Tag: protection

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Protection From Above

A few days back I asked if you enjoyed the quiet of peaceful streams or the loud noise of battle? Some of you made comment that you like the quiet where there seems to be no drama.

Me too!

The verses I used to paint the pastoral scene of rest came from Psalm 23, better known to many as the Shepherd’s Psalm. Even people who don’t know much about the Bible seem to know a little a bit of the 23rd Psalm and a few lines from the Lord’s Prayer.

Did you realize that the Shepherd’s Psalm is filled with danger?

“I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won’t be afraid. You are with me,
 and your shepherd’s rod[a] makes me feel safe. 5 You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows.
6 Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in your house, Lord.” Psalm 23:4-6 CEV

There it is – valleys dark as death, filled with danger but as footnote [a] tells us we are kept safe by the shepherd’s rod. “23.4 shepherd’s rod: The Hebrew text mentions two objects carried by the shepherd: a club to defend against wild animals and a long pole to guide and control the sheep.”

Each day as we follow the good Shepherd’s lead we will experience restoration. He will restore us to strength and brings refreshing. He will lead us on the right path – place us in right standing with Him, not because we are deserving in our own efforts but because He is righteous and He gives His righteousness to us.

The shepherd’s rod would beat those wild animals who attacked and his staff would gently nudge the sheep back on the trail where it is safe. Our Shepherd does the same. He defeated every enemy that we will ever face and when we listen to His voice, we will feel the gentle nudging to keep us in a place of safety.

And then it’s time for the party! A banquet! The best linen, silver and china. Gourmet appetizers and entrées and no one is allowed to disturb or upset the ambiance of the meal. Jesus sees to it that there are no unwanted, uninvited guests!

Fear, greed, selfishness, low self-esteem, danger or destruction are NOT allowed to interrupt. God’s love and kindness are ever present and everlasting. Then when this life is over we will have the joy of living in the Father’s house forever.

Jesus protects and guides those that are his own. Today, there may be circumstances that try to cause you to fear but remember, He is with you to protect, guide and comfort, to restore and refresh.

Come through the dark valley to the banquet table. Dinner is waiting!

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A Warm Fire

Have you ever been in the desert on a cold clear night? How about in the desert on a hot blazing day? I have found that the desert is a formidable environment, much more so than the cold mountains.

In Montana we faced some -35 degree temperatures in the winter but in Arizona we have lived through many 110+ degree days. Two things were always welcomed, a good shade and a warm fire.

When I read my Bible I put myself in the story and look around at the terrain, the people, the circumstances. Many years ago I was reading in the book of Exodus and there I saw God’s faithfulness. It was right here in this verse.

“And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: 22 He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.” Exodus 13:21-22 KJV

Do you see God’s faithfulness? It’s right there in the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire. The one thing you need in the desert in the day time is shade and the thing you really need at night is warmth. God provided both.

God told Moses that His name is I AM. I AM your shade and I AM your warmth. Our loving heavenly Father is in the details. He was also I AM your compass or GPS, “follow the cloud and I will not recalculate”. God had the “cloud” before the internet.

This was a big cloud. He was able to keep all the people covered, over 600,000. He is the same loving God today and He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. We won’t be abandoned physically, emotionally or spiritually. The Lord provides a covering for us in all areas of our life.

“Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6 MSG

Some people get hung up on the “be free from the love of money” aspect of this verse and think that God doesn’t want us to have anything. To the contrary, He wants us focused on Him, He is the giver of every good and perfect gift, He is I AM; so with His promise to never leave us or abandon us we will be well supplied.

The Israelites needed warmth and shade. We may need peace and joy, strength and health, forgiveness and love, prosperity and protection, wisdom and favor. Whatever it is, our God is still the I AM who provides for all our needs.

Stay under the cloud of His provision. It is the shade and warmth we need.

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Yesterday’s News

Yesterday I watched as something very strange transpired. The stock market fell and all the financial analysts were saying it was because of the coronavirus reports.

Fear was rearing it’s ugly head!

For years I have read and taught about the protection the Lord promises us from His Word, particularly Psalm 91. However, there was a part of that chapter I didn’t fully understand until a few years ago.

“You will not be afraid of trouble at night, or of the arrow that flies by day. 6 You will not be afraid of the sickness that walks in darkness, or of the trouble that destroys at noon. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand. But it will not come near you.” Psalm 91:5-7 NLV

In my lifetime we have been warned of the swine flu, the bird flu, SARS, Legionaire’s disease and now the coronavirus. I’m not saying that these diseases are not real threats but I am saying that God’s word gives many promises of protection to those of us who trust Him. He will keep us safe.

