Category: Protection

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Trust in Time of Trouble

Monday, Monday.

Do you have a smile on your face as you start this day and this week? As a new day dawns the birds are singing, and the hillsides are showing their green and wildflowers are blooming. The sun is about to rise above the mountain to the east and the sky is clear. It is a good day to praise the Lord.

But I also had to stop and consider the opposite start to the day I have just described. What if you woke this morning, having overslept, there’s a stain on your favorite shirt, the car won’t start, your coffeemaker quit and your cell phone died?

Maybe the problems in your path are more serious than the menial annoyances I named above. It could be health issues, a crumbling relationship, financial upset and your company just announced they’re moving to another location and work-from-home is being phased out.

How do you start your day with those issues facing you?

Trust in a Time of Trouble.

“Fig trees may no longer bloom, or vineyards produce grapes; olive trees may be fruitless, and harvest time a failure; sheep pens may be empty, and cattle stalls vacant—18 but I will still celebrate because the Lord God saves me. 19 The Lord gives me strength. He makes my feet as sure as those of a deer, and he helps me stand on the mountains.” Habakkuk 3:17-19 CEV

Being a Christian doesn’t mean we will never have problems, not at all. However, it does mean we have the constant attention of the “Problem Solver”. It is the Lord who comes to our rescue and saves us. He gives us strength and makes us able to stand on the rocky ground of the mountains.

When we trust Him, He takes us to a higher place. A place our adversary can’t reach. Make today a day to stand on the mountain tops!

Thank God for His faithfulness and protection. Trust Him in Time of Trouble!

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Reaching Down

Wednesday, we headed down the mountain for the Valley. We had some business to attend to and were also able to have a brief visit with our kids. Before we left, we did what we always do. We prayed for safely while we traveled.

Our drive was uneventful even though we were followed by some of the largest rain clouds I had ever seen. Thank you, Lord!

Yesterday morning we went to the far east side of the Valley and got some business taken care of. Then we came back to a more central area to do some shopping and our visit with the family. Only a few sprinkles and cloudy skies.

When we were at our daughter’s last night, we saw video of what the over 2″ of rain had done in the area where we had been just that morning. Thank you, Father, for your hand of protection and safety.

“Jacob, the Lord created you. Israel, he made you, and now he says, “Don’t be afraid. I saved you. I named you. You are mine. 2 When you have troubles, I am with you. When you cross rivers, you will not be hurt. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not hurt you. 3 That’s because I, the Lord, am your God. I, the Holy One of Israel, am your Savior…” Isaiah 43:1-3 ERV

These words are not some author taking poetic license. They are the promise of God to be our protector!

These words were written to the nation of Israel, but they are valid for us today.

“You were all baptized into Christ, and so you were all clothed with Christ. This shows that you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 28 Now, in Christ, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Greek, a slave or free, male or female. You are all the same in Christ Jesus. 29 You belong to Christ, so you are Abraham’s descendants. You get all of God’s blessings because of the promise that God made to Abraham.” Galatians 3:26-27 ERV

We all get the blessings of the promise that God made to Abraham and his descendants, Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female. In Christ, His blessings are for all of us.

Those promises are practical – they are for everyday living. Look at the words in the Isaiah verses again “when you have troubles, I am with you”. That’s a promise.

The flash flooding and the thunderstorms are a reminder to me of the Father’s hand of protection. Even in our stupidity He is there.

“…Then Peter left the boat and walked on the water to Jesus. 30 But while Peter was walking on the water, he saw the wind and the waves. He was afraid and began sinking into the water. He shouted, “Lord, save me!”

31 Then Jesus caught Peter with his hand. He said, “Your faith is small. Why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:29-31 ERV

Now, I’m not suggesting we do stupid things BUT when we realize we have, the wisest thing to do is what Peter did. Shout out “Lord, save me”. And let the Lord reach down, catching us by the hand and rescue us.

