Category: Protection

Posted on

Built Strong, Built to Last

Over the last two months we have had a lot of rain in the mountains. We are so thankful!

To us the rain is a blessing but to some others, who weren’t prepared for it, it has been a discouragement and even a destructive element of nature. Recently, we had two different sets of campers leave the campground at the end of their reservation. One was upset by all the rain. Their tent had collapsed because the roof wasn’t protected from by a rain cover and the water was too heavy, causing it to cave in.

The other couple also had some damage to their cover. When we asked them if they enjoyed their camping experience, they had the complete opposite opinion from the first. They were excited. They told us it was their first camping trip and they loved it – “oh yes, we had some damage from the rain but we know what to do next time; we’ll be back – it was beautiful”.

It was surprising to hear such a difference of viewpoint. 

It reminded me of a little song we sang in Sunday School when I was a child.

The rains came down as the floods came up

The rains came down as the floods came up

The rains came down as the floods came up

And the house on the rock stood firm!

If we are built on a firm foundation, we can withstand the storms and the rain. 

Our world seems to be in a storm – spiritually, physically, politically, economically.  Some are being shaken to the very foundation and some collapse like the tent of the one camper. But God has given us a promise for the storms.

“Anyone who hears and obeys these teachings of mine is like a wise person who built a house on solid rock. 25 Rain poured down, rivers flooded, and winds beat against that house. But it did not fall, because it was built on solid rock.” Matthew 7:24-25 CEV

When we make God’s word our foundation, letting it give us the stability and underpinning we need, we will withstand the storms. When Jesus came to earth, He was called the living Word, He is our foundation.

“You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following him. 7 Plant your roots in Christ and let him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful.” Colossians 2:6-7 CEV

I don’t know what type of storm you may be experiencing. You may have already seen your tent collapse, if you have, pick up the pieces and rebuild, build on the foundation of God’s unchangeable Word.

He will be your source of strength. He will be your protection and your provider. Trust Him!

Build Strong, Be Built to Last!

Posted on

He Did It Again!

It amazes me how my Father, my God, delights in ending my day! Last night He gave me this great display as I was getting off work!

Spectacular!!

I went to sleep last night with an old song running through my mind. I’ve shared it with you before but it was so appropriate.

“Our God is an awesome God, He reigns from heaven above, With wisdom, power and love, Our God is an awesome God.”

Oh, and He is certainly that! Amazing and awesome!!

Then this morning as I gazed at this picture from last night’s sunset another song came to mind. I really can’t think of a better way to start any morning than in song of praise to the Father.

“Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the Darkness, My God that is who You are“

Isn’t it mind boggling that God wants us to know Him in such a dramatic way. Each one of those characteristics of God are spelled out for us in Scripture.

“God is no mere human! He doesn’t tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps his promises.” Numbers 23:19 CEV

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19 NIV

“Once again Jesus spoke to the people. This time he said, “I am the light for the world! Follow me, and you won’t be walking in the dark. You will have the light that gives life.” John 8:12 CEV

“Our Lord, no other gods compare with you— Majestic and holy!  Fearsome and glorious!
Miracle worker!” Exodus 15:11 CEV

Do you need to know the right way to go or to depend on Someone who will never lie? Do you feel you are groping around in the darkness? Maybe you just need a miracle. If any of those apply, come to Almighty God, our gracious heavenly Father, in Him you will find all you need.

He did all this for those in the Bible as an example for us and He will do it again!

Posted on

When Things Don’t Go As Planned

Some things in life catch us off guard! Now what?!

This week some friends of ours definitely had an unexpected circumstance to deal with. Lightning struck a very large ponderosa pine tree near their 5th wheel trailer. The tree exploded! Pieces of wood were thrown through the air, some landing over 200 feet away from the damaged tree.

One piece, weighing several hundred pounds went through the front of their trailer. What do you do?

Thank God they weren’t home at the time and especially thankful that no one was injured. There were other trailers in the same area, along with a number of vehicles but none of those were damaged either.

What a mess!

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 NLT

As friends you give them a shoulder to cry on, offer your help in cleaning things up and then listen while they talk through what they need to do next. And you pray…

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NLT

When we don’t have the answers, God always does. He can be trusted to make a way provision. In all of life’s unexpected circumstances place your trust in the Lord.

Posted on

Another New Lesson

It’s possible that you have seen the news about the wild fires in Arizona. We are in the mountains of northeast Arizona and there are a number of fires here. None of them are imminently life threatening but yesterday the Forest Service asked us to evacuate the campground where we are serving as camp hosts for the summer.

