Category: Protection

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An Ark on the Road

Just a few generations after Adam we find his (x7) great grandson Noah.

“The Lord saw how bad the people on earth were and that everything they thought and planned was evil. 6 He was sorry that he had made them, 7 and he said, ‘I’m going to destroy every person on earth! I’ll even wipe out animals, birds, and reptiles. I’m sorry I ever made them.’ 8 But the Lord was pleased with Noah, 9  and this is the story about him. Noah was the only person who lived right and obeyed God.” Genesis 6:5-9 CEV

It’s important to see that even if there is only one person who is living for the Lord He will still provide and protect them.

“Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see. 2  It was their faith that made our ancestors pleasing to God…6But without faith no one can please God. We must believe that God is real and rewards everyone who searches for him. 7  Because Noah had faith, he was warned about something that had not yet happened. He obeyed and built a boat that saved him and his family. In this way the people of the world were judged, and Noah was given the blessings that come to everyone who pleases God.” Hebrews 11:1,2,6&7 CEV

I’m sure you’ve heard it said that Hebrews, chapter 11, is the Hall of Fame of Faith. It records the deeds of those men and women who lived to please God. Each one had a personal encounter with God. None of them were perfect but their hearts were filled with faith.

The ark was a type of salvation. It provided everything that Noah and his family needed to live and thrive during the flood. God made a way to protect those who loved Him and were willing to follow His plan.

“Eight people went into that boat and were brought safely through the flood. 21 Those flood waters were like baptism that now saves you. But baptism is more than just washing your body. It means turning to God with a clear conscience, because Jesus Christ was raised from death.” I Peter 3:20-21 CEV

Noah and his family were taking steps of faith toward a cross they couldn’t see.

“Noah built an altar where he could offer sacrifices to the Lord. Then he offered on the altar one of each kind of animal and bird that could be used for a sacrifice. 21 The smell of the burning offering pleased the Lord, and he said: ‘Never again will I punish the earth for the sinful things its people do. All of them have evil thoughts from the time they are young, but I will never destroy everything that breathes, as I did this time.'” Genesis 8:20-21 CEV

The promise that God made to Noah is also for us.

“Again, God said to Noah and his sons: 9′ I am going to make a solemn promise to you and to everyone who will live after you...16 When I see the rainbow in the sky, I will always remember the promise that I have made to every living creature. 17 The rainbow will be the sign of that solemn promise.'” Genesis 8:8-17 CEV

The safety of the ark and the promise of the rainbow lead us down the road to the plan of salvation that the cross provides.

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And the Rains Came

Oh, my goodness, the rains came down last night. The storm that came across California has arrived in Arizona, but it isn’t nearly as fierce as it was there. The rain came, being driven along by the strong winds but I don’t think we had damage to our little community.

Thank God!

Now it’s just a light drizzle and the winds have stopped. It reminds me of an experience I had when we first moved to Montana. We bought our home from an old ranching couple, such a sweet couple. As we walked from room to room, she told me stories of their life in this house, now my home.

We came to their bedroom and she stared out the window for a few moments silently and then turned to me and spoke. “Now honey, when the first winter storm comes, you’ll think you’re going to be snowed in all winter but don’t panic, just wait. Wait 30 minutes and it will be over. It’s always over in 30 minutes or so. You need to know that”.

Well, sure enough, several months later the sky was gray, the temperature was dropping, the winds started to blow and the big, pelting snowflakes were blowing sideways against the house.

I went to that bedroom and stood, looking at the window and watching the clock. The howling wind put my nerves on edge, and I waited. Then, just as she said, it stopped. Just 32 minutes had passed, and the sun broke through the gray and caused the snow to glisten like diamonds.

Isn’t that like life?

As little children we’re not bothered much by the storms, physical or otherwise. We play in the puddles when the rains are over, build snowmen after the earth is covered in white and we trust our parents to hold our hands and guide us through the emotional storms we experience. As an adult we seem to fret more, fretting blocks faith.

“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 was built on solid rock, and so it did not fall.” Matthew 7:24-25 CEV

In life’s storms I can hear God’s voice just as clearly as I heard Joyce, just wait.

“ Even very young men get tired and become weak and strong young men trip and fall. 31 But they who wait upon the Lord will get new strength. They will rise up with wings like eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not become weak.” Isaiah 40:30-31 NLV

So, when the rains come, and they will, don’t fear the storm. Wait, trust in the Lord, feet planted firmly on the solid rock of his Word and He will renew our strength. Just wait!

