We Are Protected

From "A Potpourri of Likes" Facebook page.

“You, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.” 

Psalm 3:3

I like the following words Carolyn Larsen wrote in her book, "Courage and Hope for Every Day." The devotion is titled: Firewall of Hope.

“Websites are protected by firewalls. A firewall is sort of like a shield. It determines who can and can’t get through to the website based on predetermined security rules. Protection is important.

“It’s nice to know you have protection when you need it – and you do have it! If you’ve asked Jesus to be your Savior, His Holy Spirit has come into your heart, and he is with you constantly. He never leaves you. The Holy Spirit protects your heart, which is the core of your being. The condition of your heart affects your thoughts and actions. So the Bible tells you to guard your heart because it’s so important to your mental and spiritual well-being. The Holy Spirit is a holy firewall around your heart.

“More than that, God is the shield around you. He watches out for you. He protects you more times each day than you can probably even imagine. Nothing happens to you without God’s knowledge. He is your shield against the world and against Satan’s efforts to harm you or pull you away from God. Depend on God. Talk to Him. Tell Him what you need and go forward with courage knowing that He is protecting you!”

We tend to forget that God has a shield around us to protect us. He is always with us and has the ability to keep danger from us. 

In Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible he says: "The Lord is a shield unto all his people. They are kept by His power, and encompassed about with His favor, as with a shield; His veracity and His faithfulness in His promises, and His truth, are their shield and bucker."

It is a great hope to know God is our shield and protector. A firewall of hope. I think that sounds miraculous! 

By His Grace . . .

Down Deep

 

I love this card! I've purchased it a few times to send to encourage hearts. Dayspring sells it. The words are so true:

  "Deep inside us, God has placed a spirit that refuses to be broken -- and we call this HOPE."

Hope is one of my favorite topics of conversation and thought. It's the very thing to hold us all together as we weave our way through life. It's one of God's greatest gifts!

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."

Hebrews 6:19

This verse says it is firm and secure. and indeed, it is. So firm and secure that nothing you do can take it out of you. God has placed it inside of each of us who are in God's family and will never take it away. 

God's HOPE is miraculous. "He who breathes into our hearts the heavenly HOPE, will not deceive or fail us when we press forward to its realization." Selected, Streams in the Desert, Volume 1, March 26

HOPE to a believer brings complete calm to any and all situations. We know in our hearts that God is able to do all things, so we don't have a need to be unsure or afraid. If our heart is true to God, the calm in our heart is sufficient to make us strong and know God is with us.

Jesus is the foundation of HOPE. Live for Him. Serve Him. Witness for Him. He strengthens you and gives you peace when your HOPE is firmly placed in Him.

"HOPE, the balm and lifeblood of the soul."
John Armstrong
1709-1779

By His Grace . . .

Just A Few Weeks

Poetry Lovers FB Page, Angie Weiland Cresaby

"Honestly, some days you just need a few weeks to yourself."

Jonathan Edward Durham

I laughed when I read this quote on "The Mind of an Introvert" Facebook page. Being an extreme introvert, I agreed completely. Weeks!

We've heard and read similar remarks saying, "a few hours," "a few days"; not a few weeks. It did my mind good. I could stay locked up in my house for weeks and feel invigorated, satisfied and happy.

Whether you're an introvert or an extrovert, we all have those times when we just need to step back and recharge. If we don't, we know we'll fall.

That's why it is so important to give yourself space. Go away for a day or two. Turn off the phone and computer. Plan on doing nothing but recharging mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

During my working years every once in a while, I'd go away for a night or two with a friend. In my later years I went away a few times by myself. Thankfully I have a husband who accepted my need to get away.

I drove to Vermont, a state I'd always wanted to visit, and drove around taking pictures for three days. I stayed in "The Inn on Covered Bridge Green," home of Norman Rockwell for 12 years.

This is the scene right below the house. Loved going through the little red 

covered bridge each day.

A few months after my cancer treatments I drove to West Virginia, a state I love to visit, and enjoyed driving around the mountains taking pictures. I visited a longtime friend while there and will forever be grateful for the time we had together.

Came around a bend in the road and found this lovely homestead nestled

in the mountains.

Twice I drove down to Maryland to visit longtime friends after our move to Pennsylvania. I flew out to visit my sister in Oklahoma and another longtime friend in Colorado and took the trolley up to Pike's Peak. Brrrrrrr

Take a day or two, or a week, or a few weeks if you're able to, and recharge your very being. You'll be refreshed and settled from what you experience. "Honestly, some days you just need a few weeks to yourself."

By His Grace . . . 

Roots

"Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."

Psalm 119:105

Stephen Darbishire, Louises Favourite Pictures Facebook page

Elizabeth Elliott wrote these words that her father said to her: "A Christian who is saturated with the Word is likely to have a calm, wholesome outlook on life; to be kept steady in the path of God's will in either joy or sorrow, wealth or poverty; he is likely to be a pleasant companion, not voluble in aimless talk and he will not be overly disturbed by world conditions."

The Scripture verse chosen for this devotion is the one above. Do you believe this? 

It makes all the difference in the world whether you believe this. Your life depends on what you believe, and whatever it is, it will guide you step by step. 

Scripturesavvy.com: "This scripture highlights the importance of God's Word in guiding our lives. When we think about a lamp, we see that it illuminates the way ahead, enabling us to see clearly and make choices. Similarly, God's Word provides wisdom and direction in the various circumstances we face. Just as a lamp brightens a dark path, God's teachings help us navigate our lives, shining light on our decisions and actions. This gives us a sense of comfort and assurance that we are not alone in our journey. By relying on His word, we find clarity, reassurance, and guidance."

