Friday, July 16, 2021

Living in the Shelter of the Most High - Part 2

 

Continuing Pastor Herk’s points point that in this country, there are a lot of people who believe in God, but how many of those who believe actually “followers” of Jesus Christ as the Lord of our life, which is the next logical step in faith? If we claim to be disciples of Jesus Christ, then don’t we need to be “followers” (which is the literal definition of disciple)? 

 

God’s miracles of protection and His power to keep the people of God in the face of great difficulties are throughout the Bible and experienced today. Other people around us do not know that you are dwelling, abiding in and following Jesus. They just see another person going about their business. John 1:12-13 tells us that “as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of a man, but of God.” They don’t know that you are a child of Almighty God in Heaven and that your life is hid with Christ in the kingdom of God. They don’t know that you are a member of God’s family, a citizen of Heaven and a royal priest in the work of the kingdom. This is reality, yet the natural man does not have spiritual discernment and cannot understand this. They do not dwell in the secret place of the Most High, so cannot see the shadow of the Almighty on your life. But, the spiritual world can see the influence of Jesus on your life.  

 

Psalm 91:2   I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!” This is an act of your will, because you have a choice to wholeheartedly say that or not. You also have a choice whether you are going to trust God or not. Now, in the fallen flesh, we are not always faithful in our trust because of fear, worry and uncertainty. In those times, we need to go back to the Lord and review His promises. Proverbs 18:10says “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.” Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of man brings a snare, but one who trusts in the Lord will be protected.” Trust our Maker, Father Almighty God. But, to trust in something is to put your full faith in it. On this side of eternity, we are always going to have a certain amount of worry for family, the future and such)., but remember to “give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you (1 Peter 5:7). Give your worries up to God. God can do wonderful things, if we trust Him. 

 

Psalm 91:3 For it is He who rescues you from the net of the trapper and from the deadly plague.” This is not something that just happens once; it is an ongoing rescue throughout your life. That word “rescue” is the Hebrew word “naw-tsal'”, which means to snatch away, deliver from enemies or troubles or death, deliver from sin and guilt, rescue, and save. We gain salvation. When we by faith repented of our sin and accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, we received the free gift of salvation. But, the Lord continues daily to save us. Psalm 34:17 “Reminds us that “The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.” Our eternity is secure because of the Lord’s continuing deliverance. He is interested in our lives, every moment of every day. This is why God gave the believer the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit to help us. 

 

The biggest traps in our lives come from Satan. 1 Peter 5:8 tells us to “be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” The enemy brings lies, deceptions and distractions to trip us up and entrap us, but the Lords continues to rescue us. God’s Angels are working in both the spiritual and physical realm on our behalf to protect us without us even being aware of it. God’s hedge of protection around us stops approaching evil before it gets to us. 

 

Psalm 91:4 He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may take refuge; His
faithfulness is a shield and wall.” God’s protection is constant, like a mother hen of her chicks. God’s faithful promises are our armor and protection. Ephesians 6:10-18 talks of the full armor of God that the believer puts on. We need to remember the spiritual armor that God gives us to
stand firm against the schemes of the devil and to save us from the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Those are powerful forces coming against us that the Lord protects us from. Pray every day, put on the full armor and stand your ground “having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Let's conclude Pastor Herk's message on God being our shelter in the next post.
In Christ, Brian 


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