky, I’m reminded of God’s covenant made to mankind–including the one He made for us through Jesus, the greatest covenant He wants all of us to find.

P. A. Oltrogge

“For this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you for the remission of sins.” Matthew 26:28 NKJV

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 NKJV

“But I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall enter the ark….” Genesis 6:18

See the first half of Genesis, chapter 6, for the causes behind God sending the earth-encompassing flood and to read of Noah finding favor with God.

For your interest:
http://www.arkencounter.com

Photo by Javierosh

Photo by Javierosh

Following God’s Guidance

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Choices made through prayer and the leading of the Holy Spirit will cause you to find God’s best pathways and fulfillment in your life…

Joseph’s Example

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 a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us, and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Additionally:
“How You Can Be Led by the Spirit of God” by Kenneth E. Hagin
under Bookstore, at http://www.rhema.org
Also Audio Teachings, “How to Find God’s Will” at http://www.awmi.net

The good old swimming days…

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Photo by Jarrett Campbell

Photo by Jarrett Campbell

Remember your growing-up years and the good old swimming days?
You used an inner tube or floated amidst the water sprays.

Jesus can help you through rough waters–think of floating your cares on Him;
He’s your heavenly life preserver–you’ll not sink but peacefully swim.

Don’t let go of Him or panic if the “waters” look too deep–
If you truly cast your cares on Him, you’ll find He gives you blessed sleep.

P. A. Oltrogge

“…casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” words of Jesus in Matthew 28-30

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for Thou alone, O Lord, dost make me to dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8

Psalm 127:1-2 and Matthew 14:29-31

The Beginning of Wisdom

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Far above the many things we value, there is one thing…

Of Highest Value

“You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:14-17

There are many things to value–family, friends, one’s home, possessions, and such.
But there’s one thing in this life to value that, though they’re good, the others cannot touch.

The Word of God abides forever, and it was given to abide inside your heart.
If you’ve neglected it or never considered it much, today’s the perfect day to start.

Without it, people experience a void in their lives that they can’t easily explain;
but when the value of it is recognized, they desire to forsake all to have its gain.

Through it, we have a divine connection with our loving God who sent His Son,
that none would miss the blessings now and forever, that by Christ’s death were won.

The Word of God brings wisdom, peace, and guidance; and by it, we’re refreshed and energized. It leads us into the kingdom of heaven and is like a treasure or beautiful pearl, so greatly prized.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”
Matthew 13:44

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went out and sold all that he had and bought it.”
Matthew 13:45

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10 (and Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 1:7)

“Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because ‘All flesh is as grass, and the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the Lord endures forever.’ Now this is the word, which by the gospel was preached to you.” 1 Peter 1:22-25 NKJV

Photo by Tito and Eva Marie Balangue

Photo by Tito and Eva Marie Balangue

Beauty is in the Eye of God, the Beholder

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The story of a “different” duckling was one that, as children, most of us had read…
This duckling was ridiculed because of his appearance–so much so, that he finally fled.

He then went through various experiences, away from the home he originally knew;
but all of those experiences were bitter and caused him to keep feeling “blue.”

As the story progressed, he came upon a flock of magnificent swans, while downcast,
who welcomed him as a most beautiful swan; and there he found happiness at last.

We learn, in reading the Bible, that God doesn’t look at how you outwardly appear–
You may feel you haven’t much value, yet you’re a distinctive “swan” in His mirror.

And if blessed with what man defines as great beauty, God still looks within to start…
His search for a person who is devoted to Him, humble, but courageous of heart.

Remember, too, that when God sees you, He sees the righteousness of His own Son;
and He has promised to perfect the good work in you that, through Christ, He has begun.

P. A. Oltrogge

“For Thou dist form my inward parts; Thou didst weave me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Thy works, and my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:13-14 KJV

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him, for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” 1 Samuel 16:7

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

Photo by Catrin Austin

Photo by Catrin Austin

The Manger

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Jesus…

It’s a funny thing, but I never saw
why You might have been laid in a bed of straw.
That’s where the animals came to feed,
and that was representative of our daily need
of the Bread of Life, which, Jesus, You are.
We’re drawn to Your Word like wise men to a star.
To all people the angels proclaimed tidings of great joy,
by pointing to the birth of that God-indwelt boy,
who lay down in the manger where the animals were fed.
Jesus–the Word was God–You’re our daily bread.

