Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!!

 I pray you have a very blessed 2012, and that when January 2013 arrives, you will look back and be amazed when see all the things God has done through you, for you, and for those around you.  We cannot know what tomorrow will hold, but we do know that God is with us, He will lead and guide us, and give us the wisdom and knowledge and strength we need just when we need it.  He is never too early and He is never late...He always comes through at the right moment to bring us through victorious.  GOD IS SO GOOD!

I can think of no better way to start out a new year than by walking through a 50 day devotional that will help build a stronger foundation for our faith, and get us ready for all God has in store for us in the year 2012 and beyond.  So starting tomorrow, each day will have a new post as we walk through the very inspirational book, "Unshakable Faith" written by Rick Joyner.  

Blessings!

Kayla

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Psalm 91- Chapter 21: I Behold His Salvation

Psalm 91: God's Umbrella of Protection

Chapter 21: I Behold His Salvation

"...and let him behold My salvation."

Psalm 91:16b

Salvation is the all encompassing promise...All of the promises we have covered in this study are ours through the gift of salvation.  God wants us to know that salvation is not just a way to secure our entrance into heaven.  Salvation is a promise of God's protection, healing, health, deliverance, rescue, safety,  and provision in this life now.  Yes, salvation means we will get to spend eternity in heaven in God's presence, but it is more than that, it begins in our lives today.  I am so thankful for God's gift of salvation, and all the promises that gift includes.  If you have not accepted this wonderful gift from God, I encourage you to take a step out in faith and open the greatest gift you will ever receive. Please go to the "Our Beliefs" page for more details and instructions about receiving this great gift.

Thank you for joining me for this great study, I sincerely hope you have been blessed, encouraged, and filled with hope and faith because of the promises God has given us.

Blessings!
Kayla

Psalm 91 - Chapter 20: God Satisfies Me with Long Life

Psalm 91: God's Umbrella of Protection

Chapter 20: God Satisfies Me with Long Life

"With a long life I will satisfy him."

Psalm 91:16a

God has promised us a long life.  He is not talking about just a bunch of long years. He is talking about a satisfying, good life...a life of purpose, contentment, love, joy, peace, health, wholeness, a life that is worth living, a life with no regrets!  That is what God wants to give each one of us, but we have to be willing to live that life for Him, being obedient to His Word, walking each day in His presence, being lead by the Holy Spirit, and allowing God to fill us to overflowing with His love, so that others will see Him in us.  

God created us to be like Him, our purpose is to reflect His character, and be a light in the darkness that surrounds us.    

"What are you going to do with your long life?"

Psalm 91 - Chapter 19: God Honors Me

Psalm 91: God's Umbrella of Protection

Chapter 19: God Honors Me

"I will...honor him."

Psalm 91:15

Receiving honor is no small promise! And honor from God, that should make us tremble; it is such a huge gift...nothing we do, or say could ever make us worthy of such a great gift.  Only through God's love and through His Son, Jesus Christ, could we ever be even considered as a recipient of God's honor.  

This time of year we celebrate the Birth of God's Son.  Jesus being fully God, humbled himself, and came down to earth as a man...but He was not born in a great palace, or in a decent hospital. No, God's Son was born in a lowly manger.  His bed made of straw, the only heat coming from a small lantern and the body heat of the animals - sheep, horses, cows, camels, chickens, maybe a small dog or barn cat.  It was not as if the owner had known the Son of God would be born in his stable that night, in all likely hood, with the census going on and his Inn being full to the max, the owner probably went out to feed the animals, but I doubt that he had time to make sure every stall was cleaned, that all traces of manure were shoveled and the dirt and cobwebs swept clean...no it was probably as filthy as a barn can get.  And yet this is where God's Son was born.  Why? Because of God's love for you and me.  

Our lives will never be the same because of that precious baby that was born that night.  And because of Jesus' sacrifices, his coming to earth as a man, dying on the cross for us, because of Him, we are able to be called the sons and daughters of the most high God, the King of Kings...When we love and obey our heavenly Father, not only do we grow closer in our walk with God, but He has promised to honor us.  I can only stand in awe of how amazing it is to know that the King of Kings looks at me with not just love, and mercy, and grace, but with honor and pride in His eyes...He is proud of us, He is our biggest fan, He sees us not just as we are or what we've been, but He sees through His loving kindness, and wants to honor us.  Wow! What an amazing gift!!

Psalm 91 - Chapter 18: God Rescues Me From Trouble

Psalm 91: God's Umbrella of Protection

Chapter 18: God Rescues Me From Trouble

"...I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him..."

Psalm 91:15

No matter where we are, we have a promise of God's presence...in good times and bad, when hope abounds or when hopelessness surrounds.  God has promised to be with us, and to rescue us.

I don't know what you may need rescued from today, but I do know that no matter how bad the situation seems, God is bigger and He is more than able to rescue you...He is actually waiting for you to trust Him, so that He can work it all out for good.

The hands that hold the universe and keeps the world in motion, the arms that spread wide as they were nailed to the cross, are reaching down even now into your circumstance working a miracle on your behalf.

Trust Him!
Lean on Him fully!
He will not fail!
He cannot fail! - it is just another marvelous part of who He is.

Psalm 91 - Chapter 17: God Answers My Call

Psalm 91:God's Umbrella of Protection 

Chapter 17: God Answers My Call

"He will call on Me, and I will answer him..."