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Trust & Obey

As parents we like our children to be obedient. Sometimes when they’re little it’s “blind obedience”. They aren’t old enough to understand why we say to do the things we do but as we grow together in loving relationship, our children learn to trust us and obedience comes easier when it’s built on trust.

For the last month we have focused on God’s unconditional, unending love. I hope you have come to trust that God loves you and has designed a life filled with blessings for you. Trusting His love brings us to obedience.

“ If you love me, you will do what I command. 16I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper to be with you forever.” John 14:15 ERV

There is no need to fear that God will ask us to do something we are incapable of doing or that it would be harmful to us. No, perfect love casts out fear.

“But I will sing about your strength. I will rejoice in your love every morning. You have been my place of safety, the place I can run to when troubles come.” Psalm 59:16 ERV

We run to God and not from Him when we need help in times of trouble. This is our place of safety, for He is our protector and our strength.

“ Turn to the Lord for help in everything you do, and you will be successful.” Proverbs 16:3 ERV

This morning’s picture, the little girl and Jesus walking hand-in-hand, that’s trust! You might say, “well, if I saw the Lord holding my hand I would trust too”. That sounds like something . Thomas said when the disciples told him they had seen Jesus but he hadn’t been there. Look what Jesus said to Thomas a week later.

“Jesus said to him, “You believe because you see me. Great blessings belong to the people who believe without seeing me!” John 20:29 ERV

Jesus was talking about us and all those who were born after He ascended to heaven. We are the ones who haven’t seen Him. We are blessed because we believe – we trust, we place our faith in Him.

“ God can be trusted, and he chose you to be partners with his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.” I Corinthians 1:9 CEV

I encourage you to start each day by trusting the Lord with your plans and your hopes. Lay them out before Him, listen for His instruction, depend on Him for guidance.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and obey His word. He won’t steer you wrong!

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Love Covers

The first thing I did this morning was start the coffee, get my Bible, computer, journal and my blanket. What is it about being covered that makes us feel warm and safe?

When our grandkids come to visit, each one comes with their own blanket. There’s a sense of security, of comfort. So, of course, this morning I told the Lord how comfortable and safe I feel knowing I am wrapped in His love.

“But I have learned to feel safe and satisfied, like a young child in its mother’s arms.” Psalm 131:2 CEV

One of the first things a newborn experiences is being wrapped tightly in a blanket. It keeps them warm and gives them a sense of still being in the womb. It’s a comforting feeling.

“He will spread his wings over you and keep you secure. His faithfulness is like a shield or a city wall.” Psalm 91:4 CEV

“I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won’t be afraid. You are with me,” Psalm 23:4 CEV

The Father knows we need that sense of security and protection that’s why He covers us when we are in the presence of danger. Do you remember how the Lord covered the Israelites when they left Egypt? The Bible tells us He covered them with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.

If you haven’t spent much time in the desert those words might not mean much to you but let me tell you on a hot sunny day clouds are a welcome relief. Nights get bitterly cold in the desert and there is nothing more comforting than a fire. Those two things, the cloud and the fire, were a reminder to the children of Israel that they were not alone – God was with them.

They were covered by His love.

Now, we are almost to the end of January and I will probably go on to another subject soon but before I do there’s one more aspect of God’s love we have yet to cover. That is – how do we show God’s love to one another.

“Most of all, have a true love for each other. Love covers many sins.” I Peter 4:8 NLV

We read yesterday that we are forgiven once and for all. We also read that God doesn’t remember our sins, He removes them from His memory. He not only does that for us, but He also does that for everyone we meet. His love covers many sins.

We need to follow His example. Instead of gossiping about someone’s mistakes, failures or sins we should be covering them. Not denying that they happened but not recalling them either. Don’t keep drudging them up; cover them with love.

“But I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you. 35 If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35 CEV

Let’s use our love to cover and bring comfort to someone today!

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Perfect Love Defeats Fear

Yesterday was cold and rainy so we stayed inside in front of the fireplace and watched a movie. In one episode the family had been stranded, a broken wheel prevented them from traveling any further. That night they stayed in a hotel room with one bed, the kids safely tucked in between mom and dad.

That’s what I went to bed thinking about and this morning, in my prayer time I was remembering the times that something had awaken our kids in the night and they came running to get in bed with us.