The prayer that Dave and I pray each day for safety and protection isn’t wishful thinking or a positive affirmation. It is an expression of our faith-filled trust that we always are under the shelter of God’s hand of protection.

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Final Authority

Each day I am thankful that God has allowed me to share His word with you. I don’t know where I would be without the Father’s love or His wonderful love letter, His Word! In fact, I don’t even want to think about what my life would be like without Him.

God’s Word has brought me forgiveness of sins, health to my body, peace to my soul, healing for my children, enrichment for my marriage, wisdom when my human intellect was lacking, protection in physical and emotional storms and safety in the face of danger.

God’s promises have let me know that He would always supply and He always has. But I do have to tell you, it hasn’t always been this way. I lived a defeated life for a long time until I saw in God’s word that He has made provision for more than just eternal life and that He wanted me to live victoriously while I was here on earth.

All of God’s promises are the same. His Word is for everyone but we don’t all see the same results. Why? We must appropriate what God has given us; simply put we must believe it regardless of how we feel or what circumstances tell us we should believe.

There have been days that I wake up and don’t feel very saved; but my salvation isn’t founded on my feelings, it’s based on God’s love and Jesus’ sacrifice. There are days that I wake up and may not feel healed but I am because it’s based on God’s promise and Jesus’ sacrifice.

Circumstances said there wasn’t enough lunch to feed 5000 men with five loaves and two fish but the blessing of God flowed and there was more than enough.

Circumstances said the apostles should lock themselves away and hide at the crucifixion, but the power of God was released through His Word and resurrection came!

The medical world said nothing could be done for the woman was bleeding for twelve years but just one touch brought healing to her body.

Yes, the word of God changes our circumstances when we believe; it’s called faith! Not faith in ourselves, but faith in God’s unchanging, unfailing love.

Let the words of David’s Psalm be real in your life today.

“You can go to God Most High to hide. You can go to God All-Powerful for protection. 2 I say to the LORD, “You are my place of safety, my fortress, My God, I trust in you.” 3 God will save you from hidden dangers and from deadly diseases. 4 You can go to him for protection. He will cover you like a bird spreading its wings over its babies. You can trust him to surround and protect you like a shield. 5 You will have nothing to fear at night and no need to be afraid of enemy arrows during the day. 6 You will have no fear of diseases that come in the dark or terrible suffering that comes at noon…15 When my followers call to me, I will answer them. I will be with them when they are in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them. 16 I will give my followers a long life and show them my power to save.” Psalm 91 ERV

Make God’s word your final authority. It has stood the test of time. It will not fail!

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Live in Safety

Every day I meet campers who have traveled hours to our campground. They are excited to be here, in the cooler climate.

This weekend there will be many of you on the road or perhaps, in the air. I found myself praying for all of you.

Safety in travels, safety from natural disasters, safety during medical procedures, safety in daily routine, safety for soldiers, first responders and all in harm’s way. Safety during fun family activities.

Safety!

And then I read again God’s word and His promise of safety.

“1-13 You who sit down in the High God’s presence,
    spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow,
Say this: “God, you’re my refuge.
    I trust in you and I’m safe!”
That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps,
    shields you from deadly hazards.
His huge outstretched arms protect you—
    under them you’re perfectly safe;
    his arms fend off all harm.
Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night,
    not flying arrows in the day,
Not disease that prowls through the darkness,
    not disaster that erupts at high noon.
Even though others succumb all around,
    drop like flies right and left,
    no harm will even graze you.
You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance,
    watch the wicked turn into corpses.
Yes, because God’s your refuge,
    the High God your very own home,
Evil can’t get close to you,
    harm can’t get through the door.
He ordered his angels
    to guard you wherever you go.
If you stumble, they’ll catch you;
    their job is to keep you from falling.
You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes,
    and kick young lions and serpents from the path.