Psalm 91:15a

I am so thankful that we can call on God and know that He not only hears us, but that He will answer us too!  I remember a time when my husband and I were first married...he was in college, and I tried my best to bring in enough income so that he wouldn't need to work while finishing up school.  But even with all of my searching, calling, and going in for interviews, etc.  I could not find a job.  We had a small savings we had built up during the summer when JC was able to work, so we were living on as little as possible hoping and praying that I would find a good job before our savings ran out.  I remember the day that JC came to me with the bad news...by the end of the month our savings would be gone.  We went to bed that night praying and hoping for God to give us a miracle.   The following day - Saturday, we got a call from the Pastor of our church, he asked us to come by to see him that afternoon.  So we agreed, and went to see him just after lunch. As it turned out, the church board had been discussing hiring a church secretary for some time, but had not settled on a definite answer.  That is until the night before, Friday night at their board meeting, when they decided to offer the position to me. So God provided a job, that I never even applied for, within a month of us running out of money.   I love looking back at that time and seeing how even though we didn't understand why every door seemed to close, God was in control, and had it all worked out just in time.  We don't always understand why it seems that God is saying "no!", but I can tell you that He does have a plan and when we call on Him, He will answer...it may not be the answer we pictured, but it will always be what is best for us.

Psalm 91 - Chapter 16: I Am Seated with Christ Jesus

Psalm 91: God's Umbrella Of Protection

Chapter 16: I Am Seated with Christ Jesus

"Because He has loved Me...I will set him securely on high, 

because he has known My name."

Psalm 91:14

 This verse talks about us being set securely on high for two reasons 1) because we love Him and 2) because we know His name.  I love looking at all the names of God...it is so powerful just to see all the promises we have based on who He is. So let's take a quick look at some of God's names. (I know I've posted this list before, but it is worth re-posting!)

EL SHADDAI: God Almighty, or God all Sufficient
ADONAI: Lord, or Master
JEHOVAH: LORD - Yahweh: God's covenant name
JEHOVAH-JIREH: The Lord will Provide.
JEHOVAH-ROPHE: The Lord Who Heals
JEHOVAH-NISSI: The Lord Our Banner.
JEHOVAH-M'KADDESH: The Lord Who Sanctifies
JEHOVAH-SHALOM: The Lord Our Peace
JEHOVAH ELOHIM: LORD God
JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU: The Lord Our Righteousness
JEHOVAH-ROHI: The Lord Our Shepherd
JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH: The Lord is There
JEHOVAH-SABAOTH: The Lord of Hosts
EL ELYON: Most High
ABIR: Mighty One
KADOSH: Holy One
SHAPHAT: Judge
EL ROI: God of Seeing
KANNA: Jealous (zealous)
PALET: Deliverer
YESHUA: Savior
GAOL: Redeemer
MAGEN: Shield
EYALUTH:Strength
TSADDIQ: Righteous One
EL-OLAM: Everlasting God
EL-BERITH: God of the Covenant
EL-GIBHOR: Mighty God
TSUR: God our Rock
MELEKH: King
IMMANUEL, or EMMANUEL, or IMANUEL: God with us
HUPSISTOS: Highest
SOTER:Savior
JESUS: JEHOVAH IS SALVATION.

All of these names describe an attribute of God...all of these names give us a promise of who God is and how God works.  I am so thankful that God is our healer, provider, and strength, our rock, our shepherd, and shield, our deliverer, our peace, our savior and so much more...God is so Good!

Psalm 91 - Chapter 15: God Is My Deliverer

Psalm 91: God's Umbrella of Protection

Chapter 15: God Is My Deliverer

"Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him..."

Psalm 91:14a

What do you need deliverance from today?  Are you trusting God in your circumstance?  Are you telling God how big the issue is or are you telling the issue how big your God is?  

Whenever we find ourselves dealing with things that seem too big, to horrible, just too much for us to handle on our own; that is when God is walking with us asking us to cast our care on Him. He is waiting for us to fully hand the situation over to Him and let Him have complete control...and then He will follow through with this promise.  God is faithful to bring us out of the valley of shadow of death, He is strong enough to not only handle our huge problems, but to carry us through them.  Scott Krippayne sings a song that talks of God's deliverance from the storms in life...as you listen to this beautiful song, let your faith arise, put your hope and trust in God...Remember that "Sometime He calms the storm, and other times He calms His child"! 

Psalm 91 - Chapter 14: Because I Love Him

Psalm 91: God's Umbrella Of Protection

Chapter 14: Because I Love Him

"Because he has loved Me, therefore I will..."

Psalm 91:14a

This chapter is the beginning of a set of seven promises God has given to those who love Him.  Not just anyone can claim these promises...so ask yourself, "Do I love Him?"  If you love God you will follow His commands...you will obey the things written in His Word.  So now ask yourself again, "Do I love Him?"  

I Love the Lord with everything within me, and I hope you were able to answer honestly that you love Him too!  But if you cannot say that you love the Lord, and if you don't find yourself longing to be obedient to Him, as a way to show your love for Him.  Then please, read this next part carefully.  

Love is a choice, and Love is also something we tend to not give away easily.  We as humans tend to be careful of opening ourselves up, being vulnerable is not something we, in general, do well. But when we get to know God's character, when you see His provisions and protection, when you see the gifts He gives to us freely, it makes it easy to love Him.  Because when you know Him, you know that God is Love, and nothing you do will ever change His love for you.  We love Him because He first loved us.  So if you are struggling to love God today, I encourage you to get to know Him.  Spend time studying His Word, spend time in His presence, ask God to show Himself to you.  And I am sure it won't belong before you too can say, "I love God! And I want to obey Him. I want to please Him with everything I do and everything I say." 

Now I look forward to delving into the great promises God has given to us, because we love Him!!  Please join me over the next few weeks as we look at these seven promises...It's gonna be GREAT!

