When The Enemy Raises his Head!

“There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides across the heavens to help you and on the clouds in his majesty. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemies before you, saying, ‘Destroy them!’ So Israel will live in safety; Jacob will dwell secure in a land of grain and new wine, where the heavens drop dew. Blessed are you, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will tread on their heights.” Deuteronomy 33:26-29 NIV

Have we forgotten that we who Believe have been adopted into the family by the work on the Cross? We are spiritual Israel and have access to the same promises made to the Children of Israel before God came down from heaven in the likeness of man. We have no need to fear what the enemy might do–we simply need to maintain our focus on Him who is more than enough–to keep us protected from anything the enemy might plan.

This is why it is important to know–who is really a Believer and who is simply cowering under the banner of Christianity--fearful of everything and promoting their fear to anyone who dares to listen. There is no need to fear with Jesus on our side–He is more than the world against us, so why do Christians become fear-mongers, allowing fear of “what might be” to keep their focus off the One who does not change His mind about what He desires for us?

If we truly Believe God’s Word–we have no need to fear anyone or any event. The enemy’s job is to use fear and doubt as a tactic or strategy to make sure people focus on their situation or those things going around them rather than looking up–for our help comes from The Lord!

The enemy has already been defeated with the bloodshed of Jesus Christ and He has given us power to keep him under our feet. So why don’t we? Why are we listening to men–who fear their own shadows, who promote hatred and bigotry faster than they can breathe? Why are we allowing the fickleness of man to deter us from knowing that God wins in the end and for those of us who trust Him–rather than man–we also win!

Some may trust in horses and chariots–the tools used in the battle, but I will trust in The Lord–for He is watching and He knows all about our troubles! The battle is not ours; it is The Lord’s and He cannot be defeated!

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Know Who To Trust!

Let those who fear the LORD say: “His love endures forever.” When hard pressed, I cried to the LORD; he brought me into a spacious place. The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. Psalm 118:4-8 NIV

For those who truly reverence The Lord and stand in awe of His goodness and mercy, we can say, “His love endures forever.” For those who don’t know, it’s time they understand what it means. “Fear” in this passage does not mean to be scared or afraid of–it means to hold in high esteem–reverence–The Lord. There is no need for anyone to be afraid of God, but there is a need to know and understand how He will allow negative consequences to fall upon us when we choose to ignore Him.

Though there are those who indignantly proclaim that the bible is simply an ancient book of myths, those who believe God–know better. The bible is a blueprint for living.  In it we find records of God’s interactions with the people He loves and instructions to keep us from falling into the pits and snares set by the evil one. If people want to believe the bible has no significance, they have every right to believe just that. They also have every right to receive the consequences of their unbelief.

Throughout history–as recorded in “the history books” that people trust, we see how The Word of God aligns with the events recorded by others. There is no mystery or magic involved with the bible. It simply provides a historical perspective from another view. That’s what history is–a record of events as reported from the perspective of those recording it. Historical accounts of anything will vary based upon perspective and the ability to publicize the account. It’s like a police officer getting accounts of an event by witnesses who were positioned in various locations of the event. Their account will vary, but the primary tenets of the event will be the same. Although some might say, someone lied; they didn’t lie–they simply told what “they saw” from their vantage point.

In spite of all the media attempts to persuade us about–anything–we must learn to trust our relationship with God for–everything. The rescue we need in our society won’t come from mere mortals who perpetuate violence and hatred. It will come from The Lord when we decide enough is enough and repent of our evil ways and seek His direction in all things. God is able to provide us with clear insight and direction, but are we willing to trust our relationship with Him to obey?

I am praying and have been praying for the bigotry and hatred to cease, but it won’t stop until people are willing to look into their hearts and acknowledge what’s there. “For out of the abundance of the heart–the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:24). Is there hatred or love overflowing our hearts? Will we be acquitted by the words we speak or condemned by the words we speak?

Bridle our tongues, Lord that we may only speak what we hear You say!

Take Us To The Rock!

“From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (Psalm 61:2 NIV)

At any place, at any time

A Believer calls to God, He hears.

He responds to our call

And calms all of our fears,

Knowing we trust Him, The Rock.