“Because you have made the Lord your safe place, and the Most High the place where you live, 10 nothing will hurt you. No trouble will come near your tent.” Psalm 91:10 NLV

The Lord doesn’t want us living in fear. I know I’ve told you before but it bares repeating now. There are over 300 verses in the Bible that counsel us not to fear, to worry or be anxious. Those things, left unchecked, will rob us of our faith in God. Faith is trusting the Father to handle all the circumstances of our lives; fear displaces that trust and tries to convince us that He won’t.

“I will give honor and thanks to the Lord, Who has told me what to do. Yes, even at night my mind teaches me. 8 I have placed the Lord always in front of me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be moved. 9 And so my heart is glad. My soul is full of joy. My body also will rest without fear.” Psalm 16:7-9 NLV

Rest without fear!

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Victory Over Fear

Our news is filled with it again – wanton destruction of life! The non-understandable, the devastating and the heart wrenching!

There is only one way to truly get through situations like this and that is to trust in God. King David knew what it was like to live in a constant battle while King Saul pursued him with a vengeance. His life was threatened at every turn and this was his resolve.

“Yes, even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid of anything, because You are with me. You have a walking stick with which to guide and one with which to help. These comfort me. 5 You are making a table of food ready for me in front of those who hate me. You have poured oil on my head. I have everything I need.” Psalm 23:4-5 NLV

David knew that the job of a shepherd was to lead, protect and provide for his sheep. He made a very definitive statement at the beginning of this Psalm – The Lord is my shepherd. I will have everything I need.

In other words, God can be trusted. We cannot always see what He is doing for us but we can trust! Look at these words from Psalm 91.

“He will cover you with His wings. And under His wings you will be safe. He is faithful like a safe-covering and a strong wall.

5 You will not be afraid of trouble at night, or of the arrow that flies by day. 6 You will not be afraid of the sickness that walks in darkness, or of the trouble that destroys at noon. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand. But it will not come near you. 8 You will only look on with your eyes, and see how the sinful are punished. 9 Because you have made the Lord your safe place, and the Most High the place where you live, 10 nothing will hurt you. No trouble will come near your tent.

11 For He will tell His angels to care for you and keep you in all your ways. 12 They will hold you up in their hands. So your foot will not hit against a stone. 13 You will walk upon the lion and the snake. You will crush under your feet the young lion and the snake.

14 Because he has loved Me, I will bring him out of trouble. I will set him in a safe place on high, because he has known My name.” Psalm 91:4-14 NLV

God will keep us safe in troubled situations. He will bring us through. When fear comes we need to look to the One who is our protector and defender and trust!

“I can lie down to rest and know that I will wake up, because the Lord covers and protects me. 6 So I will not be afraid of my enemies, even if thousands of them surround me. “ Psalms 3:5-6 ERV

“I praise the Word of God. I praise the Word of the Lord. 11 In God I have put my trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? 12 I am under an agreement with You, O God. I will give You gifts of thanks.” Psalm 56:10-12 NLV

“See, God saves me. I will trust and not be afraid. For the Lord God is my strength and song. And He has become the One Who saves me.” Isaiah 12:2 NLV

“Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will give you strength, and for sure I will help you. Yes, I will hold you up with My right hand that is right and good.” Isaiah 41:10 NLV

The one thing we know about God is He cannot lie. So when He puts it in his word once that is sufficient but when He repeats something time and again it’s for our reassurance. He is trust worthy.

The night Jesus was betrayed he met with his apostles for the Passover meal and while there he started His last message to them in this way.

“Jesus said to his disciples, “Don’t be worried! Have faith in God and have faith in me.” John 14:1 CEV

Jesus knew what was coming. He knew Judas had committed to betrayal, he knew Peter would deny him, he knew all the disciples would flee. He was warning them of what was ahead. His words should be ringing in our ears today – Don’t worry, don’t be afraid, trust me!

Fear is the absence of faith. Faith is confidence in God’s word and His strength. Don’t let fear win!

“Be strong and have strength of heart. Do not be afraid or shake with fear because of them. For the Lord your God is the One Who goes with you. He will be faithful to you. He will not leave you alone.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NLV

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Bird Brained Thinking

I have lived in the desert most of my life. Took a 22 year hiatus in the northwest but the desert is my home. I think some of my favorite animals to watch here on the desert are the birds. Oh I’m far from being a “birder” but I am fascinated by the dove, quail, roadrunner and hummingbird. They give me many hours of enjoyment. Other than the hummingbirds these other species are drab in color. They are basically brown and that’s for their protection, it gives them the ability to hide from their prey.