Psalm 91 - Chapter 13: The Enemy Under My Feet

Psalm 91: God's Umbrella Of Protection

Chapter 13: The Enemy Under My Feet

You will tread upon the lion and cobra,

The young lion and the serpent you will trample down.

Psalm 91:13

Let's stop and think for a minute...
What are the challenges, the problems, the catastrophic events facing you right now?

Do you have a major illness in your body or in a close loved one?

Do you have financial troubles?

Do you have relationship problems with another believer?

Have you found yourself fearing something unknown, something that may or may not ever happen?

Whatever the struggle; whatever the issue or problem; we have been given the ability to be victorious.  That doesn't mean that we have the right to trample on other people...What it means is that we have the power, through Christ, to walk through a situation and come out better than before the situation occurred.

I think of Job...God allowed Satan to bring disaster on Job's life.  He lost all of his livelihood, all of his servants, and all of his children in one day.  Then on top of that, he himself was afflicted with boils and sores on every inch of his body...His own wife told him to curse God and die...His closest friends blamed him and accused him of being a horribly unrighteous man.  Everything that could go wrong, went wrong in a matter of 24 hrs. But Job said, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him!". Job did not understand why these things happened, but He continued to trust God.  In the end God restored all Job had lost and blessed him with more than he had before.

This is a picture of walking victoriously...When we trust God no matter what, the very struggles and hard things we face will be used to bring Christlike traits out in us, and we will find God's blessing in our lives beyond our imaginations.  It doesn't mean the hard times won't come...but it does mean that even in the midst of those times, we can know that God is in control, God still sits on the throne, God still holds us in the palm of His mighty hands, and God has already given us the power and ability to walk through the flames and not be burned, to walk through the raging sea and not drowned, for God is with us!!  Today take those issues, problems, burdens, mountain sized troubles, and hand them over to God...When you give it to God, and trust him to bring you through, you will not be defeated, you will walk victoriously!

Psalm 91 - Chapter 12: Angels Watching Over Me

Psalm 91: God's Umbrella Of Protection

Chapter 12: Angels Watching Over Me

For He will give His angels charge concerning you,

To guard you in all your ways.

They will bear you up in their hands,

That you do not strike your foot against a stone.

Psalm 91:11-12

I have told the story many times, but I'm not sure if I've shared it on this blog before, so I'd like to share a story of how God sent His angels not only for my protection, but also let me get a glimpse, so that it brought peace to my troubled mind.  

To tell the story properly I have to give a little history...all my life I have dealt with bad dreams...terrible nightmares.  Being raised in a christian home I learned at a young age that there was power in prayer, and that we could know and trust God to protect us, I've heard countless stories of times when God caused someone to change their plans only to find out later that if they had continued with their original plans they would have been involved in a major catastrophe. Or of times when someone came to a family members rescue, only to disappear without any one seeing where they went.  

So when as a young married person I found myself alone overnight for the first time, and all the thoughts of horrible things that could happen started to come in to try to cause fear, I decided the only way I was going to get any sleep, was to proclaim God's Word, and then specifically ask God to place Angels around the house...I asked Him to place one at every door, at every window, one at my bedroom door and then one at each corner of my bed.  I figured I was alone and scared, I could not have too much protection.  So I grabbed my bible read some scriptures, and laid my bible and the phone right next to the bed in case I needed it.  

I was able to go to sleep without much trouble but then the dream started.  I had one of the most terrible evil dreams ever...I don't really remember all the details, but it was dark, demonic and just evil...I remember sitting straight up in bed, as soon as my eyes were open, and I was trembling, and sweating profusely.  All I could do was call on Jesus, and that is when God opened my eyes, and I could see the sword of an angel standing at my bedroom door...I didn't see the angel itself, but I saw the most incredible, intricate and beautiful sword I've ever seen.  It was gold, and silver and had beautiful stones and gems of all different colors laid in it, and it looked to be on fire.  But not only was this sword beautiful it was gigantic...seriously, the top of the handle was up in the ceiling and the tip of it touched the floor. The cross part where the handle and the blade meet (not sure what that's called) but it was as wide as the door frame. I remember sitting in my bed staring at this beautiful sword, and feeling God's peace flood the room. 

Now you need to know that I have terrible vision, and I cannot see the details of anything more than a foot away from me without my glasses, but here I was without any glasses or contacts, sitting across the room and could see it in perfect condition...no blurring, no double outline, my vision was perfect.  As I sat there I did a double take,I looked around the room and then back to the door, and I watched the sword slowly fade, and the room was dark again.  As I'm writing this, I realize something I never fully grasped before...the room was dark before, the room was dark after, but I could see clearly everything while the sword was visible...It acted like a light...it made the room as if it were broad day light...Amazing, I don't know how I missed that before! 

Anyway, it was clear to me that not only had God heard my prayer, He did just as I asked and put the angels in their places around the house.   I had always seen angels in my minds eye, as human looking, you know in shape and size.  But no more, not after seeing that sword!  I can tell you the angel holding that sword had to be at least 10-12 feet tall if not taller...The sword itself was at least 8-9 feet tall. Are you getting the picture? This was no small angel and no small amount of protection.  This promise of having God's angels protect and watch over us, is so amazing and just shows how much God really cares for us.  He didn't send out a weak small little angel to protect me, no He sent a Goliath sized, strong and powerful angel...God goes above and beyond to protect and provide for us.  I am so thankful for that...He never gives us just enough, but always over and abundantly more than we ask or even imagine.  

Psalm 91 - Chapter 11:No Plague Comes Near My Family

Psalm 91: God's Umbrella of Protection

Chapter 11: No Plague Comes Near My Family

No evil will befall you, 

Nor will any plague come near your tent.

