Friday, September 24, 2010

Run to the Most High God

“Those who go to God Most High for safety will be protected by the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘You are my place of safety and protection.’ You are my God and I trust you.”


Psalm 91:1-2


How many times have we been rescued by God? We cry HELP when we are in trouble or don’t know where to turn. He is faithful to cover us, and protect us from ourselves. I personally can’t imagine how to live without his sheltering arm.


But I’m not sure God’s children fully comprehend the magnitude of that protection. The arm of our Creator is broader and longer than our minds can fathom. The fact that He would outstretch it just for me is an expression of his loving character. All I need to do is to go to Him, trusting He will do as He says.


It’s not that God needs to acknowledge us, He does that in ways we don’t even realize. But when do we acknowledge Him? Only when we need help? Only when danger lurks? He is ready to gather us in every minute of every day. He watches and faithfully guides all who look to Him.


As a child, I knew my parents would be there if ever I needed them. When I was in danger, I would run to them. Our Heavenly Father waits like a caring, protective parent. But his power to protect is mighty. Our praise and thanksgiving should rise up accordingly, for his shelter is undeserved.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Hope of Heaven

"In my Father's House are many mansions." John 14:2

I read in a devotional today that "If you have a well grounded hope of Heaven you are never really unhappy."

I had to think about that for a minute. I have always believed in my home in Heaven - since I accepted Christ as Savior. But there have been many days when I have been truly unhappy. I know of many other Christians that live with fleeting happiness, struggling to hang on to joy. So how do we fit in to that statement?

The key is the "well grounded" part. Hope of Heaven is to be rooted deep in us. We must think of ourselves as eternal beings. I know in my spirit that this earth is not my home and that God has prepared a place for me. I often joke about hoping there will be pristine golf courses to play on!

I only have to bring that hope to mind and my mood lifts. But I also know that if I had not that hope, I would be experiencing a certain kind of unhappiness that I never want to know. I need to thank God every day for my future home. That's what will keep my hope well grounded.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Be Still? Right.

When was the last time you invited God's Holy Spirit to guide your day? Too often, I forget to do it. But this morning, as I tried to start my day, I lifted my voice to heaven and asked what I was supposed to do. My project list is getting longer by the day and my ability to concentrate has been compromised lately.

Then here is the devotional verse today from an old devotional book I use. Psalm 46:10:
"Be still and know that I am God."

"But I don't want to be still, God," I protested. "I have so much writing and other things to do."

Then I read more: "How often have we thought and said 'I have so much to do, I do not know how I will ever get it all done!' But then have we analyzed what we have to do and why we have to do it?"

Ok. I got the message. It was time to be still, rest, and let God take care of my list of projects. My body is tired and my mind was feeling the effects of it. But I was obedient and didn't push the day.

It's a good thing God can make up for lost time.