Category: Soul Care for Responders
Week 22–Video Responder Highlight–Jeff Danker–Retired Sheriff Pott. Co. Ia.
Scripture reading for May 30: “I will say to the Lord, “My Refuge and my Fortress, my God in Whom I trust.”
jkilough@comcast.net
Day 5–“Because He Knows My Name”
Scripture reading for May 29: Psalm 91:14-16“”Because he holds fast to Me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows My Name. When He calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation.””
Up to this point in the psalm, which was a song sung by God’s people in worship, the psalmist has been declaring his personal knowledge of God’s Name and his steadfast trust in God Most High as His Almighty, Refuge, and Fortress. The people have answered with the benefits of trusting God and how God would bless and protect them. But now God, Himself, boldly declares His will and plans to reveal to the people eternal life and full salvation. This is God’s sovereign decree, bringing this worship song to an amazing climax.
Because His people have a relationship with God Almighty, they cling to Him in love and respect. They call out to Him when in need or trouble. They invoke His Name, revealing their love and faith, honoring Him. God promises He will deliver him who holds fast to Him in love. Note the personal nature of this promise–made to the individual in relationship, but implied to all who hold relationship in love. God promises He will answer him when called upon. He promises His presence with him in any trouble and promises rescue and honor to the trusting one. His final promise is a ‘long life’ that satisfies. This surely isn’t just for our earthly life alone, but implies eternal life which is the essence of full salvation! All God’s “I will” statements are directed at the person who is holding fast in love to God’s Name.
The logical application for all individuals is to say ‘Amen!’ to God’s promises and claim them confidently in loving trust. First responders who know God’s Names, can work without fear. Even if life presently is less than satisfying, we trust God’s promise to fully satisfy us with answers, protection, rescue and honor in the end.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your divine and precious promises which give us faith and eternal hope as we await our full salvation. We love You and call on You in worship and adoration! Amen.
Day 4–Angel Guards!
Scripture reading for May 28: Psalm 91:11-13 “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.”
God was revealed to the psalmist as the “Almighty”. Another description in Scripture is the “Lord of Hosts”, referring to His supreme authority over the angel armies faithful to our Lord. They willingly serve Him and minister to those who are heirs of salvation at His direction. The psalmist wrote confidently of God’s command of His angels, giving them specific instructions to guard individual believers in ‘all their ways’ as they journey through the wilderness of this world to their eternal home in the City of God.
These verses remind us of the greater invisible realm of God’s kingdom where there is a spiritual conflict taking place. Before we were saved, we were dead in trespasses and sins and walked under the control of the prince of the powers of the air, Satan. (Ephesians 2:1-2) We were under God’s wrath and judgment because our rebellious association with the fallen angels. But God’s mercy flowed when we put our trust in Jesus Christ. When we allow God to rule our lives, He commands His angels to guard His people. They are unseen, but there protecting us from harm and evil. They enable us to confront the ‘lion’ and the ‘adder’, powerful foes seeking to kill or destroy us. Instead, we trample them underfoot because God’s angel army stands guard.
As first responders, we are involved in the daily warfare with the forces of darkness that are often invisible. It is encouraging and comforting to know that God is commanding His angel army concerning our protection and empowerment. We are working for the Commander Himself and we are safe in Him. In Christ Jesus, all our enemies are under our feet! (Psalm 110:1) (Matthew 22:44)
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your amazing power and the unseen armies of angels that watch over those who trust You. Protect all responders who are attacked by the prince of the power of the air and empower them to walk confidently. Amen.
Day 3–Good News for ‘Tent-Dwellers’!
Scripture reading for May 27: Psalm 91:7-10 “A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place–the Most High, Who is my Refuge–no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent.”
In Scripture, our bodies are likened to ‘tents’ that we live in while on earth. John 1:14 states that ‘The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. . ‘, referring to Jesus coming to earth to live among His people and reveal the heart of the Father God. The word ‘dwell’ actually means to ‘tabernacle’ or pitch a tent. If you remember, the Israelites had a ‘tent’ for God, the Tabernacle, that they carried and pitched for God to dwell in their midst. The cloud of God’s glory would rest over it until it led them in their journey. It was a fire by night bringing light and the comfort of God’s presence. They also had a yearly feast of Tabernacles where they lived in temporary dwellings remembering their journey through the wilderness. (Leviticus 23:33-36)
The psalmist wrote to encourage those who know God by Name and trust in Him as their Refuge and Fortress. Thousands may fall close to you, but the plagues and satanic attacks of this life will not come near you. You will observe the recompense of the wicked only. The psalmist King David wrote in Psalm 37:34 that those waiting on God will look on when the wicked are cut off. If the Lord Most High is your ‘dwelling place’, if His ‘Tabernacle’ is your refuge or secret place, no harm or evil will come near your ‘tent’!
What good news the psalmist brings to first responders on their missions to help the hurting and diseased! These ancient confessions of faith in the Most High God give us comfort and courage to face danger with calm and trust. No plague or evil can harm us as God abides in our ‘tent’.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for these ancient words written down to encourage and teach Your people faith and trust. Help us as faith responders to remember that You dwell in our ‘tent’ by the Holy Spirit. You give us power and courage to share the Good News with those You send us to. Amen.