Psalm 91:10

As I read this chapter, I find myself battling with doubts...Really will we really be able to protect our families just by believing this one simple promise? Is it really that simple?  It just doesn't seem like it would be enough.  But then I am reminded, that God only had to speak to bring this whole world into existence, His Words are full of life, and power.  So, if God has promised it, and His Word declares it, who am I to question what God says?  His ways are so much higher than mine. His thoughts are so far above my thoughts.  The future is a clear picture to Him, while I sit and wonder, and have no clue what tomorrow may hold...when I think of these things I realize it would be foolish to not believe what God says.  God's Word is powerful and living and active, we need to read it daily, memorize it and quote it....but even more important we need to believe it! Today I choose to put my faith in God and His Holy Word.  In 1 Corinthians 1:18 the Apostle Paul wrote "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." Here is my own version of this verse as it would relate to God's Promises... The promises of God are foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who believe, it is God's protection at work.

My prayer is that today you would make the choice to believe even if everything around you tells you it would be foolish...Because even God's foolishness is wiser than man's wisdom!

Psalm 91 - Chapter 10: Though a Thousand Fall

Psalm 91: God's Umbrella of Protection

Chapter 10: Though a Thousand Fall

A thousand may fall at your side 

And ten thousand at your right hand, 

But it shall not approach you. 

Psalm 91:7

Wars and natural disasters, economic issues, diseases and more...all these things surround us on a daily basis.  We tend to just accept it as the way life is, sometimes you win, sometime you loose.  But this verse tells us that just because these things are affecting everyone around us, does not mean we have to accept it and deal with it...God has made provision for us, He has made a promise to protect us.

Think about a battle scene (The Chronicles of Narnia movies have a couple good ones),  thousands of men ready to fight, maybe ten thousand on one side and twelve thousand on the other...they all march out into the large meadow and arrows and cannons balls begin to fly.  The armies keep marching, closer and closer together, until the commander gives the signal, and then they run head long towards their enemy, fighting to the death, with swords, spears and the like.  Now pause the picture in your head...this right here, this scene is a picture of this promise...God says that when you find yourself with a thousand falling at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, it will not approach you.  

I find it hard to imagine, me a city girl, who doesn't like bugs, or spiders...who has always been fairly sheltered from the storms of life...I can't imagine myself in a physical battle like this one, but I know that if I just turn on the news, and just look around at the people I see everyday when I'm in Costco, Walmart, Target, the doctors office, or the gas station...everywhere we go there are signs of destruction all around..and there are thousands at my side who are falling, and ten thousand at my right hand who can't seem to get back up...But my God has made me a promise, that those things that have cost so many people so much, and have taken everything from so many people, will not even approach me.

Peggy Joyce Ruth say's it so well... "Many people think of the gospel as an insurance policy, securing only their eternity and their comfort after disaster strikes. They are depriving themselves of so much. Perhaps we all need to ask ourselves the question, 'What kind of coverage do I have-fire or life?' God's Word is more than just an escape from hell; it is a handbook for living a victorious life in this world."  

So ask yourself, what kind of coverage are you believing God for?  It is our faith and belief that will make these promise not just written words, but real protection in our lives.

Father God, Thank you for providing for us and giving us your promised protection.  We sometimes forget that You want us to live victorious abundant lives, not defeated and helpless lives.  So today, Lord, I ask that you work in our hearts and in our minds, help us to have the faith to believe Your promises, and to stand firm in our faith even when the thousands around us are falling...today we choose to believe Your Word over the things our eyes are seeing.  Lord, help us in our unbelief!
We love You and Thank You!
In Jesus Name, AMEN

Psalm 91 - Chapter 9: I Will Not Fear The Destruction

Psalm 91: God's Umbrella of Protection

Chapter 9: I Will Not Fear The Destruction

You will not be afraid of...the destruction that lays waste at noon.

Psalm 91:5-6b

God has given us all of these promises because it is His desire to protect and provide for us.  I love the fact that long before we ever have a need, He already has the provision ready, we just need to accept it and believe it.  Sometimes we get overwhelmed with the circumstances around us, and find it hard to believe that the very thing we are seeing with our natural eye can be changed in moment.  This is when is it important to have faith, faith is not a feeling, it is choice! You either choose to believe the things you see with your natural eyes, or you choose to have faith and believe in God and the promises He has given us.  Peggy Joyce Ruth made a good point so I just have to quote her here..."Faith is not a tool to manipulate God into giving you something you want. Faith is simply the means by which we accept what God has already made available. Our goal needs to be the renewal of our minds, to such an extent that we have more faith in God's Word than in what we see.  God does not make promises that are out of reach."  Wow, I don't think it could be said any better than that! 

Thank you Lord, for giving us your Word, and for making provision for us long before we ever need it.  You are so amazing and Your love is never ending.  We are so unworthy of Your love, and grace, and every promise You have given us.  But we are thankful that You love us no matter what we say or do, and that all You ask of us, is for us to come to You, just as we are, and to trust You.  So today, we choose to put our trust, our faith, and hope in You.  You are everything we will ever need and so much more! We love You and Thank You!! God, You are so Good!!  Amen

Psalm 91- Chapter 8: I Will Not Be Afraid of the Pestilence

Psalm 91: God's Umbrella of Protection

Chapter 8: I Will Not Be Afraid of the Pestilence

You will not be afraid...Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness. 
Psalm 91:5-6a

Webster's Dictionary defines Pestilence as a contagious or infectious epidemic disease that is virulent and devastating;"  I think all of us deal with some form of pestilence in our life--if not in our own body, in that of a loved one.