14-16 “If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God,
    “I’ll get you out of any trouble.
I’ll give you the best of care
    if you’ll only get to know and trust me.
Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times;
    I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party.
I’ll give you a long life,
    give you a long drink of salvation!” Psalm 91 MSG

Praise God for His protection and love. Thank God for our nation and those who purchased our freedom.

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Wrapped in Warmth

When I was praying this morning, I wrote these words: “Let me wear Your compassion like a cape and willingly wrap all who need the warmth of Your love”.

It’s a chilly morning, lots of moisture in the air from yesterday’s rain and although I’m wrapped in my fleece blanket, I was thinking about my warm cape that I usually wear in winter. There’s more than enough yardage to wrap around myself and my grandchildren. It’s perfect for snuggling.

That cape serves to keep me warm and it is an example of how the Father wraps us in the warmth of His compassion.

“The Lord is kind and merciful, patient and full of love. 9 The Lord is good to everyone.
 He shows his mercy to everything he made. 10 Lord, all you have made will give thanks to you. Your loyal followers will praise you. 11 They will tell how great your kingdom is. They will tell how great you are…The Lord can be trusted in all that he says.  He is loyal in all that he does. 14 The Lord lifts up people who have fallen.  He helps those who are in trouble. 15 All living things look to you for their food, and you give them their food at the right time. 16 You open your hands and give every living thing all that it needs. 17 Everything the Lord does is good. Everything he does shows how loyal he is. 18 The Lord is near to everyone who sincerely calls to him for help. 19 He listens to his followers and does what they want. He answers their prayers and saves them. 20 The Lord protects everyone who loves him, but he destroys all who do evil. 21 I will praise the Lord! Let everyone praise his holy name forever and ever!” Psalm 145:8-21 ERV

These verses are some of my “every day” read. “The Lord is kind and merciful, patient and full of love.”

Daily He reaches out to us. Daily He wraps us in His love. Daily He listens to our prayers. Daily He protects us. Daily I will praise Him!

Maybe you are feeling a bit of a chill this morning, maybe you are feeling cold and indifferent. The Lord can be trusted, He lifts us the fallen and everything He does is good.

Take a few minutes to tell Him your heart and let Him wrap you in the warmth of His love.

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The Trees Will Clap

It has been a windy May and now that we are in June it is starting to subside. I’m glad for that. However, yesterday afternoon’s breeze became my teacher.

“The Lord says, “My thoughts are not like yours.
    Your ways are not like mine.
9 Just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so my ways are higher than your ways,
    and my thoughts are higher than your thoughts.

10 “Rain and snow fall from the sky
    and don’t return until they have watered the ground.
Then the ground causes the plants to sprout and grow,
    and they produce seeds for the farmer and food for people to eat.
11 In the same way, my words leave my mouth,
    and they don’t come back without results.
My words make the things happen that I want to happen.
    They succeed in doing what I send them to do.

12 “So you will go out from there with joy.
    You will be led out in peace.
When you come to the mountains and hills, they will begin singing.
    All the trees in the fields will clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:8-12 ERV

The trees in the fields will clap their hands. I heard the trees clapping yesterday afternoon as the breeze lightly rustled their boughs. I stopped to listen, without complaint, and wondered who the Lord was bringing out of their place of captivity.

That’s what these verses tell us. The Israelites had been held captive and the Lord said “you will go out with joy and peace”. They were coming home and they would hear the mountains singing and the trees clapping at their deliverance.

Was it you the trees were clapping for?

Has sickness or depression held you as a captive? Did the Lord reveal something to you from His word that set you free? In the midst of your circumstance did you experience the joy and peace of being released?

The Lord’s thoughts are higher than ours. When we see only captivity, He sees release. When all we are focused on is the problem, He is formulating the answer. If we say “there is no way out of this”, He is making a way where there seems no way.

And He does is all with His word.

In the same way that the rain and snow moisten the earth and cause the seeds to grow and produce, God sends His word into our lives to soften our hearts, bringing life-giving water to our souls and a change that will nourish us. A change that delivers joy and peace.