Day 2–Blessings of Abiding
Scripture reading for May 26: Psalm 91:3-6 “For He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.”
The psalmist made personal declarations of his choice to abide in God Almighty and Most High for his refuge and fortress. He claimed a personal possession of relationship with ‘my God.’ In this next section of the psalm, it is a more corporate declaration of the blessing of abiding. Here the psalmist refers to God’s protection as a person or people being covered with an eagle’s wing feathers. God is faithful in all He promises. His faithfulness is a ‘shield and buckler’ to those who are depending on Him. God’s faithfulness covers His trusting people like what is described in the New Testament as a shield of faith. (Ephesians 6:16)
The protection of God covers seen and unseen enemies. The snare of the fowler refers to a trap set to catch birds. They are enticed to the trap, and then suddenly caught by the fowler. A pestilence is an unseen disease or plague whose germs are invisible. They are inadvertently picked up and infect the body bringing disease and death. They are like demonic forces that attack in darkness and then destroy. The arrow by day is likened to an attack of an enemy or demonic force aimed particularly at a person or nation that is known to be coming. Our Almighty God will be a refuge for us to shelter in. He will by His power defeat attacks in darkness and defend us from the arrows of Satan aiming to take us out.
We can see how this psalm applies particularly to us as first responders and those facing dangers that are seen and unseen. God’s faithfulness to do what He has promised is our shield and buckler. We simply and humbly declare our trust and claim by faith His covering and defense. No pestilence can take us out. No weapon formed against us shall succeed! (Isaiah 54:17)
Prayer: Father God, the Most High and Almighty, I take refuge under Your wings today. I trust You to keep me from snares, arrows, pestilence and disease. Your faithfulness is my shield. Amen.
Week 22–Day 1–Declaring God’s Names
Scripture reading for May 25: Psalm 91: 1-2 “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My Refuge and my Fortress, my God in Whom I trust.”
For many years, Psalm 91 has been a favorite of those in the military and those involved in the first responder network. It is held in reverence by believers who regularly face danger and enemies, seen and unseen. It is a personal declaration of faith and trust in God, naming God in these first two verses with four names that reveal Who God is to this psalmist. The first thirteen verses are faith statements and declarations of God’s overcoming grace towards those who trust in Him personally and communally. The last three verses are a prophetic declaration by God of His provision for those who humbly cling to Him in faith and trust.
Today we will consider these first two verses and the names ascribed to God by this psalmist. The psalmist encourages everyone to dwell in the shelter of the Most High. This term exalts God to the highest place of honor, above all powers and thrones, in heaven and on earth. Taking refuge in God Himself places the one needing shelter in a totally secure place. In fact, it is described as ‘abiding’ in the shadow of the Almighty. To abide is to chose to dwell in a continual relationship in close proximity to the One Who has all power and authority.
The psalmist personally confesses to the Lord that he is declaring Him as his personal refuge and fortress. A place of refuge is a hiding place where one can be secure against any attack of their enemies. A fortress signifies a walled enclosure providing safety and security. The psalmist declares it is ‘my God’ Who is this Refuge and Fortress. He places full trust in his God Alone, the Almighty and Most High God, abiding in Him in humble trust and faith.
As responders, we would do well to read and meditate on this psalm regularly. We will bless our God to declare our Him as our Refuge and Fortress on a daily basis. Abiding requires us to stay close so His shadow will cover us.
Prayer: Father God, I declare that You are the Most High God, the Almighty One. You are my Refuge and Fortress, My God in Whom I place my trust. Amen.
Day 5–Grace not Worry!
Scripture reading for May 1: 1 Peter 5:5-7 “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility towards one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” Psalm 55:22 “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved.”
Living by faith is the key to a content and peaceful soul. Many in our world, even among responders, are filled with anxiety. We all face the pressures of life in this world and troubles that come upon the just and the unjust. “Time and chance happen to all” says Solomon. (Ecclesiastes 9:11) It’s how we respond to these troubles that is a key to our soul health. Jesus, our Example, was totally obedient to His Father and sought Him for every word to speak and every action to do. Everything was done to bring glory to God and fulfil His purpose of saving lost sinners and bringing them into a loving relationship.
Peter instructed believers to clothe themselves with humility towards one another. Jesus was completely humble and gentle, calling all to come and learn His way. (Matthew 11:28-30) Peter reminds us that God gives grace to the humble but He opposes the proud. Having God opposing you is not a place to choose for a healthy soul. We note that God invites us to cast all cares and burdens on Him and He will sustain us. He guarantees that He will exalt us at the proper time and help us stand firm. He truly cares for us!
This is good news for first responders who deal with other’s problems but still have our own personal concerns. When we cast our cares on God, we can let go of them completely. It’s like a shotput athlete throwing a 16 pound shot. If we cast it and hold onto it it will put our body and soul at risk. We must choose to let go and trust God to sustain us in peace and expectancy.