In today's world there are so many different forms of pestilence... Cancer, Heart disease, Flu viruses, HIV/AIDS, the list could go on and on...when we think about dealing with these horrible illnesses and the effects they have on so many lives it is easy to start worrying about the what if's.  But God, knowing that all of these diseases and illnesses would be rampant, gave us a promise, that we will all benefit from it, if we just have the faith to believe it.  God wants to take care of us, and God wants to work in our lives and the lives of those around us.  This promise is for you and every believer.  God does not want you to fear the disease, He wants you to trust Him and then He will take care of the situation, making the best of it for everyone involved.  

I have some dear friends whose 2 year old little boy was diagnosed with Leukemia this last summer.  Now, it would have been very easy for them to get angry at God for allowing this thing to happen...but I am happy to say they chose to put their faith in Jesus. And God in His great love and mercy has made every treatment and every situation work out better than the doctors expected. It took less than 30 days of treatment for the doctors to declare Lincoln cancer free, and even though the road is long and the treatments aren't over yet...God has had His hand on their lives and has brought about great miracles- because of their faith and trust in Him.  

What ever your situation, whatever the diagnosis is...Trust God!

Psalm 91- Chapter 7: I Will Not Fear The Arrow

Psalm 91: God's Umbrella Of Protection

Chapter 7: I Will Not Fear The Arrow

You will not be afraid of...the arrow that flies by day.

Psalm 91:5

For the last couple of weeks I have read over and over again about the Whole Armor of God.  In my daily Bible reading, in a book I'm reading, on another blog, and now here in this chapter.  Time and again I am reminded that all of us are in a constant battle...Those flaming arrows are not something that might happen...they are guaranteed! Satan will not let you just stand by, no one is exempt from his constant devices, traps, arrows and schemes.  But we can take comfort in the fact that just as being in this battle is not an option, victory in this battle is guaranteed as well. Satan's schemes and arrows are no match for the powerful promises of God, and the Whole Armor of God - the thing is we have to choose to believe and accept those promises and we have to choose to put on that Armor!  


When I was in High School, my Youth Pastor  and his wife advised us to physically put on the Armor of God each day...read Ephesians 6:10- 18 and as each piece of armor is mentioned and described go through the actions of actually putting on a belt, a breastplate, shoes, a helmet, hold up your shield, and your sword...going through the motions may seem silly, but something about doing this makes your faith grow as the invisible spiritual armor  is connected to a real physical action. 


God is so good.  I know I say that a lot, but sometimes we forget, and we start trying to do things on our  own...but if we really knew the goodness of God we would trust Him in everything and never feel the need to try things on our own...so repeat it out loud, over and over again...until you believe it with all of your heart, your soul and mind...GOD IS SO GOOD!!!

Psalm 91- Capter 6: I Will Not Fear The Terror

Psalm 91: God's Umbrella of Protection

Chapter 6: I Will Not Fear The Terror

"You will not be afraid of the terror by night..."

Psalm 91:5a

Here are a few quotes from this chapter to highlight the things that stood out to me from this chapter.

1. "Long before man discovered biological weapons, God made provision for the protection of His people - if they believe His Word." - Wow, this just shows how great God is, He knew we would one day face these horrible biological wars, and He made provision for us, so we can have protection from them, way back thousands of years before the threat even existed. That just makes me want to jump with excitement!!
2. "No evil has been conceived by man against which God has not provided a promise of protection for any of His children who will choose to believe it and act on it." - Once again, GOD IS SO GOOD!!!
3. "We have to choose to believe God's Word more than we believe what we see." - This one is something we all need to really get...whether or not we receive God's protection is a choice we make...Are we willing to believe and have faith??
4. "Over and over Jesus tells us, 'Do not fear!'  Why do you think He continually reminds us not to be afraid?  Because it is through faith in His Word that we are protected-and since fear is the opposite of faith, the Lord knows fear will keep us from operating in the faith that is necessary to receive." - God knows how fearful we tend to be...just like sheep we get scared and run so easily! But God our great Shepherd, knows His sheep, and that is why He tells us and warns us not to fear!
5. "The Protection is already there. It has already been provided, whether we receive it or not." - Once again, receiving God's protection is a choice!! 

Today, I encourage you to look at your life and see the areas where you are fearful, or have anxiety.  Those are the areas that Jesus is calling to you to trust Him, and put your faith in Him; He will provide and protect you.  My prayer today is that we would choose faith over fear, choose God's protection over trying to do it on our own.  The best way to start building your faith is to get to know the God you are trying to trust.  It is terribly hard to trust someone whom you really don't know.  Get a bible sit down and read it, asking God to show you who He is.  Trust me!  You will be blown away with what He shows you! 

Psalm 91- Chapter 5: A Mighty Fortress Is My God

Psalm 91: God's Umbrella of Protection

Chapter 5: A Mighty Fortress Is My God

"His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark." Psalm 91:4b

When we make mistakes it is easy for us to assume that we in the process of making those mistakes also lost God's protection.  And there are times when we do choose to walk out from behind God's shield...but this verse promises us that it is not our faithfulness or goodness that shields us, but God's faithfulness!  Do you get that?  God is a shield and and tower of defense for us not because of what we do, but because of who and how He is.  He is always there to defend us and be a shield to us, it is up to us to decide to run back behind the shield God provides, or to continue to stand on our own with no protection at all.  Peggy Joyce points out in this chapter that this verse gives us a double protection...and I just love it! Not only does it promise that God (because of His great faithfulness, not ours) will protect us and cover us like a shield, but it also says that God is a bulwark!  "A bulwark is a tower built along the city wall from which defenders can shoot arrows, and hurl large stones at the enemy." - Nelson's Bible Dictionary.  So God is the strong tower that looks out, to warn of coming offenders and attacks, and also fights the fight for us as, while we gather in the protection found behind His shield!  God is so good!!