A deep, steadfast confidence in God and His Word will sustain you through all things. I'm reminded of Jeremiah 17:7-8:

"Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. 

They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. 

It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries 

in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."

Roots. Roots in God's Word. No matter how long my trials continue, because my roots are in God and His Word, I will always be able to carry on and not give in. Quite an assurance of God's faithfulness!

Because of what you believe you have a great opportunity to spread God's faithfulness. You have a light inside of you that doesn't dim, but shines during all circumstances of your life. You can reach others just because of this light that keeps you going.

I'm so thankful for a faith that is steadfast and true and has roots firmly planted in God's Word. 

A favorite tree I passed each day on my way to work and back. 

Full and beautiful with strong roots.

By His Grace . . .

Give Yourself Away

 
North Fork at Moore Bridge Road

Last week I was reminded of a favorite chorus in the hymn “Living for Jesus.” I sang it a few times. The tune is wonderful too! I’m sure most of you know it. Sing it with me right now!

“O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,

For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me;

I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne;

My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.”

How did it make you feel? I felt worshipful. I felt thankful. I felt loved. I felt full of adoration for my God.

In the hymn study I did on this hymn I claimed Matthew 6:21 for the chorus words: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Where is your heart? Is Jesus your most precious treasure? Our hearts are owned by whatever we consider our treasure.

If we focus on building rewards from God in heaven, our hearts will focus on the experience of enjoying that “treasure” forever.

It can be hard to give ourself away whether it be marriage, friendship, service or something else. But we must give ourselves to Jesus. He did everything for us. We must not hold anything back. He must live in our heart and our heart must become His throne. 

Is He on the throne of your heart? If not, put Him there. Don't hold back. Give yourself to Him. 

As you go through today, sing this chorus. Fill your heart with thanksgiving because of what Jesus did for you!

Will you share?

By His Grace . . .

Coping With Change

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; 

do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:9

Last August, after I finished writing my 84th hymn study, I decided to take a break. I was wondering if God was leading me in a different direction. I loved writing the hymn studies and spent many hours researching and creating the studies. 

Through the fall I continued to write two short columns each week. Yet I felt like I wasn't doing anything. My time had been freed up so much when I stopped writing the hymn studies it felt strange.

Then in December I was led to write two new series on God's Names and Hymn Lines. I had recently purchased the book, "100 Names of God" by Christopher D. Hudson and was enjoying the study. And last year I had purchased a book titled, "Hymn Lines" which included 75 devotional thoughts based on lines and phrases from great hymns and songs of the Christian faith. I've been highlighting hymn lines in my hymnal for years and I thought this would be a good series.

Neither of these new series took up the amount of time I spent writing hymn studies. It left me with a lot of free time. This allowed me to become less selfish with my time. Since retiring, soon to be 14 years this year, I kept strict control of my time for my own creative outlets. Even though I write for God, I knew I was filling my time with what I wanted to do and what filled me with pleasure. To put it bluntly, I was very selfish with my time at home.

It's been six months since I stopped writing hymn studies, and my life has changed dramatically. With my husband and I now in the sunset of our years, God is showing me I need to be available to deal with both of our increasing needs. My time needs to be equally divided between what I believe God called me to do and what our needs are in this stage of life.

I can feel the change in my mind; the difference between the strict schedule and the slower and more open schedule I'm living today. But it hasn't been easy. I like to produce.

Change is inevitable. Each season of life causes you to adjust and change. Am I going to accept the change or fight against it. Right now, I'm adjusting. I'm trying to accept doing less and being thankful for what I can still do.

I'm thankful that the One I live for and serve never changes. He is the same God I knew when I first became a Christian, as He is now that I'm a seasoned believer a lot closer to reaching my eternal home. I'm so glad He continues to walk beside me in this season of my life as He has through all the seasons of my life.

It's a little scary this last season. But I remember God's command to Joshua: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Chapter 1, verse 9.

I believe God prompted me last August to prepare me for slowing down. I believe His Hand has guided me these last six months. And although I faced uncertainty in what was happening, I know He has led me through each step I took.

When you know a change is coming your way, be strong and courageous, no matter how hard it is. Yes, I'm coping with change. My doubts and fears are becoming less and less. Thank you, Jesus.

By His Grace . . . 

Valentine Thoughts

One of my favorite graphics from my friend, Karla Dornacher. 

This year, instead of wondering if anyone will remember you on Valentine's Day, why don't you remember a friend.

The well-known verse in the Bible, Proverbs 17:17a, states it plainly. "A friend loves at all times . . ."

If you're fortunate to have friends, love them. Care about them. Encourage them. Thank them. Honor them. Tell them you love them!

Wise words to consider . . .

"The happiest miser on earth is the man who saves up every friend he can make." Robert Emmet Sherwood (1896-1955)

"A friend is one who makes me do my best."  Oswald Chambers (1874-1917)

"A friend is one who knows all about you and likes you just the same." (Elbert Green Hubbard (1856-1915)

"Do not keep the alabaster boxes of your love and tenderness sealed up until your friends are dead. Fill their lives with sweetness. Speak approving, cheering words while their ears can hear them and while their hearts can be thrilled by them." Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887)

"Friendship is one of the sweetest joys of life. Many might have failed beneath the bitterness of their trial had they not found a friend."  Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892)

"We can never replace a friend. When a man is fortunate enough to have several, he finds they are all different. No one has a double in friendship." Johann Friedrich Von Schiller (1759-1805)

So where are those friends of yours? Let them hear from you as we celebrate Valentine's day this week.  Heart's are needy. Fill them with your joy!

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."

John 15:13

You can find Karla at: Karla Dornacher Designs – Creatively Sharing the Love of God

By His Grace . . .