Do they complain? I’ve never heard them. In fact, what I hear is their sweet song each morning. They wake to the day with a melody that is soothing and joyous. During midday their song is the same and finally as day comes to a close you can hear their song on the evening breeze. They are content!

The term bird-brained has been used in a derogatory manner. MacMillan’s dictionary defines it this way: “Someone who is unintelligent, stupid or silly: fool, lump, clown” but I don’t see it that way at all. I will gladly be bird-brained when it comes to worry and trusting God.

Oh to be them – to be bird brained. Programmed to sing!

“So I tell you, don’t worry about the things you need to live—what you will eat, drink, or wear. Life is more important than food, and the body is more important than what you put on it. 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant, harvest, or save food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. Don’t you know you are worth much more than they are?” Matthew 6:25-26 ERV

We, on the other hand, have a tendency to worry and many of us are very good at it. God doesn’t want us worried or fretful. He wants us trusting Him, relying on Him and being confident in who He is. Have you ever seen a bird complaining because they aren’t as brightly colored as another species or that their song may not be as sweet. No never! They are content in who they are because God made them for a purpose.

God is our provider and creator!

When we were in Iowa for the summer we experienced some terrible winds and rain. The sky would blackened, the winds would blow gale force and we were often notified of tornados in the area. I must admit those storms made me fearful. And then I began to watch the birds. They would continue to go about business as usual – hopping around on the ground, flitting from tree to tree, singing their songs. As long as the birds were singing I knew things were fine. When they stopped, I knew we had a big storm coming and it was time to take shelter. They knew – they were bird brained but they knew.

“Aren’t two sparrows sold for only a penny? But your Father knows when any one of them falls to the ground. 30 Even the hairs on your head are counted. 31 So don’t be afraid! You are worth much more than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-30 CEV

What a wonderful example God has given us on trust. We are valuable to God. The birds go out each morning and expect to find bugs and seeds. They have an instinct that protects them in face of danger and they always have a song. God has promised to cover us with His protection as a mother hen does to protect her chicks.

“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.” Psalm 91:1-4 ERV

I hope you are beginning to see that God has promises for every area of our lives. He wants us to trust confidently in His word.

“God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.” I Peter 5:7 CEV

Join me today in becoming “bird-brained”

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What’s Better Than a Mama Grizzly

I’m sure by now most of you have heard the term Mama Grizzly. It’s been used around quite a bit in the last few years. Of course the meaning can be construed to fit a number of situations and refers to taking a strong defensive stand.

I want you to look at it this morning in light of our relationship with the Father. When Jesus was on this earth he faced constant criticism from the religious leaders and rulers of his day. His own family didn’t understand Him. People followed him out of selfish motives; they wanted to see the next miracle and have a free meal.

No one other than Jesus has ever lived a perfect life. He was pure, even when angry he was righteous. He looked at people and was moved with great love. He championed the weak, healed the sick, brought comfort to those with broken hearts and restored relationship to those who had been outcast. He even forgave the ones responsible for his death. He came with a single purpose – defeat the power of sin, providing a perfect sacrifice for our forgiveness and restoration to God.

“Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new. 18 God has done it all! He sent Christ to make peace between himself and us, and he has given us the work of making peace between himself and others.

19 What we mean is that God was in Christ, offering peace and forgiveness to the people of this world. And he has given us the work of sharing his message about peace.” II Corinthians 5:17-19 CEV

When things looked the darkest and hope was almost gone, God stepped in with the ultimate victory.

“We have seen and heard everything He did in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. And yet they killed Him by nailing Him to a cross. 40 God raised Him to life on the third day and made Him to be seen.” Acts 10:39-40 NLV

When we accept what Jesus has done for us personally is when we truly become God’s child and can call him Father.

“He gave the right and the power to become children of God to those who received Him. He gave this to those who put their trust in His name.” John 1:12 NLV

Once we are in God’s family he defends us, we can be confident of that.

“If God is for us, no one can stand against us. And God is with us. 32 He even let his own Son suffer for us. God gave his Son for all of us. So now with Jesus, God will surely give us all things. 33 Who can accuse the people God has chosen? No one! God is the one who makes them right.” Romans 8:31-33 CEV

God, our Father, makes it his personal business to provide for our well being and our defense. He will not, WILL NOT, leave us to struggle through things on our own. It’s his promise!

