God is Our Fortress

Thoughts for the Day, July 31, 2020

Sometimes it is easy to get lost and feel like you are alone especially in the midst of our current circumstances, where we are encouraged  to keep our distance from each other.  God clearly knew we needed each other because when he created Adam, he said, “Let us make a help-mate for man for it is not good for him to be alone.” Loneliness can be painful and make a mess of everything in your life. But we are not alone!

The greatest part of Psalm 46 is when God tells us to be still and know that he is God. But the second part is just as good. He says, “The Lord almighty is with us…”  You are not alone—“for the God of Jacob is our fortress.” A fortress is a person or thing not susceptible to outside influence or disturbance, it is a fortified place—a place of protection and security.  So when you begin to feel lonely, remember  this verse and know that God is ever-present by your side every step of the way protecting and sustaining you!

 

“The Lord Almighty is with us: the God of Jacob is our fortress.” (Psalm 46:11)

Attachments area

All-Powerful

 

 Thoughts  for the Day, July 30, 2020

When I think of  Psalm 46:10, a distinct story in my life always comes to mind. Now it’s not a showstopper like when Moses removed his shoes by the burning bush. Nevertheless, it is a personal and real experience that opened my mind and heart to better understanding God’s omnipotence. 

 

When I was 12 years old I had an abscessed place—like a boil. So, Dr. Wright put me on an antibiotic and said if it wasn’t clear in 5 days he would have  to do minor surgery to open it.  I was petrified. I took  the antibiotics but it was the fourth day and it looked no better. As a matter of fact, a streak was running up from it.  My  younger  cousin was spending the night. After building a tent out of blankets like kids love to do, I remember laying on a pallet on the living room floor and after much fun we quieted down from all the  dancing and singing. In that moment of silence,  I remember telling her how scared I was. 

 

Together, we quietly held hands on that living room floor and asked for God’s healing. I looked at the little red spot still filled with heat and prayed with confidence that God could heal me. The next morning, I woke up and that is exactly what happened—no redness, no streak, healing had occurred.  I have to tell you that most times in life there is a wait and patience is something I have to learn. But this particular episode  always stands vibrant in my mind and was one of the first experiences of understanding the importance of “being still” and really realizing “He is God” and all is possible with Him. Today, look back at your life and remember a time you experienced God’s power firsthand.

₁₀  He says, Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth,  (Psalm 46:10

Know that I AM God!

 

Thoughts for the Day, July 29, 2020

The passage that we are looking at this week is filled with great verses to learn and place in our arsenal; one that is a must is:

 

₁₀ He says, Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.

 

“Being still” is often difficult for many of us as we often  find ourselves in perpetual  motion —worrying about our jobs, relationships, our health and finances.  In the midst of it all we  call out to God for help but fail to hear His voice. We need his strength but we don’t slow down long enough to truly KNOW HIM and obtain that inner serenity that can only be found in His arms. 

 

The prophet Isaiah says: For when we are still, then are we strong… “in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength…” (Isaiah 30:15).  This is found when we slow down and get to know God personally. God does not just say, “Be still,” but also “Know that I am God.”

Be still, calm down and empty yourself for developing inner serenity. Be still and know a better way of life—KNOW HIM…God, who is Life Himself! 

Ever-Present

Thoughts for the Day, July 29, 2020

 

 ¹ God is our refuge and strength,

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

 

Right out of the gate, the psalmist says, “God is our refuge and strength—an ever-present help in trouble.”

 

Think back when Jesus’ disciples feared for their lives in the midst of trouble. One evening Jesus and his disciples went by boat to the other side  of a huge lake.  Fear took the disciples over as a terrible windstorm arose. “Jesus rebuked the wind and the sea and said ‘Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?’ And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him”’ (See Mark 4: 35-41).

 

God had not abandoned them—God will not abandon us—He is in the storm with us and will calm the sea at just the right time—He is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble!

Thoughts for the Day, July 27, 2020

The passage we looked at in yesterday’s message has several key verses we will want to hide in our heart. The first two verses should be at the top of our list:

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

 

When things are crumbling and our world is shaken. God has not failed us. He has promised to be with us in the middle of it all. We sometimes think that when we find ourselves in difficult circumstances that God has abandoned us, but this is not the case.

 

God is our ever-present refuge even when we consider the earth removed and the mountains carried away—possibly the most frightening imaginable happening. For our God  is greater! 

 

 May we have the faith of the writer inside the Auschwitz Concentration Camp who wrote on the wall,  ”I believe in the sun even when it is not shining. I believe in Love, even when I  am alone. I believe in God, even when he is silent. Even in the midst of tragic circumstance God is still present, even when it is hard to see or perceive him.” 

                                                             

 

 

 Thoughts for the Day, July 22, 2020

 

Today we look at another verse that encourages strength and courage. While in prison in a Roman jail, Paul encourages his timid mentee and laborer in Christ with these words, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline”( 2 Timothy 1:7).  Let’s remember that like Timothy, we have a permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit of God, who has gifted us with  the power we need for life and godliness, no matter how difficult or dangerous life in this world may become. 

