Tag: refuge
“Be Still and Know”
Scripture reading for July 6: Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble.” vs. 8-11 “Come, behold the works of the Lord, how He has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the chariots with fire. Be still and know that I AM God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
When we experience a disruption in our lives because of sickness, emotional breakdown, or unexpected war or trouble, it is good to remind ourselves about God. The psalmist was going through such a time in his own life. He composed this song as an offering of worship and it is now recorded in God’s Word as a revelation of Who our God is. It builds faith in our hearts as we read and receive the truths declared. We can declare that God is with us now and He is just what we need as our “I AM”.
First of all, God is our refuge and strength. He is always present with us in our trials and troubles. He is the “I Am” that we need when under attack. He is the commander of heaven’s armies (Lord of hosts) and our fortress, giving us His own glorious presence as a wall of fire around us. (Zechariah 2:5) He has already won the battle and we can boast in His victory. We can rejoice in His protection and presence.
I am encouraged that God fights my battles. I bring to mind previous victories. How wonderful that God makes wars to cease. He breaks bows and shatters the spears of enemies who seek my harm and death. He causes the chariots of my foes to be burned with fire or buries them in the sea with overwhelming waves. As I quiet my mind and encourage myself in remembering and recounting God’s mighty works of deliverance, the Holy Spirit reveals God’s eternal presence and power. The great “I AM” is exalted in my life, I declare Him among the nations, and say ‘amen’ to His Kingship over the whole earth!
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your declared presence with me now and always. Thank You for being my refuge and fortress in my time of trouble as well as the One Who fights for me and has defeated my enemies. Help me to be still and know that You are God! I exalt You as God over the earth! 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.
There is a River!
Scripture reading for June 11: Psalms 42-49
America has one of the finest and best equipped armies in the entire world. We have a great air force which has a wide variety of weapons to strike the enemy from afar and soften the opposition before ground troops go into harms way. We have a military intelligence system that gathers information about the enemy and battlefield for the air force and ground forces. But in spite of our great army and ability to protect our nation and people, there is yet a much more fearful and powerful force of protection!
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
God’s ability to protect His people and help them in trouble is well documented. He delivered David as a shepherd boy from the lion and the bear and then from the giant, Goliath. He delivered an entire nation from slavery in Egypt and then saved them from the most powerful army on earth as they were being pursued. He caused the Red Sea to close over the enemy army after His people walked through this sea on a dry bed! Bring on those powerful armies! Our God is our refuge and strength!
“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall’ God will help her at the break of day. Nations are in an uproar, kingdoms fall; He lifts His voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah Psalm 46:4-7
God’s presence is likened to a river of refreshing and life-giving water. All who were inside the city and belonged to God would have this source of water and life available to them. In the midst of confusion of the nations, God’s voice melts the earth, causing kingdoms to fall. God is in charge and present with His people. He Himself is their Fortress during judgment and war!
“He makes wars to cease to the ends of the earth, He breaks the bow and shatters the spear, He burns the shields with fire. Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:9-10
God will ultimately bring peace to this troubled world. We must silence our lips from fretting and fear and unbelief! God is in control! He alone is our refuge and strength!
Our God provides everything!
Scripture reading for February 20: Numbers 34-36
The God we serve knows everything! God told Moses about the boundaries of the land He was giving them and how to divide it when they took possession of it. (Numbers 34:2) They had yet to own any of it. They were to cast lots for their portion in the land. “The lot is cast into the lap, but it’s every decision is from the Lord.” (Proverbs 16:33)
As the Israelites entered the land and took possession of it, God had Moses appoint a leader from each tribe to oversee the assignment of the inheritance. The only name that stands out in this list is Caleb. He and Joshua were the only ones left from the generation twenty years old and older who had not perished in the wilderness on the way to the promised land. These two are examples of the veracity of God’s promises. “God is not a man that He should lie.” (Numbers 23:19) God alone knows the end from the beginning and He speaks to His people to build their faith, inspiring them to possess their inheritance.
In these last chapters of Numbers, we find provision for cities of refuge. God knew that His people would need mercy. Emotions get out of control and things happen. Revenge instincts are strong and sometimes violence that causes death erupts. The cities of refuge were scattered throughout the land and provided a place where someone who had killed another could flee from the avenger of blood. (Numbers 35:6) These cities were Levite cities. The Levites had no inheritance but were given cities and pastureland throughout the promised land to use and to minister to the people. Six of these forty eight towns were cities of refuge. They were to mediate the serious situations when someone came for refuge.
Our God does know everything and has good plans for us. He wants us to know those plans and walk by faith and claim our inheritance! He has provided a refuge for any who sin through Jesus Christ! Take time today to ponder some of these promises and by faith possess those that you need today! Our God is on your side!
“What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all–how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:31-32
Let the River flow!