Throughout many scriptures in the Bible, we see the reference to a rock and in Deuteronomy 32:4, the reference states, “He is the Rock.”

What is a rock and what does it do? A rock is a hard surface that withstands the tests of time–the rain, the snow, the sleet, the hail–all that nature throws at it–it survives and thrives, remaining as steadfast as the mountains it forms. We know that certain rocks are more porous than others and they don’t withstand the elements as well as those rocks that are solid as granite.

My husband and I often play “Frisbee Golf” on our WII and I am always amazed at the graphic designer to created a scene with towering rocks that almost look like dinosaurs standing guard. They are high and provide shelter and shade from the bright sunshine designed into the game. And I think of Jesus–the solid rock–the immoveable rock, the strong tower that provides us refuge, whenever we play the game.

When we know who we have and what He will do for us–we can see Him in almost anything we do–and not just in a bible or in a building–but all around us, we see proof of His existence and The Word becomes alive for us. We can call upon Him–from any place at any time and He hears us. We can expect His protection from the enemy at any turn when we call upon Him and we can run to the Rock–His ever-abiding shelter–to protect us from the elements and keep us from harm.

Of course, for anyone to actually know who He is and what He will do for us, we must discover Him in The Word–from Genesis to Revelation–and develop a right relationship with Him, out of obedience to all He says–Love God and Love others–and then we can with assurance know–He will be our Rock.

Lord, open our hearts and minds to receive revelation knowledge through Your Word and embed that Word in our very beings so we will not sin against You. Create in us a desire to please You in all things and not man who is so fickle they change from moment to moment. You are our Solid Rock and we cling to You–for comfort and shelter from all harm and we thank You for being who You are in our lives.

Nations Judged by a Risen Savior!

“Arise, LORD, do not let mortals triumph; let the nations be judged in your presence.” (Psalm 9:19 NIV)

“Arise, Arise, Arise Oh Lord, and let Your enemies be scattered.”

The words are included in a song of praise, acknowledging that when God reigns over a situation, men won’t triumph and all the nations will see the downfall of all those who are opposed to God. This was true when David wrote it and it is still true today.

Many times we attempt to fight a battle that is not even our battle to fight. The battle in deed is the Lord’s over much of what is occurring in recent events. Since the beginning of time when man made choices, God has not allowed any nation to remain a power to be reckoned with when they oppose God.

Such is the fate of our nation--we are doomed to be ruled by others–who don’t know God, because of our disobedience and apathy. We who know Him, not just about Him, have failed to promote a flawless Gospel because of a perfect Savior because who choose to allow flesh to rule and not His Spirit.

How many years passed between the last prophet who heard from God and the appearance of Jesus? We have determined a fate that is similar to those who were ruled by godlessness because we refused to speak up and promote righteousness in the face of God’s enemy–for it is Satan who has influenced the minds of all who promote living in opposition to God’s Word.

Take heart! God hears the prayers of the righteous–those who are determined to live for Him. Even the world will change, His love towards those who truly love Him, will never change and His mercy endures forever. Let everyone who knows the power of prayer and the provision of our Risen Savior arise and say so!

God’s not dead–He is yet alive and He is the same today as He was in yester-years and all those who mock Him will see Him and His majesty in the power given to all who will hear Him.

Those who didn’t know Him, mocked Him then and they are no longer, neither are there any descendants of those who promoted evil. What He has done before, He will do again and all the world will see–the enemy defeated and thrown into the lake of fire with all those who followed him.

Thank You, Lord for being a refuge for those who love and know You, determined to live life that is pleasing to You.

Refuge!

“The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.” (Psalm 37:40 NIV)

Who does the Lord help and deliver? The righteous–those in right-standing with God can count on The Lord helping them and delivering them from all that attempts to hold them bound by the temptations influenced by evil. He delivers them from the wicked and saves (those in right-standing with Him) because they seek refuge in Him.

Every community should be a “safe haven” for those who live in it, but we know that does not always happen. Evil lurks, seeking whom it will attack and devour in our times, just as it did with the walled cities of old. The difference then is the cities had the watchmen walking the walls, looking for the attempts by others that meant danger to those who lived inside. When danger was seen, the alarm sounded and everyone knew what they had to do.