Psalm 91 - Chapter 4: Under His Wings

Psalm 91: God's Umbrella of Protection

Chapter 4: Under His Wings

He will cover you with His pinions, 

And under His wings, you may seek refuge.

Psalm 91:4a

Have you ever had one of those days when you just feel like you need a hug?  A day full of stress, pain, fear, or loss...a day when no matter what you do, you feel like the only thing that is going to help is to have someone special, someone who really cares, give you a long hug and protect you with their warm arms.  

That is what God is offering here, in this verse His sheltering arms and caring embrace are compared to the feathers and wings of a mother hen.  

Peggy Joyce Ruth tells a story in this chapter about a mother hen and her baby chicks, who were all scattered across the yard, when a large hawk flew over, threatening the chicks.  The hen didn't run and try to gather all of the chicks to her...no she just hunkered down and raised her wings, all the while clucking to the chicks telling them to come.  Then the chicks all ran to the hen and she covered them safely and securely under her wings...the hawk would have to go through her to get to her chicks. 

I love the picture this makes...I can just see God with His loving arms spread out calling, "Daughter, daughter, come! I'll protect you from all of Satan's schemes and evil plots. Come to Me daughter, for I love you and will be your shelter from the storm!" 

God has His arms raised, He is calling, now will you choose to run to Him for shelter and protection, or try to do it on your own?

Psalm 91 - Chapter 3:Two-Way Deliverance

Psalm 91: God's Umbrella of Protection

Chapter 3: Two-Way Deliverance


For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper

And from the deadly pestilence.

Psalm 91:3

God in His infinite wisdom and knowledge has given us this earth to live on...and everything here is under His control.  We need to learn to trust God.  God knows the things that will harm us and He also knows what is good for us.  Satan may be out to destroy us, but God has much better plans for us, and if God is for us, who can stand against us? No one and nothing.  No trap set by the devil, nor pestilence (sickness or disease that destroys the flesh), nothing can stand against our great and mighty God.  He is our shield and defender, we need to run to Him and trust Him...He is all we need.

This morning in my devotional time I read about Daniel.  Here is a man who walked obediently with God and had God's favor on his life.  When the governors, and satraps tried to get rid of Daniel, and caused him to be thrown into the lions den.  Did Daniel worry? Was he afraid?  I'm sure he was tempted to worry and fear, but I also realize that Daniel knew those men would see him praying in the window.  Daniel also knew the law of the Meades and Persians could not be changed once signed by the king.  So I think he trusted God to protect him even as he knelt down to pray three times a day.  Daniel's story is a perfect example of Psalm 91:3 in action.  God saw Daniels faithfulness and obedience and God saw His servant in trouble and so God did something only God could do...He shut those lions mouths and Daniel did not even have a scratch on him when the king pulled him from the den the next morning.  Imagine that, not only did God close the lions mouths, but he tamed their paws as well.  

I just have to say it (I encourage you to proclaim it with me)...That is my God! He is my King! And today I chose to trust Him with everything in my life...Satan may set traps, sickness and illness may come, but my God will supply my every need - He is my all in all!

Psalm 91- Chapter 2: What is Coming Out of My Mouth??

Psalm 91: God's Umbrella of Protection

Chapter 2:What is Coming Out of My Mouth?

I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, 
My God, in whom I trust!"
Psalm 91:2

Have you ever had one bad thing happen after another?  What was your reaction?  Did you find yourself saying things like "oh, well I guess this is just life, it stinks, but I'll get through it some how!?!?" or did you find yourself starting to watch for the next bad thing, almost expecting bad things to happen? As Christians we have been given a way to not only get through these rough times, but to come out better.  Yesterday our Pastor preached on the topic of Satan coming to steal, kill and destroy, and the fact that our God is our defender, and healer, and restorer!  There is nothing that Satan can take from you, that God can't give back 10 times greater than before!  But when we use our mouths to speak curses over ourselves, instead of turning to God and His Word to find blessings and promises...we stop God from giving us the protection and blessing He desires, and we find ourselves in an even bigger mess.  Scripture tells us that there is the power of life and the power of death in the tongue.  What are you using your tongue for today???  When we stop telling everyone how big our problems are, and start telling our problems how great, and powerful our God is...we will see a huge difference in how things go in our lives.  When you find yourself going through hard times, make sure you are turning to your great Shepherd, He will be the one to protect you and make you come out stronger and better off than before.  There are many ways to do this, here are just a few ideas on how to use God's Word as the powerful weapon it is intended to be...

•  Speak the scriptures out loud - there is something about reading scripture out loud and not just seeing it but saying it and hearing it that makes it more powerful in your life.

• Write out promises from God's Word on note cards.  When the hard times come, you already have some basic scriptures full of promise and protection at your finger tips.  Then you just need to read them (out loud) and keep reading them until you grasp that that promise is for you.  Then by faith you claim that promise in your life and situation.

• Another idea, is to find a book of scripture promises...(I have seen many different ones, that list our scriptures for you, they even have them categorized by different struggles and things we might face.  These make it easy to look up your topic, and BAM! you've got a whole list of scriptures that will apply to you.)  Take these scriptures with you everywhere, claim them and believe them. Then get ready to see God do amazing things!!