We spent most of the afternoon talking to and reassuring campers. Many of them left yesterday. Today the remaining campers will leave and we will close the campground and relocate with the other camp hosts while we wait for the summer rains to do their job of bringing moisture to the dry forest and meadowlands.

We are praying for the firefighters who are working endlessly to contain and suppress the blazes. We are safe but this afternoon we will be moved until the danger is over. We were told yesterday that the internet connection and cell service is weaker where we are going than what we have here so I’m not sure I will be able to continue with the daily blogs. I’m praying I can.

When we started this adventure this summer our prayer was “Lord, take us where you can use us.” and here we are!

Now you know why I wrote to you about God’s Hand of Protection in yesterday’s blog. The Scripture I shared with you was the one the Lord gave me to share with our fellow camp hosts.

“The Lord will protect you from every danger. He will protect your soul. 8 The Lord will protect you as you come and go both now and forever!” Psalm 121:7-8 ERV

It is such a blessing to have the Lord speak into our life’s situations. He is always present to encourage, reassure, strengthen and direct.

Pray for us today. There is still much to do. Campers may need assistance with packing, they will certainly need encouragement and smiling faces. We will have buildings to close and property to secure. Then we will move.

We are confident that the Lord has great things ahead! I’ve never been through something like this before so I am trusting the Father to protect and provide for all of us as we experience this together.

“You, Lord God, are my mighty rock and my fortress. Lead me and guide me, so that your name will be honored. 4 Protect me from hidden traps and keep me safe.” Psalm 31:3-4 CEV

Pray for an open channel of communication. I will look forward to sharing the adventures with you.

The Father knows the way and we are eager to follow His leading. The same applies for you – no matter where, no matter when, no matter what – the Lord is always faithful to His word and to us, His children.

Posted on

Protected by God’s Hand

Last night I went to bed thinking about how many times and in how many ways God protects. It filled my thoughts all through the night.

Some people step off a curb and break their ankle or hip. Others make a simple drive to the grocery store and have an automobile accident. Kids who are healthy and strong play a backyard sport and are injured. And yet most of us go through each day not knowing that we have been protected from these things and many others.

“The Lord will protect you and keep you safe from all dangers. 8 The Lord will protect you now and always wherever you go. Psalm 121:7&8 CEV

Each morning I pray that I will experience God’s protection and be open for his leading. Each day I pray over my children and grandchildren that they will be covered by the Lord’s loving protection. Each day I am thankful that I don’t need to be afraid because I know that He will keep His word and protect me in all my ways.

The Lord made me this promise long before I was born and I will trust Him to keep His word.

He protected Daniel in the lion’s den, the three Hebrew men in the furnance. His protection covered the Israelites as they crossed the Red Sea. The Lord gave David strength to defeat the giant and Paul was protected in the sea after his ship wrecked.

“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.” Psalm 91:1-6 ERV

What kinds of things cause you to fear? Trust in the Lord – our All-Powerful protection. He hasn’t failed to keep His promises yet and He isn’t going to start now!

Posted on

Right or Left?

Have you ever been at a crossroads and wonder which path to take? 

It could be a physical spot on a roadway – right, left, or straight head but more than likely that crossroad involves a decision about career path, relationships, monetary commitments and even health choices.

How do we know which choice is right?

It’s important to get good advice but ultimately, at least for me, it comes down to following that inner voice, sense of right/wrong, the peace that I feel in my heart.

Jesus used an analogy with his disciples that they all understood. He talked to them of the way sheep follow a shepherd. They were familiar with seeing bands of sheep out on the hillsides with their shepherd. Jesus said I am the good Shepherd, and my sheep hear my voice and follow me.

“I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep…I am the shepherd who cares for the sheep. I know my sheep just as the Father knows me. And my sheep know me just as I know the Father. I give my life for these sheep…My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:11,14,15,27 ERV

If we are listening, we will hear our Shepherd’s voice and follow the path He takes us on.  Sometimes we start out following the Shepherd and then we get off the path and head out on our own. The attitude of “I can take it from here, thanks for getting me started” can be disastrous. 

When that happens, it is encouraging to know that the Shepherd will come looking for lost sheep. He knows the dangers that can present themselves. He is faithful to rescue us.