When frightening things happen, we run for safety don’t we?

“There is no fear in love. Perfect love puts fear out of our hearts. People have fear when they are afraid of being punished. The man who is afraid does not have perfect love. 19 We love Him because He loved us first.” I John 4:18-19 NLV

In a storm, a natural disaster, a financial reversal, a divorce, the unexpected death of a loved one, during a life-altering doctor’s visit, fear is present to destroy our peace and leave us shaken.

But God! Perfect love, God’s love, will dispel the fear. Our focus on His provision will bring us joy and strength.

“Even if the fig tree does not grow figs and there is no fruit on the vines, even if the olives do not grow and the fields give no food, even if there are no sheep within the fence and no cattle in the cattle-building, 18 yet I will have joy in the Lord. I will be glad in the God Who saves me. 19 The Lord God is my strength. He has made my feet like the feet of a deer, and He makes me walk on high places.” Habakkuk 3:17-19 NLV

Just like a small child, frightened by a thunderstorm who runs to their parent for protection, we can run to our Father and find peace in His presence.

“ He who lives in the safe place of the Most High will be in the shadow of the All-powerful. 2 I will say to the Lord, ‘You are my safe and strong place, my God, in Whom I trust.’ 3 For it is He Who takes you away from the trap, and from the killing sickness. 4 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.” Psalm 91:1-4 NLV

“You will keep the man in perfect peace whose mind is kept on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3 NLV

Our Father doesn’t want us to “try and handle it on our own”. He wants us to run to Him, in complete trust.

“Let us go with complete trust to the throne of God. We will receive His loving-kindness and have His loving-favor to help us whenever we need it.” Hebrews 4:16 NLV

Father, we choose to keep our minds focused on You and Your love for us. Keep our hearts free from fear! Amen.

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Here Comes Calvary

When I was younger, I had a hard time spelling Cavalry and Calvary correctly. I would interchange the two and it certainly would make a difference in sentence comprehension.

However, as I have gotten older, I have, by experience, learned that they are not all that different. Both bring deliverance from the enemy.

Can you imagine what it was like to be Jesus? People live under the impression that since He was God in flesh that everything went well for Him. He was perfect, right? Yes, that’s true; He experienced everything that we do and He did it all without sin.

“Like a young plant or a root that sprouts in dry ground, the servant grew up obeying the LORD. He wasn’t some handsome king. Nothing about the way he looked made him attractive to us. 3 He was hated and rejected; his life was filled with sorrow and terrible suffering. No one wanted to look at him. We despised him and said, ‘He is a nobody!’” Isaiah 53:2-3 CEV

Isaiah prophesied that He was common looking, unattractive and nothing special as far as physical traits. He wasn’t Charles Atlas; he wouldn’t have been the captain of the football team or even voted most likely to succeed. His own family and disciples didn’t understand Him.

One time He was holding a meeting, and his mother and brothers were outside and sent a message to him.

“While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. 47 Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. 48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? 49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! 50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” Matthew 12:46-50 KJV

If they had truly believed Jesus was God’s Son, the Messiah, would they have interrupted his teaching? Or how about the disciples when they became upset with Jesus because the ship they were in was taking on water and about to sink?

“37 Suddenly a windstorm struck the lake. Waves started splashing into the boat, and it was about to sink. 38 Jesus was in the back of the boat with his head on a pillow, and he was asleep. His disciples woke him and said, ‘Teacher, don’t you care that we’re about to drown?’ 39 Jesus got up and ordered the wind and the waves to be quiet. The wind stopped, and everything was calm.” Mark 4:37-39 CEV

If their faith had really been in Jesus as the Son of God, they would have approached it this way. “Hey, let’s wake Jesus up because He’ll have the answer to our problem. This storm isn’t a surprise to Him. He’ll know what to do.”

I find it encouraging that those who were closest to Jesus had to grow in faith to accept Him for who He said He was, who they knew Him to be. Just like us – when we cry out “Lord, don’t you care I’m about to go under; cancer is about to sink me, the waves of debt are flooding my boat, the storm of rebellious children or a typhoon with my mate is about to capsize me in this ocean? Don’t you care?”

Even when we come to Him in that kind of desperation and fear, He will speak to our storm and say “Peace, be still!” Then He takes time to teach us again – Come boldly to my throne and find help in your time of need. He expects us to accept, by faith, that help is on the way!