• Sometimes we just need little reminders as we go through our day...write down the promises of God on sticky notes and place them in strategic places around your home, your car, your work space, etc.

The important thing here is that you are reading God's promises, speaking out God's promises, and claiming them for your situation, by faith believing for a move of God!

Psalm 91- Chapter 1: Where is My Dwelling Place?

Psalm 91: God's Umbrella of Protection

Chapter 1: Where Is My Dwelling Place?

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High 

Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 91:1

Do you have a favorite spot to go and just spend time with God?  I remember as a little girl, I would hear stories of people having prayer closets.  I always wanted to find a place that was my space to be with God.  I remember when I was in junior high and high school my parents bought a house, and my room had two small walk-in closets.  I was so excited, I used both of them for clothes, but the one had a little step in it that was just perfect for a little seat, and I thought I had found my place.  But as time went by I really only used that closet a few times, most the time my bedroom was where I would go to be by myself and reflect on things or to pray and read my bible.  Laying on my bed or sitting on the floor.  That room became my special place, I realized you don't have to have a closet, you just have to be willing to spend time with and get to know and love the heavenly Father.  The location really doesn't matter, what matters is that you make spending time with God a priority in your life.

God is our shelter, but we have to run to Him!

Those Who Trust The Lord - Chapter 6

Those Who Trust The Lord Shall Not Be Disappointed

Chapter 6 - Jack's Turn

Some of the stories this family shares are so unbelievable...but with God all things are possible and even though we may not see a way for things to work, God is greater, stronger, and bigger than any situation.  I've heard the saying "God owns the cattle on a thousand hills" all of my life, but in truth there have been very few times when I have stepped out in faith expecting Him to supply my need when there was no other way.  I think most of us have trouble just saying okay God you said to do it, so I'm gonna do it, no matter what it looks like from my perspective.  My hearts desire is to get to a place of trust and faith, where when God speaks I don't hesitate or delay, but I step out in faith, knowing that My God will not let me be disappointed...I want that kind of faith!

Those Who Trust The Lord - Chapter 5

Those Who Trust The Lord Shall Not Be Disappointed

Chapter 5: Don't Negate The Promise

I love reading of this families struggles and trials and seeing how God provided every need in His own time and always it was more than they could have ever hoped for, based on the circumstances they faced.  So many times as we go through life we see the situation or obstacle and we allow the circumstances we see to keep us from believing for the good thing God has planned for us.  Like the story of Tim missing out on the provision God had for him, we too can miss out on provisions from God when we let doubt and disbelief come in, instead of faith and believing. 

In life there are times when we just don't know what or how God could fix the situation, but we need to remember that God is not limited, He can do the impossible...we must believe, have faith and wait for His timing, for His timing is perfect, and His ways are best!

Those Who Trust The Lord - Chapter 4

Those Who Trust The Lord Shall Not Be Disappointed

Chapter 4 - One Step At A Time

One of the hardest things to do is to trust that everything is going to work out for good, when all you can see is the bad.  God has a plan for each of us and though we may not always see it or understand it, if we trust Him, He will work it out for good and we will not be disappointed.  I enjoy watching God work in the lives of others, as it is much easier to see the good coming when you are not in the middle of the bad yourself.  However, when I am the one walking through the bad times, it is a lot harder to see how good could come about, and I think God makes it that way on purpose.  If we were always able to figure out what He was doing and could see a clear path from the bad to the good, we would not need to trust Him, we would probably take it into our own hands and mess it up even more.  God is a good God and He wants good things for us, but He is not willing to do the work and let someone else take the glory for it...so He makes it very apparent that without His hand at work in a situation, it would not have worked out for good at all. I am so thankful that we have a loving God, who desires to see us succeed and who wants to bless us.  My prayer is that each of us will take whatever situation we are dealing with - whether good or bad, whether it looks like it is only getting worse or is starting to get better - and hand it over to God and let Him make it work out for the good of everyone involved. 

Those Who Trust The Lord - Chapter 3

Those Who Trust The Lord Shall Not Be Disappointed

Chapter 3 - Where You Lead Me I Will Follow

This amazing testimony of God's provision and guidance is one of those stories that make you stop and marvel.  I know that it is our human nature to try to figure out a way to deny it as supernatural, we say "oh, that is just a coincidence." Or "Well, they just got lucky!".  But I truly believe that God loves us, and if we are obedient to the things He ask of us, that He will bless us.  Many times we miss out on God's blessing because we are too busy doing our own thing, to stop and listen to what He is asking or telling us.  

One of the stories that really spoke to me, was the story of Jack working on the plumbing under the kitchen sink, when he felt like God was telling him to stop what he was doing and go buy and attach a water hose to the hot water heater, for emergency use, just in case there were ever a fire.  It would have been so easy to say, "oh, that's a great idea, but I'm a little busy at the moment, I think I'll take care of that as soon as I'm done here." But Jack didn't do that, he stopped what he was doing and did as God told him to do.  Because of his obedience, when a brush fire went out of control and headed directly for the house, just minutes later, Jack was prepared to fight the fire and protect his family and their new home.  

God wants to provide for us, He wants to protect us, and bless us, but when we are not willing to listen to and obey God's leading, we miss out on much of what God is wanting to do in our lives.  John chapter 5 tells us the story of the crippled man sitting by the pool of Bethesda, when the Spirit of God caused the water to stir, the first person to touch the water would be healed of their disease.  Jesus saw this man sitting by the pool, and asked him why he did not get in the water.  The man replied that in all the years he had been sitting there trying to get in whenever the water was stirred, he could not find anyone who would help him into the water, and by the time he got there it was too late.  So Jesus tells the man to pick up his bed and walk. And the man immediately took up his bed and was healed.  I don't know about you, but I am sure there were many thoughts that went through this man's mind.  "Sure, take up my bed and walk, like it is really that easy!?!?"  Or "What? You want me to what?"  It would have been very easy for this man to listen to the thoughts full of doubt and disbelief, but He chose to have faith, to believe and to be obedient...his life was changed in an instant because he listened, believed and obeyed the words of Jesus. 
 