Do you understand why I love God’s word as much as I do? His thoughts and ways are higher, much higher than mine, so He sends His Word to change my circumstances and bring me to a better way of life.

Listen carefully. Do you hear the trees clapping for you?

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Hide N Seek

Ready or not, here I come!

As a kid, did you ever play hide and seek? We used to have great games on our block during the summer evenings. Most of the time I would be one of the first caught but then I was one of the youngest and didn’t hide too well.

Occasionally there would be that time when no one could find me and I dreaded hearing them call out “All-y, All-y, ox in free”. I didn’t want to reveal my hiding place because I could use it again. I was safe and well hidden.

In life there have been times that I have stood in the face of trouble and defiantly said “give me your best shot – I can take it”. Sometimes this was a foolish confidence in my own strength and at other times it was a secure declaration of my victory in Christ.

But there have also been those times that my desire was to be securely hidden; not wanting to be seen or found because I needed a time to rest.

God is so good that way! Giving us time to hide under the shadow of His wings; time to regain our strength, time to build spiritual muscle, time to grow in Him.

“You are a hiding place for me. You protect me from my troubles. You surround me and protect me, so I sing about the way you saved me. Selah 8 The Lord says, “I will teach you and guide you in the way you should live. I will watch over you and be your guide.” Psalm 32:7-8 ERV

Whether you’re on the front lines of battle today or in a secure place of hiding I want you to know that the Father is there to give you rest when you’re weary, strength for the battle and victory over the enemy.

“Don’t worry—I am with you. Don’t be afraid—I am your God. I will make you strong and help you. I will support you with my right hand that brings victory.” Isaiah 41:10 CEV

He is our “hiding place”!

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“P’s” in a Pod

One of the things our grandchildren enjoy doing when they come is filling the bird feeder. Then they sit back, quietly, and watch for the birds come.

On one of their visits we ran out of bird seed. It was then they discovered the seeds which were in the pods which fell from the Palo Verde trees. They would crack the pods and save the seeds for Pappy, Dave, to put in the bird feeder. On Friday, they introduced this discovery to their two-year-old sister.

Who knew looking for seeds in a pod could be so much fun?

This morning in my Bible reading I felt like my three littlest grandchildren. I was discovering, or rediscovering, the p’s in the pod of God’s word. I would like to share with you what I found.

  • Power – “God is able to do much more than we ask or think through His power working in us.” Ephesians 3:20 NLV
  • Peace – “The peace of God is much greater than the human mind can understand. This peace will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 NLV
  • Provision – “The Lord is my Shepherd. I will have everything I need.” Psalms 23:1 NLV
  • Protection – “ I will say to the Lord, “You are my safe and strong place, my God, in Whom I trust.” Psalms 91:2 NLV
  • Praise – “ Praise Him for His great works! Praise Him for all His greatness!” Psalm 150:2 NLV
  • Purpose – “He is the One Who saved us from the punishment of sin. He is the One Who chose us to do His work. It is not because of anything we have done. But it was His plan from the beginning that He would give us His loving-favor through Christ Jesus.” II Timothy 1:9 NLV

I started thanking the Lord for the wonderful blessings of His word and it seemed that each new thing I was thanking Him for began with a p. It caused my heart to chuckle, much like the laughter I heard from our grandchildren as they discovered more and more pods to break open.

I hope I never lose the excitement of opening God’s word and finding these little treasures. I also hope this is an encouragement for you, keep looking for the Father’s promises.

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Annoying Circumstances

There are little circumstances that can cause big annoyances. Let me explain.

We have been dealing with a refrigerator issue for about a month now. The freezer stays at a constant -2 degrees, however, the refrigerator won’t cool below 44 degrees. This isn’t a big problem for most of the items but things like milk, mayonnaise and eggs get a little too warm.