In the old Westerns you could always hear the Cavalry bugle before you saw the soldiers. The invitation to come boldly or “to call on me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things” is the sound of the bugle. It’s then our responsibility to “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day” (Exodus 14:13)

Let God be God in your life today. Don’t limit Him but what you see. Say like Mary, “with God all things are possible”!

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Thankful for a Good Foundation

This morning I had a strange memory. I remember when we lived in Las Cruces NM and were coming back to Phoenix to visit friends. It was early January/February 1979. We had been through a particularly rough time and we just wanted to be in the comfort of friends.

Well when we got to the Casa Grande area we were met with a detour. The Salt and Gila Rivers were flooding and we couldn’t get to Phoenix on I-10. We were traveling at night with 2 small children. We didn’t have smart phones or satellite radio in those days so communication was sketchy at best. But we ventured on…come too far to turn back now.

We drove down 1-8 to Gila Bend and then headed back toward Phoenix. Every once in a while we would catch ponds of water with the headlights. As we got closer to Buckeye, there was another detour. It took us through the farm country and finally to an old trestle bridge at Gillespie Damn. The river was raging. I had never seen anything like this in the desert before or since.

The old bridge was built into the rock and it was solid. It hadn’t seen much use in years because of the “improved” highway that was faster and better. However, in a storm, it was the solid rock foundation that provided the security that was needed.

Some of you, some of us, were raised with a solid foundation. A foundation of God’s word. A foundation of trust, faith and hope. A foundation of the simple; yes, Jesus loves me. But then the new, faster, better paved highway was built and it seemed to be taking life in a new direction. The old discarded for the new.

Now your life may be on a detour. Storms have raged and the new super highway isn’t getting you to where you want to go. Maybe it’s time to return to solid rock foundation. Let that old trestle bridge take you safely across the flooding circumstances and leave you on dry ground on the other side.

“When you have troubles, I am with you. When you cross rivers, you will not be hurt. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not hurt you. 3 That’s because I, the Lord, am your God. I, the Holy One of Israel, am your Savior. I gave Egypt to pay for you. I gave Ethiopia and Seba to make you mine. 4 You are precious to me, and I have given you a special place of honor. I love you. That’s why I am willing to trade others, to give up whole nations, to save your life. 5 “So don’t be afraid, because I am with you.” Isaiah 43:2-5 ERV

Thankful today that God’s foundation is solid. Thankful that He is always there to give a second chance and to guide us to safety.

“‘Whoever hears these teachings of mine and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house. But it did not fall because it was built on rock.”‘ Matthew 7:24-25 ERV

When I was a little girl this picture hung in my Grama’s home. It made an impact on me then but now that I’m older the impact is even greater. My Father, my heavenly Father, has provided for my safety and my protection!

Yes I am thankful. Thankful for all the years of protection and thankful that He never gave up on me!

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A Family Favorite

Are you like me? The Thanksgiving menu is posted to the refrigerator door. You’ve looked at the list and double checked the pantry for all the ingredients. It’s down to crunch time. The turkey is thawing, the potatoes are waiting to be peeled, the dressing/stuffing will be mixed tomorrow night and the pies are ready.

Yep! It’s all but done. On that list of things that need to be made are the family favorites.

This morning I was reading Psalm 145, as I always do. I read through it quickly, as if to check it off the list and move on, when I was impressed with stop and read it again. That’s when I felt the Lord minister to my heart that this is one of His family favorites, so I read it again – savored it and tried to enjoy it to the fullest.

“I lift you high in praise, my God, O my King! and I’ll bless your name into eternity. 2 I’ll bless you every day, and keep it up from now to eternity.

3 God is magnificent; he can never be praised enough. There are no boundaries to his greatness.

4 Generation after generation stands in awe of your work; each one tells stories of your mighty acts. 5 Your beauty and splendor have everyone talking; I compose songs on your wonders.

6 Your marvelous doings are headline news; I could write a book full of the details of your greatness.

7 The fame of your goodness spreads across the country; your righteousness is on everyone’s lips.

8 God is all mercy and grace— not quick to anger, is rich in love.

9 God is good to one and all; everything he does is soaked through with grace.

10-11 Creation and creatures applaud you, God; your holy people bless you. They talk about the glories of your rule, they exclaim over your splendor,

12 Letting the world know of your power for good, the lavish splendor of your kingdom.

13 Your kingdom is a kingdom eternal; you never get voted out of office. God always does what he says, and is gracious in everything he does.