Those Who Trust The Lord - Chapter 2

Those Who Trust The Lord Shall Not Be Disappointed 

Chapter 2 - The Miracles Begin

I don't know about you, but reading this chapter is a huge faith builder for me.  To step out in faith and be obedient to God's leading when everything around you is telling you it is pointless and hopeless...to trust God despite the fact that there seems to be no way it could possibly work out for good...I want to have that kind of faith.  

My husband and I have hopes and dreams and there are circumstances that make it look as if it will take years to achieve them and even then it depends on the economy and other things which we have no control over...so it is easy to get discouraged in our planning and efforts, but this story has made me stop and realize that with God it is possible, and it can workout even better than we hope for, if we just trust Him.  

So today I sat down and wrote out a contract of trust to God...saying that no matter the circumstance no matter the issues we face, we will choose to trust God to be our source and supply. We will trust that in His timing all things will fall into place. So the beautiful picture, which looks like a thousand puzzle pieces piled in a huge heaping mess at the moment, will come together to bring glory to God. Because we will all know that without His hand at work in our lives, it would have never turned out so well.  

I imagine our lives without God's guidance and provisions would look something like a children's puzzle.  After years of being played with tossed on the floor, chewed on by little mouths, being stuck in the couch for months, etc.  Each piece is tattered, torn or worse; missing!  You may be able to get the pieces you have to fit together, but there are spots where just the cardboard show through from teeth marks, and the corners are bent and tattered,  there are a few pieces missing, you get an idea of what the picture could or should have been, but it is not the beautiful masterpiece it once could have been.  

No matter how hard we work to keep everything just so, in perfect condition, not loosing any of our pieces; it doesn't matter...there is nothing we can do on our own to make it turn out right.  We have to have the help of a Savior, Jesus Christ.  He is the only one who can take our lives and patch up the holes and tattered pieces to make it a glorious reflection of Himself. 

Those Who Trust The Lord - Chapter 1

Those Who Trust The Lord Shall Not Be Disappointed 

Chapter 1 - One Significant Morning

Trust Is The Key!

I Don't know about you, but I can tell you that in my life there have been times of fear and doubt and disappointment...But I can also tell you that the times when I truly put the situation in God's hands and trusted Him to take care of everything I was not disappointed.  For about 5 years God worked on me to trust Him with everything not just the easy things...I look forward to seeing all of the great things God does in my life and in yours as we start to practice trusting Him no matter the situation.

So far in the book there have been a few key things that I want to highlight...these truths and quick reminders will help all of us to remember to choose trust over doubt and disappointment.

All of the following are taken from the 1st chapter

• "Trust is a decision, not a feeling!"
• "Trust is the state of being that keeps us from stumbling," and "choosing not to be disappointed is what keeps us anchored in trust."
• "Trust and disappointment are opposites, just as faith and fear are opposites, they cannot both operate at the same time."

Here is a quick quote of a prayer that may help us get our focus trained on trust and away from doubt and disappointment:

 "I don't Care what the situation looks like.  I don't care what my reasoning ability is dictating to me - I am just not going to go there! And I also don't care if it looks as though You didn't come through. I don't care what the world says. I don't care what negative reports come down the pike.  I don't care what my emotions are dictating; I have made up my mind that from this day forth I am going to steadfastly trust what You have said.  I will be obedient to do what You tell me to do; I will make Your Word my final authority; and then I will rest in You.

And, when feelings of disappointment try to crowd in I will make that my warning signal, and I will stop and renew my choice to trust in you.  Then Lord, the rest is up to You."

I am so excited that you have decided to read this great book with me...I'd Love to hear how God is working in your life, email me at: inspiringbranches@gmail.com or leave your comments in the comment section below.

Blessings,
Kayla

How Great is Our God - Louie Giglio

Indescribable - Louie Giglio

Dwelling Places - Terry MacAlmond

Here is a song that is just so powerful!

7 Days A Week

 7 Days A Week!

Do you have a daily relationship with God? Or is it just a Sunday relationship?  Reading in Jeremiah 7, I noticed something...call me crazy but when reading all of the disobedient things the Israelites did, I assumed that they had stopped going into God's house on a regular basis as well.  But they didn't!  In Jeremiah 7, God is giving Jeremiah instructions on what to tell the people, and God address the fact that they sin all week long, even on the Sabbath and then they come and stand before Him as if everything is just honky-dory!  Well, God was not pleased with this behavior from the Israelites, and He is not pleased with it when we do it today, either.  As I was reading it hit me that many of the "Christians" today do this same thing.  They go out and live like there is no God during the week, and then come to church on Sunday, put a smile on their face and hope that not only will they fool the rest of the people at church, but they also hope to fool God.  But God is not one to be fooled...He knows the truth of what we do with our week, going to church on Sunday does not save us...just as it did not save the Israelites...God wants a personal relationship with us. He want to be a part of our everyday lives, not just Sunday.  Going to church on Sunday is an important part of worshiping God, but going on Sunday and putting on a false worship experience is not what God ask for...He ask for our hearts, our lives, He wants us to live everyday, walking with Him, reading His Word, serving Him and bringing glory to Him in our everyday lives...God wants 7 day a week, not just Sunday!