Category: Protection

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Under A Cloud

The other night after the rains had stopped, this was the view from our porch. The end of the day, clouds filled the sky and the sun was peaking over them one more time before setting for the night.

I love clouds.

Not everyone does. Some think that they are living under a dark cloud, a cloud of depression and worry. A cloud that blocks them from seeing the sun. Oh, that can be crushing to the spirit.

When I see the clouds I think of the Lord’s protection and guidance.

The children of Israel were led out of Egypt by Moses, not really knowing which way to go but they were headed to a “promised” land. God had promised a good, fertile land to Abraham hundreds of years before. That’s where the Lord was taking them.

The Egyptians pursued them with chariots and horses and the first thing the Lord did was cover the Israelites with a cloud.

“ The Lord led the way. During the day, he used a tall cloud to lead the people. And during the night, he used a tall column of fire to lead the way. This fire gave them light so that they could also travel at night. 22 The cloud was always with them during the day, and the column of fire was always with them at night.” Exodus 13:21-23 ERV

When the Temple was built by Solomon it is recorded that a cloud filled the Temple. The cloud was a sign of God’s presence with His people.

“When the priests came out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the Lord’s Temple. 11 The priests could not continue their work because the Temple was filled with the Glory of the Lord. 12 Then Solomon said, ‘The Lord caused the sun to shine in the sky, but he chose to live in a dark cloud.'” I Kings 8:9-12 ERV

And finally, there is one more reference to clouds that I want to share this morning.

“…Tell us, are you the Messiah, the Son of God?’ Jesus answered, “Yes, that’s right. But I tell you, in the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right side of God. And you will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven.” Matthew 26:64 ERV

Oh, how I am looking for that day! The day of the Lord’s return!

I wait for it with excitement, anticipation and joy. The Lord’s return to earth. What a glorious day that will be!

Oh dear one, don’t dread the clouds. Live under the cloud of the Lord’s protection, enjoy His presence, live in His glory and await His return!

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Hidden Dangers

Just a couple of days ago I shared the verses from Deuteronomy 28 – the blessing verses. A couple of those say “blessed in the city and in the field”, “blessed coming in and going out”. Then Psalm 91 says

“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 91:3-16 ERV

This seems to be such a good word in light of the events of the last few days. The dangers in life are hidden from our view so many times, but God is faithful!

He is always near to provide and protect! I will put my hope and trust in Him.

We need to be willing to die for our faith, but we do not need to be afraid. The Apostle Paul lived daily with the thought that his life could be taken but it did not stop him from proclaiming the gospel. He did not fear.

“ I honestly expect and hope I will never do anything to be ashamed of. Whether I live or die, I always want to be as brave as I am now and bring honor to Christ.

21 If I live, it will be for Christ, and if I die, I will gain even more.” Philippians 1:20-21 CEV

Let us continue to boldly live for Christ without fear, knowing that our Father walks each day with us.

Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for those who are in fear over the conditions of our world. I pray that they are flooded with a sense of your peace and protection. Let your words bring confidence to their hearts. May they know if they should walk through the valley of the shadow of death, they can fear no evil for you are with them. Amen. and Amen.”

Father, I trust you!

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Finding Strength

We all face hard times and discouraging circumstances. This morning, I was reminded to look up especially when we feel like hanging our heads and giving in. We need to look up in order to find the way out.

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10 KJV

God’s name is a place! His name means ever present, peace, healer, righteousness, provider, I AM!

Run into that place – run into God and find safety and peace; find help, find rest!

“Please listen, God, and answer my prayer! 2 I feel hopeless, and I cry out to you from a faraway land. Lead me to the mighty rock high above me. 3 You are a strong tower, where I am safe from my enemies. 4 Let me live with you forever and find protection under your wings, my God.” Psalm 61:1-4 CEV

I’m not sure why this is the message for today. I just kept hearing the Father say, “I’m the way out – I’m the provider – I’m the deliverer. I AM all that is needed.”

“I look to the hills! Where will I find help? 2 It will come from the Lord, who created heaven and earth. 3 The Lord is your protector, and he won’t go to sleep or let you stumble. 4 The protector of Israel doesn’t doze or ever get drowsy. 5 The Lord is your protector, there at your right side to shade you from the sun. 6 You won’t be harmed by the sun during the day or by the moon at night. 7 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 CEV

This is our confidence – this is our strength. These are the words of our Father, the one who never lies!