“Suppose one of you has 100 sheep, but one of them gets lost. What will you do? You will leave the other 99 sheep there in the field and go out and look for the lost sheep. You will continue to search for it until you find it. 5 And when you find it, you will be very happy. You will carry it 6 home, go to your friends and neighbors and say to them, ‘Be happy with me because I found my lost sheep!’” Luke 15:4-6 ERV

In Jesus’ own words He said he is the “good” shepherd. Some shepherds had been known to leave the sheep in times of peril. Some didn’t properly care for those who had been attacked or injured.

But not the Good Shepherd. He is willing to lay down His life for his sheep. He takes His sheep to green pastures beside still water where they can be fed, watered, and well rested.

When He sees danger coming, He protects the sheep and keeps their enemies for attacking. He leads them through the valley of the shadow of death with no fear. He is their comfort.

Which path to take? Follow the Shepherd, He will never lead us astray.

Have a decision to make? At the crossroads?

Pray about it. Don’t be in a hurry. Listen for the Shepherd’s voice and then follow Him!

Posted on

Beating the Odds

Stand Still!

These are not the words you’re wanting to hear when in a situation like the Israelites were. They had just left Egypt during the middle of the night. They had the clothes on their backs, some provisions, their flocks and herds and the gold,silver and clothing the Egyptians had given them as they were leaving.

Moses and Aaron told them to be ready to go at a moments notice and that moment was now. The Bible tells us about 600,000 men with their families left Egypt. It was as if an entire city packed up and moved over night.

No GPS to set their route. Something better – the Lord led them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Follow the pillar and you won’t go wrong. They had only been gone a little while and someone noticed that the entire Egyptian army was following them. Pharoah wasn’t giving up, he was in hot pursuit.

That’s when they began to cry and complain and that’s when Moses said “Stand Still”.

“The Egyptian army had many horse soldiers and chariots. They chased the Israelites and caught up with them while they were camped near the Red Sea at Pi Hahiroth, east of Baal Zephon. 10 When the Israelites saw Pharaoh and his army coming toward them, they were very frightened and cried to the Lord for help. 11 They said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt? Did you bring us out here in the desert to die?… 13 But Moses answered, “Don’t be afraid! Don’t run away! Stand where you are and watch the Lord save you today. You will never see these Egyptians again. 14 You will not have to do anything but stay calm. The Lord will do the fighting for you.” Exodus 14:9-14 ERV

An army behind them and the Red Sea ahead of them – it appeared they were doomed. But when the Lord does the fighting you can beat the odds.

The Lord had promised to take them to a new land, a land flowing with milk and honey. He didn’t say He would take them out into the desert to die. God is bigger than an attacking army and He’s greater than a sea. He’s also mightier than any enemy or devastating circumstance that we may face.

He is the Lord who provides; He is the promise keeper!

The Lord placed the cloud between the Egyptian army and the Israelites, the army could proceed no further. Then the Lord gave Moses the command to hold his staff in the direction of the sea. When he did the wind blew and the waters parted leaving a path for them to follow to the other side.

“Don’t be afraid! Don’t run away! Stand where you are and watch the Lord save you today.“

I have no idea what circumstances you may be facing; physical, emotional, financial, relational, however, I do know the God who delivered the Israelites from the Egyptians. He is still the same powerful Lord that He was then.

“All day long I will tell the wonderful things you do to save your people. But you have done much more than I could possibly know. 16 I will praise you, Lord God, for your mighty deeds and your power to save.” Psalm 71:15-16 CEV

Our God is trustworthy. He is mighty to save!

We can beat the odds when we place our trust in Him!

Posted on

Protection & Sleep

How did you sleep last night?

Mine was interrupted with dreams and not all of them were pleasant. That doesn’t happen very often but when it does my first thoughts after waking are filled with prayers for the people who were in my dreams and then I pray for restored peace in my own heart.

I was a child who was plagued with nightmares. My sleep was anything but restful. In my twenties I read this verse and it became mine.

“When I go to bed, I sleep in peace, because, Lord, you keep me safe.” Psalm 4:8 ERV

That really put an end to bad dreams. Now, when I have a dream that unsettles me I pray. As I said the primary focus of my prayer is for those who were in the dream with me. I can’t know if they are having a difficult time and are worried or afraid so I pray for them to be wrapped in peace and then I pray for my own peace to be restored.

Rest is from God. It is His way of “rest”-oring our strength for the day ahead.

I spend quite a bit of time reading Proverbs. I love the nuggets of wisdom and instruction for daily life that I find there. Chapter three is one of my favorites and the first few verses of that chapter have been my primary focus. They give instruction on trusting and following the Lord’s leading and not depending on my own knowledge and understanding.