“’The mountains may disappear, and the hills may become dust, but my faithful love will never leave you. I will make peace with you, and it will never end.’ The Lord who loves you said this.” Isaiah 54:10 ERV

Our loving Father is the one who kept Noah safe in the ark; gave David victory over Goliath; delivered Daniel safely out of the lion’s den; and sent an angel to release Paul from prison. He protects and provides for “his kids”. He’s much better than a “Mama Grizzly”.

One last verse.

“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.” Psalm 91:1-4 ERV

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True Love & Kindness

We only have a few days left in our study through Psalm 119.  It has been such a blessing to me and the Lord has reminded me of truths He has shown me in the past and has brought new wisdom. I have certainly enjoyed studying this chapter of God’s Word.

“Look at my suffering and rescue me. I have not forgotten your teachings. 154 Argue my case, and set me free. Let me live, as you promised. 155 The wicked have no hope of being saved, because they don’t follow your laws. 156 Lord, you are very kind. You always do what is right, so let me live. 157 I have many enemies trying to hurt me, but I have not stopped following your rules. 158 I look at those traitors and hate what I see, because they refuse to do what you say. 159 See how much I love your instructions! Lord, I know your love is true, so let me live.160 Every word you say can be trusted. Your laws are fair and will last forever.” Psalm 119:153-160

In reading through these verse I am caught by the last verse in this segment. “Every word you say can be trusted…”  Every word, EVERY word can be trusted!  “And will last forever”  FOREVER! Has forever come yet? No! Then God’s word still stands!

Remember yesterday when I mentioned that King David had only a few books of the Bible to study, let’s see what the Lord said about  enemies from studying Deuteronomy.

“The Lord will help you defeat your enemies who come to fight against you. Your enemies will come against you one way, but they will run away from you seven different ways!” Deuteronomy 28:7

Do you see why David implored the Lord for help? He had God’s word – he had a promise. David wasn’t being arrogant or demanding; he was confident that his God who had given him His Word would not lie but would do what He said He would.  David was believing God.

” God is not a man; he will not lie. God is not a human being; his decisions will not change. If he says he will do something, then he will do it. If he makes a promise, then he will do what he promised.” Numbers 23:19

You had to know that I was going to use this verse, my favorite verse. If this verse isn’t true then there’s no point in putting our faith in any of the others. Plain and simple, God doesn’t lie!

Just a few chapters later in Psalms David writes these thoughts.“I look up to the hills, but where will my help really come from? 2 My help will come from the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth. 3 He will not let you fall. Your Protector will not fall asleep.” Psalm 121:1-3

David’s eyes were searching for help, extra troops, maybe even a neighboring king who came to assist in the battle. He knew that his help wasn’t dependent on others but on the Lord. It reminds me of the time when Elisha, the prophet’s servant saw they were surrounded by enemy soldiers. He was so fearful thinking they would be destroyed. Look what Elisha said.

“When Elisha’s servant got up the next morning, he saw that Syrian troops had the town surrounded. “Sir, what are we going to do?” he asked.

16 “Don’t be afraid,” Elisha answered. “There are more troops on our side than on theirs.” 17 Then he prayed, “Lord, please help him to see.” And the Lord let the servant see that the hill was covered with fiery horses and flaming chariots all around Elisha.” II Kings 6:15-17 CEV

Just in case you were a little uncertain about the Lord’s desire to help and deliver, read this.

“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.
7 A thousand people may fall dead at your side or ten thousand right beside you, but nothing bad will happen to you!
8 All you will have to do is watch, and you will see that the wicked are punished.
9 You trust in the Lord for protection. You have made God Most High your place of safety.
10 So nothing bad will happen to you. No diseases will come near your home.
11 He will command his angels to protect you wherever you go.
12 Their hands will catch you so that you will not hit your foot on a rock.
13 You will have power to trample on lions and poisonous snakes.
14 The Lord says, “If someone trusts me, I will save them. I will protect my followers who call to me for help.
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

I have lived this chapter, not perfectly, but lived it all the same. I’ve lived it facing reports of cancer, lived it facing broken bones, I’ve lived with my children facing childhood diseases, lived it in rattlesnake infested deserts, lived it in tornado ridden country, lived it in farmland facing drought! I’ve lived it through financial disaster, driving in blizzards and over hundreds of thousands of miles on the highway! I have lived it over the lives of my husband as a peace officer, my son as a firefighter and my son-in-law and grandson in the military!

It’s too late to tell me that God’s Word isn’t practical or applicable for today! Yes, I have lived it  and this I know…

 

God is faithful and He does not lie!

 

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