In addition to the walled cities for the majority of the occupants in a region, there were also cities built as a place of refuge for those who had been estranged from their place of origin or for those seeking shelter from the harm of others because they had accidentally killed someone (Numbers, Joshua).

I remember that in one neighborhood where I used to live, my home became the apparent refuge for children seeking shelter from harm by those living there who were certainly not law-abiding. There was drama unfolding on one particular evening and I looked out the door to see my porch full of children who were trying to get out of harm’s way. Most of these children participated in my “porch” bible study during the summer and I was glad they felt my house was a safe haven–a refuge from harm.

In the midst of stormy weather, we are told to seek refuge in low-lying areas and for those of us who have basements–to run to the basement for shelter. In the Midwestern regions–open ranges, they have storm cellars in which they seek shelter from the storms.

In the storms of life, filled with uncertainty and confusion, Our God is our refuge–a place where we can go and no one can harm us. When we are in right-standing with Him, there is nothing we cannot expect from Him–safety from those who would harm us, deliverance from things that would distract us, provision when we are unable to provide for ourselves, wisdom when we lack it and ask for it, mercy and grace we cannot earn, and love overflowing–when we are emptied out and need replenishing.

If ever there was a time we needed to know where we can find refuge, that time is now. Dangers are all around us–bone-chilling weather, icy road conditions, mindsets in opposition to God’s Word–all dangers that should cause us to run to The Lord, seeking refuge in Him to avoid the consequences of staying on the path of the wicked.

Don’t linger in the face of danger–RUN to the Lord and seek shelter in Him!

Tower Against The Storm!

“But you are a tower of refuge to the poor, O LORD,
a tower of refuge to the needy in distress.
You are a refuge from the storm
and a shelter from the heat.
For the oppressive acts of ruthless people
are like a storm beating against a wall,” (Isaiah 25:4 NLT)

Well-built towers–whether to house a light-house or skyline a castle can weather the storms of nature or withstand the onslaught of rebellious people.

The Lord is a strong tower–One in which we can be assured of safety against all the elements and those who oppose and rebel against His Word.

We can expect–the needy to find help from those who know The Lord.

We can expect–those in need of shelter from the storms waged by the enemy to find safe haven.

We can expect–provision from being decimated by extreme seasons and political unrest.

We can expect–with certainty–for all those who create problems to suffer the consequences of their actions–whether they are on the right side of The Lord or the wrong side for His justice does not discriminate and He holds no bias based upon political affiliation or any other trait or entity (openly or behind closed doors) that defies Him.

He sees and knows all things and His Word–shall uphold all who obey it and for those who do not–that same Word will convict and bring about the consequences for going against Him.

It is not a mystery for it is written–for the benefit of all–whether it is believed or not–nothing changes it for the Lord is King of Kings and whatever the King has written–He will not change.

Father, in the name of Jesus, help us to understand with clarity who You are, how You want us to live and all that You have prepared for us when we obey and when we don’t. Create in us a heart of flesh that desires to please You and not self and a will to obey You, and not the dictates of men. Thank You for being The Strong Tower for all who will run to You!

The Safe Place!

“The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble” (Psalm 9:9 NIV).

Imagine–the One Place–where safety resides,

For all who trust the Lord and in His Word abide,

In good times, bad times, when the enemy’s thoughts reign

In the minds of those who have forgotten just whose side

They should be on–The side of right, justice, mercy and love,

The only One who can save us from His throne in heaven above.

All the chaos and confusion that tend to influence delusion

In self and government and family and friends, until finally

Rage rises and roils in tumult and foils and we believe the end

Is now, but when we read His Word, we succeed, knowing all these things

Must come to past before the end is really the end, before determined fate

Is made, here’s a chance to get things right and know the power of God’s might

When we choose to live with Him and for Him, in The Safe Place,

We know victory and with our confidence in Him, know we win!

The Perfect Way!

“As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him” (Psalm 18:30).

Our God–the God of Creation and Heaven–is perfect in every way and everything He does, He does out of perfect love–unconditional–available to all who receive Him.