 

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline”(2 Timothy 1:7).

Be Strong and Courageous

Thoughts for the Day July 20, 2020

Yesterday, we spoke of God’s ever-present power found in the life of Joshua as he prepares to lead the Israelites into the Promised land. Key words from yesterday’s passage “Be strong and courageous” are found four times in this short chapter. In the first three, we hear God using these words to Joshua. But  on the  last  occasion where we find Joshua preparing his officers  for their invasion,  it is the officers speaking God’s words to Joshua: “Only be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:18b).   On this final instance, the officers are reciting the words of God back to Joshua.  Learning and storing God’s word in our hearts is not just for our own purpose, but also for us to remind and encourage our brothers and sisters  in Christ when they are challenged.

“…Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go”  (Joshua 1: 9b

, NRSV).

Lamp to My Feet

 

 Thoughts for the Day July 18, 2020

This week we have focused on the value of learning and committing  to memory the word of God.  Mickey Brown shared with me how this process  has deepened  her walk with our Lord. She said  that after she lost her husband she realized her relationship was Christ was not what it should be. She said that she knew how to serve Him and worship Him, but  “didn’t  know how to love him as she should.” She said her heart was  searching and tender at that time and she was open to  hearing His voice. She said it was if He said, “ the only way  to truly come to know and  love Me is through learning My word.” She tells me that this experience of delving in and really learning His word has been life-changing. The greatest way to understand God’s character and will for our lives is by studying His word. In this discovery, we will find comfort as His Word becomes “a light unto our feet and a lamp unto our path.”

         “Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”

          Psalms 119: 105.

         

Man Shall Not Live By Bread Alone

Thoughts for the day July 16, 2020

Today we move on to a new but easy-to-learn yet powerful verse to “hide in our hearts.” It is a verse that Jesus himself used when tempted by Satan in the wilderness. Jesus had been fasting for 40 long days and was famished. Satan comes along and asks Jesus, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread”  (Mt. 4: 3). But Jesus' reply is, “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God”(Mt. 4:4). 

The temptation recalls Israel’s struggle to be faithful in the wilderness. Jesus is quoting Deut. 8:3  and makes it clear that he trusts God and does not take instructions from Satan. These words were safely hidden in Jesus’ heart and readily available to  use when tempted by the devil. May we  too be spiritually prepared to do the same, so when times of difficulty arise we have the resources to address any situation. Have a blessed day! 

“One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4: 4)

Enduring Word of God

Thoughts for the day July 15, 2020

God’s word is truly everlasting. Isaiah uses the  short-lived life  of a fragile flower and withering grass to illustrate the fleeting passage of human existence.  He draws a comparison to the striking permanence of  the eternal, enduring word of God… “for the grass withers and the flower fades; but the word of Our God stands forever.”

The Word of the Lord not only refers to God-inspired scriptures but also to the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ—“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1: 1). 

The Word always was, always is, and  always will be. He is the only eternally abiding reality in this life.  Let us read, learn, commit to memory, and place in our heart, all that He is and has to say to us!

“for the grass withers and the flower fades; but the word of Our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8).

The Word of God Endures Forever

 

Thoughts for the Day July 13, 2020

We serve an incredible God that loves and knows each  of us intimately.

So that we can understand and know God better,  He left us with a treasure…His word. In learning God’s word,  we not only learn more about our great God, we gain confidence to face all that life throws us. The need to learn, memorize, and store God’s word in our mind and heart is something God has laid on my heart.  Today let’s begin to add to our collection of verses,  so when faced with difficulties these ancient words surface and help us deal with whatever comes our way.   It seems the place to start is with a verse that explains the value of the word and why we need to hide it in our hearts: 

The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of  our God endures forever.  (Isaiah 40:8) (NIV) .

In Barnes’ notes on the Bible we are reminded amidst all the changes in the world; “the revolutions of empires; the vanishing of kingdoms, God is the same, and his promises are unfailing.” God’s word survives and lives on forever and does not change!

The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of  our God endures forever.  (Isaiah 40:8) (NIV).

For Everything There is a Season

 Thoughts  for the Day, July 11, 2020

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”Ecclesiastes 3:1 

My brother sent me a Christmas video from  some 10 years ago.  As I looked  at it I realized how much changes in 10 years: some of the people in the video have gone to be with the Lord,  new ones have appeared, others have grown from their teens to adulthood; and quite a few have gotten older and gray. Life truly changes over time. 

I began to think of Moses and the differences found in each forty-year increment of his life. The first forty  years he was a prince in Pharaoh’s court, the second a shepherd in Midian, and the third forty he spent guiding the Israelites to the Promised Land. 

What stood out to me was the middle forty years spent as a mere shepherd.  It seems a poor employment for a man of  his background and education, yet he appeared to live into this role. Maybe it was in this time that he learns meekness and contentment for which is more noted in sacred writ, than for all his learning. God uses all parts of our lives—none are useless. Wherever you are today—ponder what God is teaching  you and can use to further serve His Kingdom.