The manufacturer of our RV has been great. First, they sent us some “trouble shooting” guidelines. Perfect. We followed them step by step. Everything checked out. Next instruction was call a mobile tech. Check. He came and assessed the issue. Sent pictures, written explanations and waited. We received another more detailed check list from the manufacturer’s of the refrigerator. Really???

Notice, I am now getting annoyed. Emails are being exchanged a couple of times a day. Had one arrive yesterday morning at 5 am my time. I responded immediately. As Dave and I were talking, trying to keep our blood pressure down, the phone rang. It was the RV manufacturer. The rep on the other end was very sympathetic and knew our need to have a working refrigerator in place before we leave in three weeks for the mountains. She listened to our frustration and assured me she was on it.

Within two hours she sent another email. A new refrigerator is on the way. It will be there in four business days.

Big sigh and a “thank you Jesus”!

Each day that we have been dealing with this Dave has been saying, “I will not let this spoil our summer. We’ll work it through one way or another. We just need it fixed and God knows that”.

Truly, He did. He knows all the little things that come about to steal our joy and when we trust Him he will bring us through with a proper attitude.

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” James 1:2-4 NLT

“The Lord is your God. He is the God of gods and the Lord of lords. He is the great God. He is the amazing and powerful fighter. To him everyone is the same… 21 He is the one you should praise. He is your God. He has done great and amazing things for you. You have seen them with your own eyes.” Deuteronomy 10:17-21 ERV

Will we have annoyances? Yes. Will we face circumstances that are frustrating? Yes. Do we have to give in to them? No.

If we trust Him, our Father will guide us through each situation. He is the amazing and powerful fighter. He will be the one to defend and protect. When we keep our focus on Him and His ability we will have joyful victory over annoying circumstances.

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How Big Is God?

That’s a good question! How would you answer it?

This morning as I sit here trying to formulate my answer, I am reminded of the many examples of God’s greatness in the Bible. Let me share a few:

  • In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth
  • He saved Noah during the flood
  • Parted the Red Sea
  • Had the sun stand still
  • Delivered Daniel from the lions
  • Helped David kill Goliath with a stone
  • Blinded an entire army
  • Raised Lazarus from the dead
  • Stopped a storm at sea
  • Orchestrated a jail break
  • Opened blind eyes
  • Healed a blood disease
  • Turned water to wine
  • Defeated death

“The Lord is your God. He is the God of gods and the Lord of lords. He is the great God. He is the amazing and powerful fighter. To him everyone is the same. He does not accept money to change his mind. 18 He defends widows and orphans. He loves even the strangers living among us. He gives them food and clothes. 19 So you must also love them, because you yourselves were strangers in the land of Egypt. 20 “You must respect the Lord your God and worship only him. Never leave him. When you make promises, you must use his name only. 21 He is the one you should praise. He is your God. He has done great and amazing things for you. You have seen them with your own eyes.” Deuteronomy 10:17-21 ERV

I guess the next question is this. How big do you need God to be?

“He made heaven and earth. He made the sea and everything in it. He can be trusted to do what he says. 7 He does what is right for those who have been hurt. He gives food to the hungry. The Lord frees people locked up in prison.8 The Lord makes the blind see again.
The Lord helps those who are in trouble. The Lord loves those who do right. 9 The Lord protects strangers in our country. He cares for widows and orphans, but he destroys the wicked. 10 The Lord will rule forever!” Psalm 146:6-10 ERV

What are you facing that is too big or too hard for God to handle?

There is a whole lot of craziness going on in our world but none of it is bigger than our God. All of it combined isn’t bigger than our God!

“God said to Moses: I am the eternal God. So tell them that the Lord, whose name is “I Am,” has sent you. This is my name forever, and it is the name that people must use from now on.” Exodus 3:14-15 CEV

As big and as great as God is He stills gives us an open invitation to come straight to His throne and find help in our time of need!

How big is God? He’s big enough to handle all my worries and concerns. My God, and my Father is big enough to handle it all!

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