His Word is flawless–(contains no errors or imperfections)–His Word is just (not fair) towards all and His Word does not change to accommodate society fluctuations and changing morals and values. His Word–stays the same, means the same and will produce the same results, does not change from season to season like a man who is constantly changing his views . Our God and His Word is the same–yesterday, today and forever.

Our God shields all who take refuge in Him–those who obey His Word and follow His ways have no need to fear what the enemy will do. When we obey God–no weapon formed against us will ever prosper. God can and will cause the plans of the enemy to come to nothing and turn whatever that plan was–to our good. There is no need to fear when we have received the love of God and we are able to share that love with others.

When we walk the paths that God has established for us, without doubting or wavering in our faith in Him, we shall see God’s results–that are perfect because He is perfect!

The Lord is My Refuge!

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways” (Psalm 91:11 NIV);

Who will command angels to guard us? The Lord will, if we say, “The Lord is my refuge” (vs. 9) and make the Most High our dwelling place, “The Lord” will make sure no harm overtakes or comes near us.

If He is our refuge–our shelter from harm–and we live within the safety of His arms–we have no need to fear anything. Not only will He make sure that nothing harms us, He won’t let disaster come near us. Say it now, “The Lord is my refuge!”

When Wall Street comes tumbling down or soaring high, “The Lord is my refuge!”

When doctors give us an uncertain prognosis, “The Lord is my refuge!”

In the middle of storms of nature or emotions, “The Lord is my refuge!”

When it seems like all hope is gone, “The Lord is my refuge!”

When we cannot see solutions because of the problems, “The Lord is my refuge!”

When we have more questions than answers, “The Lord is my refuge!”

When we have more bills than money, “The Lord is my refuge!”

When spouses don’t act right, “The Lord is my refuge!”

When children or grandchildren get on our last nerves, “The Lord is my refuge!”

When lawmakers don’t do their jobs, “The Lord is my refuge!”

When preachers won’t preach the Truth, “The Lord is my refuge!”

This should not just be a mantra, but a way of acknowledging who we believe and trust because when we make this acknowledgment, He will encamp angels all around us to keep us from harm. He will remind us that by His Spirit we have access to all truth and He will direct our paths. He will bridle our tongues before we say anything stupid if we just say, “The Lord is my refuge” first.

Our angels have been given an assignment, to protect us and guard us in all of “our ways” so no harm can come before us. If we will do what He says, He will do what He has promised. Are we going to do it? No weapon formed against us shall prosper because our angels will intercept and deflect any of the fiery darts that the enemy sends our way. Hallelujah!  “The Lord is my refuge!”

Even If The Mountains Fall!

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,” (Psalm 46: 1,2 NIV).

Though the news in far-away places is usually negative and depressing, we have no need to fear.

Though politicians refuse to do the job for which they were elected (make decisions for the people, not the greedy), we have no need to fear.

Though the foolish and idiotic attempt to sway believers they are wasting their time believing in God, we have no need to fear.

Though the gun-lobbyists are fueling evil and creating environments that cost lives, we have no need to fear.

Though lawmakers create laws that encourage sin in the land, we have no need to fear.

Though there can be little hope for peace among those who are peace-breakers, and not peace-makers, we have no need to fear.

Though it may appear that all hope is lost because of man’s desire to do what pleases himself instead of God, we have no need to fear.

No matter how the enemy influences others to do what is totally against God, we who believe that God is and will always be–our refuge and strength in times of trouble, have no need to fear. We can and will stand confident in the knowledge of God and in His Word and we will not be moved by trends or people who deliberately defy God. Though the mountains tumble into the sea–our confidence remains deeply rooted in the faith that God can and will save us.  Even though some may see and know physical death, our eternal resting place is guaranteed, and nothing will deter us from obtaining it.

 

Father, in the name of Jesus, thank You for Your Word that rises up mightily in us in the face of danger and negative reports.  Thank You for instilling in us, unmoving faith in You and in the knowledge of who You are and Your plans for us.  Remind us to encourage others in the faith, to hold onto Your Word, no matter what the enemy does, and be not moved by the appearances of things, but moved only by our faith in You.