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Safe and Secure

We had an interesting flight yesterday. We were about 10 minutes late taking off. Some people in the back of the plane would not take their seats.

After several stern announcements from the senior flight attendant, the issue, whatever it was was resolved and we were able to take off.

We had been flying for about 20 or 30 when we were told there was quite a bit of turbulent weather and the pilot was flying an alternate route to avoid it. Stay in your seats and keep your seat belts pulled tight.

Only when we were already late did we receive word that a weather front from Mexico to Las Vegas was the cause for our rerouting and that of a number of other flights.

We would be on the ground in Phoenix in another 20 minutes or so. We arrived safely and all was well.

One thing I noticed as the passengers were boarding was a family with 3 small children. Only once did I hear a small cry, I couldn’t turn around to see but I imagine that the mother was cuddling her child and diminishing any fears.

Now why would I tell you this story? Glad you asked.

“But I have learned to feel safe and satisfied, like a young child in its mother’s arms. People of Israel, you must trust the Lord now and forever.” Psalm 131:2-3 CEV

When we run into turbulence how do we handle it?

I can tell you how I did, I prayed. Things were beyond my control but not beyond God’s. No fear, just confidence that I was in a place of safety.

It’s little daily lessons like these that remind me of the Father’s constant protection and love.

Let me encourage you – feel safe like a child in its mother’s arms. No matter the circumstances God is holding you in His arms.

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Good Cheer

When we’re travelling it’s sometimes hard to write my morning devotional but I wanted to share this brief thought with you this morning.

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

God isn’t the one bringing tribulation into our lives, but He IS the one who brings us peace in the tribulation.

How can we have peace?

By knowing that God is there with us and through Him we overcome what this world throws at us.

“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.  I have called you by name; you are mine. 2 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. 3 For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Isaiah 43:1-3 NLT

Christ paid the price for our ransom. He didn’t purchase us to throw us on the trash heap. We are precious to Him, so precious that He willingly died for our redemption.

Today, I pray that you know peace and your lives are filled with “good cheer” as you go through any fires or floods!

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Riding Out the Storm

Last night we had a really “good” wind storm! I say that tongue in cheek because in the desert, there is no such thing as a good wind storm.

The news showed some major dust clouds called Haboobs close to the cities and at the airport but we didn’t have anything that severe here. Blowing dust sent chair cushions flying and tossed a couple of patio chairs into the wash but no real damage.

This morning I remembered one dust storm from my childhood that was much worse. We lived in a remote little town on the edge of the desert. I was outside playing and my mom saw the dust cloud coming. She sent my brother to find me and bring me home.

As he and I got closer to our trailer the wind blew harder and we were getting pelted with sand. We weren’t going to make it home in time. My brother shielded me with his body until the dust storm passed by.

It didn’t last long but it was intense. My legs and arms had been beaten by the grains of sand but my brother experienced the worst of it.

My childhood thoughts were he saved me!

That experience is one that comes to mind every now and then. When I’m in a storm – physical or emotional, I remember how he sheltered me from the storm.

Spiritually, I’ve had many experiences to remind me of how my older brother, Jesus, has sheltered me during the storms of life.

“You are a strong tower,where I am safe from my enemies. You heard my promises, and you have blessed me, just as you bless everyonewho worships you.” Psalm 61:3 CEV

When we’re in a storm it seems it will last forever.

The key to weathering a storm is to remember we are never in it alone. The Lord is our strong tower and He keeps us safe in a sand storm or in the presence of our enemies!

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Mending Fences

Some years back, about this time, I had the privilege to preach the funeral of a dear friend. This old cowboy had lived a good life but not always a godly life. In fact, it wasn’t until a couple years before he died that I had the opportunity to lead him to Jesus. How special it was to know that God’s love had touched this man’s life and that he accepted Jesus as his Savior.

Dave and I made the trip from Montana to Nebraska for the celebration of his life. I remember asking him just a few days before he died if he was ready to see Jesus and he responded with a resounding “Yes, I just didn’t think it would be this soon.”