Prayer: Father God, I sometimes hold onto my cares and allow them to weigh me down as with a heavy load. Forgive me and teach me to cast those cares on You and live by faith in these amazing promises of Your unending care and unbreakable promises. Amen.
Day 4–Jesus Alone is Judge!
Scripture reading for April 30: Matthew 7:1-2 “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.” John 5:21-23 “For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom He will. The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father Who sent Him.”
Another disease of our souls is pride and the judging of others. We all tend to view ourselves through comparison with others. We see the faults of others and the areas of their lives that are broken and judge them in one way or another. We elevate ourselves and fail to use sober judgment on our own faults. (Ecclesiastes 7:21-22)
Jesus, the One designated by the Father as Judge is the only One with the ability to know everything about a person, seen and unseen in the heart. We are instructed not to judge others and pronounce a guilty verdict or pass a sentence. We are guilty ourselves and our judgment is flawed because of sin within. Jesus warned His disciples that the judgment they pronounced on other would be reaped by them and the measure they used would be measured back to them. They were to honor the Father and the Son by leaving all judgment to Him Alone. This requires humility before God and Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the Righteous Judge because He alone took the penalty for sin upon Himself and paid the price of death on all sinner’s behalf. His blood atoned for our sins and all we can do is say ‘thank You’ and in response forgive others instead of holding judgment against them. One day we who are made righteous by Christ, along with the Apostle Paul, can expect the ‘Righteous Judge’ to award us the crown of righteousness. (2 Timothy 4:8)
Prayer: Lord Jesus, the Righteous Judge, I choose to leave all judgment with You. Help me to never act pridefully and judge someone as totally lost or as deserving eternal punishment. Help me to always use a measure of mercy like You have given to me and all who believe on You. Amen.
Day 3–Dealing with Offense
Scripture reading for April 29: Matthew 18:21 “Then Peter came up and said to Him (Jesus), “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
One of the most serious maladies of the soul is bitterness coming from unforgiveness. We are to guard our hearts because out of them flow the springs of life. (Proverbs 4:23) When offenses come, (not if) we must handle them promptly and according to God’s example in Christ Jesus. A bitter root of unforgiveness in the heart will yield poisonous fruit coming from the inner man through the mouth and even the body in hurtful words and actions. We must choose to forgive by giving the offense to God and allowing Him to handle what is needed. Only God knows the heart of the person and can truly deal justly with the person and possibly lead them to repentance. When we forgive we exhibit the grace of God in Jesus Christ for all.
Peter was very impetuous. Following a prideful argument with several disciples about who was the greatest, Peter questioned Jesus about forgiving his brother who sinned against him. He asked how many times he was required by law to forgive. He generously offered seven times as a possibility. But Jesus simply astounded him with His answer of ‘seventy-seven’ times. Some versions say ‘seventy times seven’ which is more impossible to remember or count. That was Jesus’ point: don’t keep score, but show mercy!
Paul, writing to the Ephesians, instructed them to be kind to one another and tenderhearted. He understood Jesus’ character and example. It was goodness in God that opened the door for repentance. (Romans 2:4) When we forgive, we loose the person to experience God’s grace. We give a concrete example of Jesus’ grace for us.
Prayer: Father, as responders we sometimes become entangled in offenses like those we help. We need Your mercy and claim forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Form in us a tender heart and kindness towards those who offend us. Help us to forgive promptly and joyfully and pray for those offending. Amen.
Day 2–Refreshing Rest
Scripture reading for April 28: Matthew 11:28-30“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Psalm 4:8 “In peace I will lie down and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
Proper rest is a key ingredient to functioning in your workplace with maximum efficiency and mental acuity. The psalmist stated plainly that he would lie down and sleep peacefully. The stated reason for this was that because he knew the Lord as his protector and peace, he could rest without fear of harm by any enemy. He did not have to entertain worry or fear in his mind about being caught off guard as he slept.
Jesus Christ called those who were burdened down with their fears and worries to come to Him. He promised them rest as they would exchange these heavy loads for His ‘yoke’. As a Jewish rabbi, the ‘yoke’ was the body of teaching and instruction of the teacher. Jesus was God the Father’s Word in human form. Jesus encouraged them that HIs yoke was easy and His burden was light. He would personally instruct them while present with them. When time came for Him to die on the cross and be raised from the dead and enter into glory through resurrection, He would send them Another Helper, the Gift of the Father. This Helper, the Holy Spirit, would empower them to live out His teaching and bring comfort and God’s presence to them always.
As responders, rest and good sleep is very important to our well-being. We would do well to heed Jesus’ invitation to come to Him and find not only sleep for the body, but rest for our souls. We can rest in what our Lord Jesus did to deliver us from fear of death and punishment for sins. We can rest in God’s presence with us always. His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the invitation to find relief for our burdens, guilt, and weariness in our Lord Jesus. Teach me Your Word and ways that I might follow Jesus and enjoy peace and rest for my soul. Help me daily to rest and have refreshing sleep in peace with God and man. Amen.