Scripture reading for October 24th: John 7, Psalm 62, Proverbs 26
John 7:37-39 “On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'” Now this He said about the Spirit, Whom those who believed in Him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”
It was the Feast of Pentecost and Jesus attended. It was the custom, on the last day, to pour out big jars of water from the spring of Siloam to commemorate the giving of the Law and God supplying the water from the Rock for the children of Israel. As they poured out the water, Jesus stood up and proclaimed to the crowd assembled, (and to us) that anyone who was thirsty could come to Him and drink. This would result in a release of a ‘river of living water’ from the Holy Spirit. The Spirit was to be given after Jesus was crucified and glorified. This ‘living water’ would flow from hearts that were filled with God’s Spirit. It would result in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs of worship and prophesy flowing. The world treasures gossip and slander, but those believing in Jesus have a flow of prophetic worship and praise!
Psalm 62:7-8 “On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty Rock, my Refuge is God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the Gift of the Holy Spirit that You give freely to all who believe on Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Forgive me for allowing the world’s whispering to go into my inner being. Fill me afresh today with the Holy Spirit as I draw near to You through Jesus Christ. He is my Mighty Rock in the wilderness of this world, a Refuge I can pour out my heart to in Spirit-filled prayer! Amen!
Proverbs 26:22 “The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.”
Work that profits for eternity
Scripture reading for October 23rd: John 6, Psalm 61, Proverbs 25
John 6: 25-29 “When they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on Him God the Father has set His seal.” Then they said to Him, What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe on Him Whom He has sent.””
Jesus had just fed the multitude of five thousand and the crowd was talking of making Him king by force. Jesus withdrew to the mountain to pray. He later walked on water to meet His disciples on the Sea of Galilee during a storm. When the people realized that Jesus had left, they went in search of Him. Jesus knew what was in their hearts. Jesus told them that they were seeking Him for the food He had provided. The food that perishes was not to be the focus of their efforts, but Jesus encouraged them to seek the food that endures to eternal life. He was the true ‘Bread of Life’, coming from heaven to reveal the Father. He encouraged them that the work that God required of them was faith–believing in Him, the Son of God. God’s glory was being revealed to all who would receive by faith.
Psalm 61:1-2 “Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint. Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I, for You have been my Refuge, a strong Tower against the enemy.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for doing the ‘work’ of salvation for us through Your Son. You have heard our cry for help and lead us to the Rock, Jesus Christ. Forgive me when I have sought You for earthly needs alone, not recognizing my true hunger for eternal things. Use me in my every-day life and relationships to live by faith and share Your eternal Truth of Jesus, the Bread of Life.
Proverbs 25:2 “It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.”
The King wears a crown of thorns!
Scripture reading for November 17th: Daniel 7-9, Psalm 91, John 19
John 19:1-6 “Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged Him. And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on His head and arrayed Him in a purple robe. They came up to Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and struck Him with their hands. Pilate went out again and said to them, “See, I am bringing Him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in Him.” So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!” When the chief priests and the officers saw Him, they cried out, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!”
Pilate knew that Jesus was innocent and was afraid to do anything to Him. Pilate’s great sin was that he allowed the people’s voices to determine Jesus’ fate and not justice. In order to put Jesus out of his jurisdiction, Pilate had Him flogged and then presented back before the people. The soldiers had made a crown of thorns and placed it on Jesus’ head in mockery that He was “King of the Jews”. That crown of thorns used to torment and mock King Jesus was in reality the curse of sin and death being placed on Jesus by the very sinners He came to save! The race of Adam had fallen under the curse as Adam disobeyed God in the Garden. Now Jesus Christ, the second Adam, would bear the curse Himself to redeem all who would humbly listen to Him and repent!
Daniel 7:13-14 “I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came One like a Son of Man, and He came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him. And to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him; His dominion is and everlasting dominion, which shall never pass away, and His kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.”
Prayer: Father God, Jesus Christ is my Refuge, my Fortress and my God and Lord Whom I trust. I am so thankful that He willingly bore the crown of thorns, taking the curse of sin and death for me and all who will listen to Him. Thank You for Your patience with lost mankind and Your desire that all peoples and nations would know You and serve You for eternity. Use me today to share this Good News!
Psalm 91:1-3 “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 He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.”
From mourning to joy!
Scripture reading for August 24th: Isaiah 14-16, Matthew 28
Key Scriptures: Matthew 28:5-9 “But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, as He said. Come, see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead, and behold, He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see Him. See, I have told you.” So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell His disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him.”
According to Scripture, at least three women went early in the morning to properly care for Christ’s body. These women were surprised to find the stone rolled away and even more frightened to see an angel and hear him speak to them. The angel told them not to be afraid and gently invited them to see where Christ had been laid and then sent them off to tell the disciples the Good News and that they would see Him in Galilee! As they were running away to tell the news, Jesus appeared to them with a cheerful greeting. This brought them to worship and adoration in overwhelming joy!
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, I worship You and rejoice in Your resurrection and victory over death and the grave! I will follow You and share with the afflicted that You are their refuge and salvation!
Isaiah 14:32 “What will one answer the messengers of the nation? “The Lord has founded Zion, and in her the afflicted of His people find refuge.””