When we arrived at the funeral home his favorite saddle was positioned at the end of the casket and tied to the saddle was a pair of fencin’ pliers. This made me wonder, how many times he must have used those as he rode fence and checked on the cattle. He would stop, pull the wire tight and keep the cattle in the pasture where they were well fed and safe.

How many times have I needed a pair of spiritual fencin’ pliers? How many times have I needed to have the lines around me pulled tight and secured once again to a strong post? How many times have I tried to grab a loose strand of wire with my hands and been stuck on the barbs?

God cannot lie when He says something, and He does not lie when he makes an oath.

“So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. 19 This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.” Hebrews 6:18-19 NLT

To me hope is like a pair of fencin’ pliers. It pulls things up tight and keeps us for running into open pasture beyond the fence of safety that God has established for us.

“But the Lord is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge.” Psalm 94:22 KJV

Now this is definitely a play on words but I think we can all agree that the Lord is our de-fence.

God can’t lie. Trust His Word, it pull our fence tight, and He will keep us safe and sure.

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God Delivers

I feel compelled to bring you another message on deliverance today. Yesterday we saw how the Lord delivered Israel from the Philistines using a shepherd boy and five smooth stones.

Many years later there was another king in Judah, his name was Jehoshaphat. He honored the Lord.

“Jehoshaphat followed his father’s example and obeyed and worshiped the Lord. And so the Lord blessed Jehoshaphat 5 and helped him keep firm control of his kingdom.” II Chronicles 17:4-5 CEV

But some years later three armies came together and waged war on Jehoshaphat. He brought the nation together and they prayed for God’s guidance and deliverance.

“the Lord says that you don’t need to be afraid or let this powerful army discourage you. God will fight on your side! 16 So here’s what you must do. Tomorrow the enemy armies will march through the desert around the town of Jeruel. March down and meet them at the town of Ziz as they come up the valley. 17  You won’t even have to fight. Just take your positions and watch the Lord rescue you from your enemy. Don’t be afraid. Just do as you’re told. And as you march out tomorrow, the Lord will be there with you.18 Jehoshaphat bowed low to the ground and everyone worshiped the Lord. ” II Chronicles 20: 15-18 CEV

Now let’s jump to the end of the story.

“Listen my friends, if we trust the Lord God and believe what these prophets have told us, the Lord will help us, and we will be successful.” 21 Then he explained his plan and appointed men to march in front of the army and praise the Lord for his holy power by singing: “Praise the Lord! His love never ends.”

22 As soon as they began singing, the Lord confused the enemy camp, 23 so that the Ammonite and Moabite troops attacked and completely destroyed those from Edom. Then they turned against each other and fought until the entire camp was wiped out! II Chronicles 20:20-23 CEV

The Lord delivered them from their enemies. Their weapons were obedience and praise. The Psalms tell us that God inhabits the praises of His people. There is something about heart-felt praise that brings the power of God into our circumstances.

Now one last statement on this battle.

“ When the other nations heard how the Lord had fought against Judah’s enemies, they were too afraid 30 to invade Judah. The Lord let Jehoshaphat’s kingdom be at peace.” II Chronicles 20:29-30 CEV

I cannot repeat often enough how faithful the Lord is. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. These aren’t just nice stories; they are examples of God’s faithfulness to the people who love Him.

“ I did not give up waiting for the Lord. And He turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He brought me up out of the hole of danger, out of the mud and clay. He set my feet on a rock, making my feet sure. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and will put their trust in the Lord.” Psalm 40:1-3 NLV

I confidently say, trust God – He delivers!

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Noises that Go Boom!

Last night was a night of very little sleep. Right before bed, I read a “Breaking Now” news story. Two firefighters were killed, and one was wounded by a sniper! This was in a town we used to call home, Couer d’Alene, Idaho.

I wondered if we knew these men and/or their families. I prayed for them, their families, the other first responders, and the community. It was hard to sleep and when I awaken at 1 p.m. I was prompted to pray more. I ask you to pray for that city and all involved today.

With that being said, this morning I recycled a blog from 8 or 9 years ago. It’s one on driving out the loud noise of fear…

“I was reminded of this experience that I had several years back while we were in Iowa watching the fireworks. It was a nice display – I had a perfect spot from the porch of our RV. But Glory, our Australian Shepherd, was not getting the same enjoyment I was.