P. A. Oltrogge

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” John 6:35

“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register, along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. And it came about that while they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her first-born son, and she wrapped him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:4-7

Cherished “Christmas of my Childhood” Memories

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We always met at our grade school on an often snowy Christmas Eve,
anticipating the gifts back home that we knew we would receive.

But thoughts, really, were on the Lord Jesus and the amazing story
that we would be telling of God sending us His Son amidst angelic glory.

We each had a part we had practiced for the yearly Christmas Eve service–
those who may have had a bigger role were sometimes a little bit nervous.

The atmosphere was one of warmth, though, but so respectful of the divine–
at my church very many years ago, these Christmas memories of mine.

We stepped outside the school and crossed over the connecting street
to the large decorated church sanctuary where everyone would meet.

To us children, the lights and nativity were always greatly impressive.
Beautifully-ornamented, tall Christmas trees made the night so festive.

Boys wearing new suits and ties and the girls in fine dresses sewn
began to sing the great Christmas carols, backed by the organ’s deep tone.

Often a solo was sung–one of the most endearing was “O Holy Night,”
which spoke of the guiding star and its sweetly gleaming light.

This song told of the wise men who came from a distant Orient land,
and how we were meant to love each other, as God had always planned.

“The weary world rejoices” were words that carol would recall,
and that Jesus Christ had been born to us in a lowly manger stall.

“His law is love and His gospel is peace.” I remember the song so well,
along with the serenity felt, as we heard the old church steeple bell.

Some of the children had the roles of shepherds or of the wise men to play;
Of course, there were Mary and Joseph by the Baby in the hay.

We were depicting the humble place where that great King had arrived–
the Giver of everything good in life that could ever be wanted or derived.

“Joy to the World” was sung with robust joy to the pipe organ music’s final beats,
after which we returned to our classrooms for sacks of nuts and other treats.

Heading home in the car with our families to continue the Christmas Eve fest,
we knew it was because of Jesus, that our lives were truly blessed.

Perhaps this reminds of your own childhood. If not, come now to join in its peace;
God wants you in His family forever, to abide in His love that will never cease.

P. A. Oltrogge

O Holy Night

The stars are brightly shining.
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
’til He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices,
O night divine, O night when Christ was born,
O night divine, O night, O night divine.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
with glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
here came the wise men from Orient land.
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;
in all our trials, born to be our friend.

He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger;
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother;
and in His Name, all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we;
let all within us praise His holy Name.

Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever;
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
O night divine, O night, O night divine!

(music by Adolphe Adam
words by Placide Cappeau)

Keeping Christmas Every Day

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It’s a good thing that we’re reminded of the famous old Charles Dickens tale
of a man named Ebenezer Scrooge and a life that had almost failed…

to embrace all of the kindness and compassion that could be spread around.
Instead, Ebenezer’s greed and selfishness caused his life to be sadly bound.

The “ghost” of an old business partner appeared to him one Christmas Eve–
and told him he’d be visited by “spirits,” who’d have insights for him to receive.

If they could have him look back and remember some things that had been good–
then see in the present and the future the things that he really should,

then his life might still be rescued from a bankruptcy of the soul…
So, as each Christmas spirit visited in the night, that was their intended goal.

He’d just arrived at home, with resentment of paying Bob Cratchit, his clerk,
for the next day, Christmas Day, since Bob wouldn’t even have to work.

His nephew, Fred, had arrived that day with a cheerful “Merry Christmas” greeting.
“Bah, humbug,” was Ebenezer’s reply, as usual, at this time of their meeting.

Fred’s invitation to Christmas dinner, he also had declined once again,
and refused a plea by men who’d asked if he could help others not as fortunate as him.

So, one by one, the spirits awoke him, taking him first on a journey to recall
when he was a young apprentice to Mr. Fezziwig, who was generous and kind to all.

He saw his fiancee, Belle, who’d walked away due to realizing his first love
was the pursuit of money and success, which he couldn’t seem to put her above.

Perhaps, seeing his early childhood, too, when he had experienced love’s neglect
made him start to rethink his own neglect of others, who needed attention and respect.