 Thoughts  for the Day, July 10, 2020

While cleaning out my dad’s  house, we came across an old wooden shoe shine box my brother had made dad while in high school wood working class.  It brought back so many memories of watching dad clean and shine his shoes every Saturday night as he was preparing  them to wear  for Sunday church. 

The Bible speaks often of the need to be prepared. One of those passages comes from Ephesians 6 about being prepared  for battle by suiting up with the armor of God.  Part of the armor of God, as described by Paul, is the shoes of “the preparation of the gospel of peace.” Ultimately, the shoes of peace equip us to fight for Christ in the spiritual battles we face.

Just like having a good pair of shoes can help us walk across rough terrain, having confidence in Christ allows us to boldly proclaim His name. Today let’s  put on our shoes  of peace and actively spread  the gospel to a world in  desperate need of  the Good News.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6: 13-15). 

Thoughts for the Day July 9. 2020

My husband told me a story about one of his customers who had been out of work battling throat cancer. When this man described his struggles, he did not mention the pain, long days encountering chemo, loss of his hair or  appetite. Rather, what he said was, “What I found was that nobody in this world really cares about you. Others go on day by day concerned about themselves and their own.” 

 I don’t know this man, yet this statement haunted me. Perhaps it is true that we are often preoccupied with our own life and fail to see those in pain—whether it be physical or emotional.  Maybe we should watch for little signs: a  sad look in one’s eye,  an unusual quietness, a melancholy tone in their voice, a  discouraged  tilt in their head or dejected posture —that indicates something is just not right.  Today let’s be alert to those  around us who may be struggling in some way and offer a helping hand or listening ear. 

Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.

 1 John 2:6.

Thoughts for the Day July 7, 2020

Good morning,

I have been thinking that there are many ways to react to all that is going on around us. But as Christians we have the power to do more than react. Now is the time for Christ’s followers to  truly go on the offensive and unleash the power of prayer.

Pray for healing for the sick (James 5: 14-15)

Pray for strength for those who aren’t sick (3 John 1:2)

Pray for provision (both financial and physical )(Philippians 4: 19)

Pray for the spirit of peace to come over the world (1 Timothy 1:7)

Pray for wisdom for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Pray in unity with other believers (Matthew 18:20)

         PRAY WITHOUT CEASING (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Have a blessed day in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord!

Thoughts for the Day July 6, 2020

We are cleaning out my parent’s house and going through each  room trying to determine who should get what. For the most part, it has been easy. Various things have value to each of us, but there was one prized possession several of us wanted…Mom’s Bible. It is torn and tattered, written in, and highlighted. She loved God’s word  and it became even more evident as we found countless notebooks filled with Scripture verses and  numerous  handwritten notes. I couldn’t help but think of the legacy momma left behind.  I wonder if my children will see my Bible as s prized possession when they go through my things?  

         

         “I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did…I am reminded 

          of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois 

          and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you 

           also.”  II Timothy 1: 3, 5

Our Forefather's Prayers

Thoughts for the Day, July 4, 2020

Happy Fourth of July! On this day, beyond the cookouts and picnics and fireworks, we try to see ourselves as one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all. And while we are a little torn and tattered at the moment, it is still a privilege to live in a land where it is possible to reach for the ideal. 

For many years our family would sit at the end of the pier with our kids watching the fireworks from miles away on Fort Morgan Road and  then shooting a few of our own. As the sky lit up I would think of those who bravely moved forward in a time that many saw as hopeless. We had an untested army to confront the power of England. But these brave men that signed the declaration had one thing: the power of prayer. The reliance on prayer shined through on their writings. So,  as you watch the fireworks from afar tonight, remember the prayers of  our forefathers and its great affect upon this country. Then, add your own as the rockets go soaring into the summer sky.  God bless America!

         “And their prayer came up to his holy dwelling place even 

         unto heaven.” 11 Chronicles 30:27

Live by Faith, Not by Sight

Thoughts for the Day, July 2, 2020

Good morning, 

Don’t let the troubles around you get you down or  distort  your faith….instead know that God  continues to walk with you on this earthly journey. Some days it may appear that the road you are traveling seems blocked, but know that when the time is right it will suddenly clear. 

Do not focus on your fear or  your weaknesses. In God’s time, His  glory will perform most splendidly.  Stay on the path in front of you—"God’s strength is sufficient.” Expect to see miracles, but know that they are not always visible  with the naked eye. Those who live by faith, rather than sight,  see them more clearly. For those who live by faith will find His glory! Have a blessed day!

“We live by faith, not by sight.”  2 Corinthians 5:7

Focus on the Good

Thoughts of the Day, July 1, 2020

While others sleep in, or anxiously await the latest news…let’s commune with God the creator of heaven and earth and begin our day by focusing on thoughts that lead toward godly thinking. 

Paul urges us to think about  whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).  We are encouraged to dwell on these things –to keep our mind on godly thinking.  Thoughts of this nature can help diminish the worries of the world around us.  Righteous living depends on right thinking. And how we see things will ultimately determine how we act. So, today, let’s set our mind on the things of God and reflect on whatever is true and honorable, good and praiseworthy. Have a blessed day!