As long as she sat in my lap and I was patting her, she was ok. She didn’t realize that there was nothing to harm her and that soon, very soon, it would all be over. Her perspective was skewed but she knew she would be ok because I would protect her.

It made me think of how unfounded my fears have been. Most things are only loud noises when put in perspective with God’s word and His goodness, grace, mercy and power (the true light). In a few short days I will be celebrating my 64th birthday. (Now to be 72.) The years have flown by, and I feel the best is still ahead – the best years with my husband, my children, my friends, and my God!

There’s an old song – The Longer I Serve Him the Sweeter He Grows! Yes, I can say God is always faithful! Always!

Me, on the other hand, I can use some work. So many times, I thought I knew best and had the perfect plan. I got out into a place of loud booming noises that frightened me. I was sure I would be destroyed. I would come back and cuddle in close and I would feel God’s reassuring hand and hear His voice telling me it would be ok, “I’m here”. And yes, it was soon over, and it was ok.

Moses was giving instruction to the Israelites and to Joshua right before they crossed over the Jordan River into the Promised Land. Moses told them that he would not be going with them; he had led them for 40 years and now it was time for someone new to take charge. They were to follow Joshua.

“ Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

7 And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.

8 And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 30:6-8 KJV

Be of “Good” courage.

Good courage is God based, and it will drive out fear. John wrote in I John 4 that perfect love casts out fear.

When we are secure in God’s love for us, knowing that He will never leave us or abandon us, we will be strong with “good” courage even in the face of fierce battles and opponents that are big as giants.

Look at what Moses says in verse 8; He WILL be with thee, He WILL NOT fail or forsake thee, fear NOT!

I don’t know what loud noises you are facing today but when you are letting the Lord lead you can have “good courage”, and you’ll hear His voice telling you He’s there and you can trust Him to protect.

Let the light in your eyes be the light of His glorious presence and then there will be no reason to fear!

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God Almighty

This morning, I read two amazing accounts of God’s power and greatness.

The first involves Elijah and the 450 prophets of Baal. The story is recorded in I Kings 18. It had not rained in Israel for 3 years because the people had turned from God and were worshipping idols. Elijah and the prophets met on top of Mount Carmel for a showdown.

Each was to build an altar and sacrifice a bull. Neither was to put fire to the sacrifice, instead Baal’s prophets were to call on him and Elijah was to call on God to send fire to consume the sacrifice. Baal’s prophets prayed all day but there was no response. Elijah prayed and Almighty God sent fire that not only consumed the bull but the altar which had been soaked with water as well.

From there I went to Judges 15 and read an account of Samson and his encounter with the Philistines. The Lord had told Samson’s parents before he was born that he would be a deliverer of his people. Samson had a number of smaller skirmishes with the Philistines and so this particular time they came for him with an army. The Bible says “the Lord’s Spirit took control of Samson” and he fought the Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey, killing a thousand of them.

Now both of these true stories would sound like fiction if it wasn’t for the power of Almighty God.

After reading those two accounts I went to the Psalms and the next Psalm in my daily reading was Psalm 91.

“Live under the protection of God Most High and stay in the shadow of God All-Powerful.
2 Then you will say to the Lord, ‘You are my fortress, my place of safety; you are my God, and I trust you.’ 3 The Lord will keep you safe from secret traps and deadly diseases.
4 He will spread his wings over you and keep you secure. His faithfulness is like a shield or a city wall.

5 You won’t need to worry about dangers at night or arrows during the day. 6 And you won’t fear diseases that strike in the dark or sudden disaster at noon.7 You will not be harmed,
though thousands fall all around you. 8 And with your own eyes you will see the punishment of the wicked.
9 The Lord Most High is your fortress. Run to him for safety, 10 and no terrible disasters
    will strike you or your home.

11 God will command his angels to protect you wherever you go. 12 They will carry you in their arms, and you won’t hurt your feet on the stones. 13 You will overpower the strongest lions and the most deadly snakes.

14 The Lord says, ‘If you love me and truly know who I am, I will rescue you and keep you safe. 15 When you are in trouble, call out to me. I will answer and be there to protect and honor you. 16 You will live a long life and see my saving power.’” Psalm 91 CEV

When we are in trouble, we call out to the Lord and He will protect us. This is a promise from Almighty God to us who love and trust Him. God will strengthen and protect us!

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