But this morning these verses lept from the page:

“My son, don’t ever let wisdom out of your sight. Hold on to wisdom and careful planning. 22 They will bring you a long life filled with honor. 23 As you go through life, you will always be safe and never fall. 24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid. When you rest, your sleep will be peaceful. 25 You have no reason to fear a sudden disaster or the destruction that comes to the wicked. 26 You can trust the Lord to protect you. He will not let you fall into harm.” Proverbs 3:21-26 ERV

Wisdom, honor, safety, sleep, no reason to fear, trust, protection! These verses are packed with expressions of the Lord’s loving-kindness.

I don’t know what situations I will face today, neither do you, but whatever may come these verses promise us the Lord’s protection.

Safety thoughout our day and peaceful sleep. Those are promises I can hold on to!

Posted on

A Safe Place

Dave and I enjoy spending the evenings on our patio. It’s a busy place.

We watch the hummingbirds scooting in for their last drinks of the day. Flittering here and there at high speed. Up to a tree branch, down to the feeder and in just a few minutes they are gone.

About this time we hear the cooing of the doves who are roosting in the mesquite trees. Then comes the lone call of the quail. Quail are very vocal birds and Dave and I will make up conversations when we hear them calling at dusk.

“Hurry up now. It’s almost bedtime. Don’t delay, you need to come in before it gets dark.” And then there will always be an annoyed chatter…”But I don’t want to go to bed yet, can’t I stay out just a little longer”.

It’s amazing the natural instinct God has gifted to the different animals. They all have a desire to protect their young, keeping them safe from danger.

Is it no wonder that the Scriptures talk about us being safe, under the wings of Almighty God?

“Your love is a treasure, and everyone finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. 8 You give your guests a feast in your house, and you serve a tasty drink that flows like a river.” Psalm 36:7-8 CEV

“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 91:3-4 ERV

We don’t need to beg the Lord for protection. He is the One making the offer. He wants us to come to Him for help and safety. He has given us an open invitation to utilize His protection.

Shortly before His death, Jesus was on a hilltop looking over Jerusalem and He was heart broken. He was praying for the Jewish people and their leaders. He had been preaching and teaching for three years and still there were many who refused to accept His message, a message of salvation and protection.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem! You kill the prophets. You stone to death those that God has sent to you. Many, many times I wanted to help your people. I wanted to gather them together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. But you did not let me. ” Matthew 23:37 ERV

Do you hear the heart ache? I wanted to gather you in, under my wings, but you wouldn’t let me.

“With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:16 ERV

Coming to the Lord for help in times of trouble isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s an action of wisdom. Come to the Lord’s safe place!

Posted on

Practicing My Preaching

Yesterday after I posted my blog I picked up my journal and pen. I opened it to a clean page and found that it had been several days since I had written any of the things I am thankful for. I had also neglected to record the prayers of my heart.

Lots has been going on. Although, I have been praising the Father for miracles large and small and I have also been pouring my heart out to Him with specific requests, I had failed to write them down. Now to some of you that may not seem significant but to me it was a true sign that I had become overwhelmed in the circumstances.

So…I stopped, almost mid sentence and asked the Lord for a verse or verses that I could live out. Remember what I said yesterday? It’s better to read one verse and live it than to read chapters and not have it make any impact on what we do.

I wanted and needed to practice what I preach.

“O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! 2 From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, 3 for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. 4 Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings!” Psalm 61:1-4 NLT

These are the words that jumped out at me – when my heart is overwhelmed. What do we do when we’re overwhelmed? Answer: Cry out! That’s exactly what I did.

I practiced what I was preaching.

Then next words that caught my attention were rock of safety, safe refuge, safe beneath your wings. Key thought here – when we cry out to the Lord, when we are overwhelmed, He will lead us to a safe place.

“You, Lord, are my shepherd. I will never be in need. 2 You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, 3 and you refresh my life. You are true to your name,  and you lead me along the right paths. 4 I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won’t be afraid. You are with me and your shepherd’s rod  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 CEV

Life will always have circumstances and situations that will try to unsettle us. We will have many opportunities to be fearful and overwhelmed. However, when we are following the Lord we can choose not to take them.

I found a place of safety and peace. I can trust my Father. I don’t need all the answers because He has them. If I follow His lead I will come to a place of rest.

I will practice what I preach.

Privacy Policy Proudly powered by WordPress