14 God gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit.

15 All eyes are on you, expectant; you give them their meals on time. 16 Generous to a fault, you lavish your favor on all creatures.

17 Everything God does is right—  the trademark on all his works is love.

18 God’s there, listening for all who pray, for all who pray and mean it.

19 He does what’s best for those who fear him— hears them call out, and saves them.

20 God sticks by all who love him, but it’s all over for those who don’t.

21 My mouth is filled with God’s praise.  Let everything living bless him, bless his holy name from now to eternity!” Psalm 145 MSG

Now you may want to read that again because I’m sure you will find something in these verses that will become a favorite. Maybe it’s the fact that God is all mercy and grace or that He is good to everyone. How about the part that says He picks us up when we fall or that He is never voted out of office? Perhaps it’s the part that says He is generous to a fault and He listens when we pray.

God’s word is like a good meal; it contains all our favorites including dessert. The goodness of the Lord never ceases.

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In The Storm

The wind decided to blow, ALL NIGHT! When you live in an RV you hear the wind, at times it sounded like a freight train moving rapidly alongside the 5th wheel. I’m so glad for the shelter of my home.

Peter and the disciples were in a storm on the sea. Jesus was exhausted and fell asleep “in the back of the boat”. The waves grew larger and as they crashed against the bow, the boat began to fill with water. Jesus still slept.

Finally, in desperation the disciples woke Him with a startling cry.

“A very bad wind came up on the lake. The waves were coming over the sides and into the boat, and it was almost full of water. 38 Jesus was inside the boat, sleeping with his head on a pillow. The followers went and woke him. They said, “Teacher, don’t you care about us? We are going to drown!” Mark 4:37-38 ERV

Don’t you care – aren’t you worried, don’t you love us?

Here’s the answer: Jesus didn’t have a care about the situation; no, He wasn’t worried but yes, He loved them dearly. So He stood, and said:

“ Jesus stood up and gave a command to the wind and the water. He said, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind stopped, and the lake became calm.” vs 39

Have you ever had the same reaction as the disciples? Lord, don’t you care? I can’t pay my rent this month, the doctor said cancer, my child has left home and I don’t know where they are, my loved one is dying. Don’t you care?

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

God isn’t weighted down with worry but He definitely cares for you!

Jesus was right where He needed to be, He was resting in the peace of God.

“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.” Psalm 91:1-2 ERV

The disciples did the right thing. In their worry, they ran for shelter, shelter was found in the presence and protection of the Father.

Is the wind howling and are the waves crashing in around you today? Run to the Father. Be grateful – there is always shelter from the storm!

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Lost & Alone

This morning my thoughts went back to the sheep we learned from a few days ago.

The nighttime temperatures have dropped in the desert. This morning, although I had the window open all night, I needed to close it. When I first got up it was 52* and now it’s down to 47*. Not freezing but chilly. Then I heard the coyotes; they are on the prowl, seeking an unsuspecting prey.

That little sheep that was lagging behind can be easily separated from the flock and the Shepherd. It becomes vulnerable to the elements, the darkness and to predators.

“Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you. 8 Control yourselves and be careful! The devil is your enemy, and he goes around like a roaring lion (or a coyote) looking for someone to attack and eat. 9 Refuse to follow the devil. Stand strong in your faith. You know that your brothers and sisters all over the world are having the same sufferings that you have.” I Peter 5:7-9 ERV

Worry will sidetrack us, it causes us to lag behind and become separated. It leaves us searching, trying to be self-sufficient and we lose sight of the Shepherd. Then like a coyote or a wolf the devil, our enemy, comes in for the kill.

He’s a faith killer.

Remember what he said to Eve in the garden, “The snake spoke to the woman and said, “Woman, did God really tell you that you must not eat from any tree in the garden?” Genesis 3:1 ERV

He asks questions like did God really promise to never abandon you, did He really tell you not to worry, does His word really say He will protect and provide for you. He is the great deceiver, and he will bring doubt wherever he can.

Enter the good Shepherd.

“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. 6 When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!” Luke 15:4-7 NLT

Jesus is in the seeking and saving business. He leaves the 99 safely in the sheep fold and goes searching for the lost.

For those who feel lost and alone, cry out – the Shepherd is there, He will save you!

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