The spirit of Christmas present brought him to Bob Cratchit’s family holiday–
where, despite being poor, they were thankful to God and always took time to pray.

He learned of their sweet child, Tiny Tim, who needed medical care beyond their means.
This began to touch Ebenezer’s soul, at last, to see such a heart-wrenching scene.

He saw the celebration at Fred’s house, where friends were mocking Ebenezer’s inability to share; but Fred only spoke kind words of pity for his Uncle–his love for him was always there.

The spirit of the present revealed children, Ignorance and Want, shivering beneath its robe, representing the less fortunate whom we’re to help and are with us throughout the globe.

The ghost of Christmas yet to come revealed funerals, one of a man who no one mourned.  Then Ebenezer also saw the Cratchit home, where Tiny Tim had died–the family there, forlorn.

He ultimately learns that the man not mourned was himself, to his great shock and dismay. He begs the spirit to give him another chance to make amends–then he awakes to Christmas Day.

Immediately, Scrooge sends the Crachits a huge turkey, which was, to them, a gift that was profuse. Next, he encounters those who had asked of his donation–his wallet now was generous and loose.

Then, on to Fred’s house, the changed Ebenezer proceeds, to inquire if he could still join them…  to celebrate God’s goodness at Christmas and always!  This story is truly a meaningful gem.

P A. Oltrogge

(The above synopsis from “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens)

Ideas on ways to reach out ourselves:
http://www.samaritanspurse.org
http://www.danitaschildren.org

Two Significant Births

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The Hebrew people had prayed for a deliverer to be their long-promised King.
While living under Roman rule, they looked for the answer that God would bring.

Then it came to pass that two little babies were born in the same time span.
The lives of each one of them would be major in God’s great redemptive plan.

One would be a prophet named John, the baptizer, and was the son of Zacharias, the priest. The other was Jesus, who would be the focus and celebration of God’s greatest Passover Feast.

John’s mother, Elizabeth, had longed for a child and rejoiced at the birth of her son.
And Jesus’ mother, Mary, told the angel who came that God’s will for her should be done.

The angel, Gabriel, had first appeared to Zacharias and told him what to name his son–
John, “The Lord is gracious,” a preparer of the way for the Messiah, God’s Anointed One.

When betrothed, Mary’s Joseph had gained assurance from God, by having been visited in a dream too. Mary stayed with her cousin, Elizabeth, for a time before her own baby would become due.

These four parents realized, through faith, the significance of those entrusted to their care. A messenger of God, and Immanuel, “God With Us,” were birthed in answer to prayer.

P. A. Oltrogge

(from Luke 1 and Matthew 1:18-25)

Written of Jesus:

“And the angel said unto her, ‘Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour 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 for ever; 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 1:30-38 KJV

of John:

“And his father, Zacharias, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying… ‘And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go on before the Lord to prepare His ways, to give to His people the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the Sunrise from on high shall visit us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.’” Luke 1:67 and 76-79 NASB

From we who’ve believed, to those who yet need to receive…

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Knowing God means so much to us; therefore, we want to bear witness
to others we may meet–about Jesus and spiritual fitness.

These days there are websites abounding with true-life testimonies
to the reality of Jesus–which are so different from religious ceremonies.

Please consider searching out ministries available on the internet–
“The Porch of the Lord” is a place to start, but there are many others yet.

They tell of things, such as Easter, when we celebrate the risen Lord–
through Christ’s death and resurrection, our relationship with God was restored.

In our natural minds, we may question that there should have been this need;
but God is just and holy–an understanding we must heed.

He wouldn’t have left us here on this earth without a manual to know
that He’s for real; and through it, the Holy Bible, our faith is able to grow.

It’s easy to open your heart to Jesus, extending an invitation
for Him to dwell therein–the Bible says that then you’re “a new creation.”

We pray that you’ll come to trust, in the Father’s Son sent from above;
your life is very special to Him–may His Spirit help you to sense His great love.

P. A. Oltrogge

“By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. 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. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has beheld God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us and His love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. And we have beheld and bear witness that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this, love is perfected with us, that we may have confidence in the day of judgment, because as He is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. We love, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:9-19

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.”
2 Corinthians 5:17

http://www.kcm.org
http://www.lenmink.com
http://www.covenantfamily.cc
http://www.porchofthelord.wordpress.com