Protective Leadership

Protective Leadership

Exodus 14: ¹⁹ And the Angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behind them. ²⁰ So it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel. Thus it was a cloud and darkness to the one, and it gave light by night to the other, so that the one did not come near the other all that night.

 

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Stuck at the Red Sea with no way out, the children of Israel cried out to the LORD for help. The Angel of the LORD moved from leading them to protecting them from the Egyptians.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS was leading the children of Israel and moved behind them to protect them.
• The cloud that contained the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT, also moved behind them.
• The Egyptians remembered the eerie darkness they experienced during the plagues and refused to sneak through to the children of Israel’s camp.

 

GOD could have easily wiped out the Egyptians in Egypt before they left. BUT HE had another plan. HE was addressing a mindset withing the Egyptians and the children of Israel. The mindset that appalled GOD was that of a human being considered to be a god. HE led the children of Israel to a place where HIS power could be shown.

 

HE had to protect the children of Israel as HE prepared to rescue them in a very memorable way that would be spoken about for centuries. GOD allows you and me to have free will. Unfortunately, free will can be taken too far. GOD had to address the mindset that humans can abuse other humans for their own gain. GOD protected the children of Israel as part of HIS leadership.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS protection?
• Has GOD stood between you and danger before?
• How can you mimic the LORD’s leadership by protecting those HE has given you?

Here We Go Again

Here We Go Again

Genesis 35:1 Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there; and make an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your brother.”

 

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Simeon and Levi, Jacob’s sons, had just caused a mess. They killed all the men of Shechem and took their wives, children and possessions. Jacob feared for everyone’s life in his camp. With no plan, GOD appeared to him.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob was in a situation where he had to run for his life again.
• Jacob caused the mess he had between him and Esau, and found himself in the same situation caused by his sons.
• GOD had to tell Jacob to go back to the same place where he fled from Esau.

 

Fleeing, probably was not Jacob’s plan. He was told by GOD to return to Isaac’s and Rebekah’s land and may have thought he would settle there. Now he feared that his sons had upset very powerful groups from all over.

 

Bethel, also called Luz, was the place where GOD showed Jacob the supernatural ladder. Angels descended and ascended the ladder and Jacob promised he would offer the LORD ten percent of all he had. GOD sent Jacob back to this place and commanded him to build the altar he promised.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about HIS command to Jacob to leave and build an altar?
• Are you in a situation that seems very messed up?
• Do you have faith in GOD to handle all your difficult situations, even the one you are in right now?

Protected Anyway

Protected Anyway

Genesis 26: ⁶ So Isaac dwelt in Gerar. ⁷ And the men of the place asked about his wife. And he said, “She is my sister”; for he was afraid to say, “She is my wife,” because he thought, “lest the men of the place kill me for Rebekah, because she is beautiful to behold.” ⁸ Now it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked through a window, and saw, and there was Isaac, ^[a]showing endearment to Rebekah his wife. ⁹ Then Abimelech called Isaac and said, “Quite obviously she is your wife; so how could you say, ‘She is my sister’?”

 

Isaac said to him, “Because I said, ‘Lest I die on account of her.’ ”

 

¹⁰ And Abimelech said, “What is this you have done to us? One of the people might soon have lain with your wife, and you would have brought guilt on us.” ¹¹ So Abimelech charged all his people, saying, “He who touches this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.”

 

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Abimelech was older. He had the same conversation with Abraham about men lurking around his wife. Now Isaac was having the same problem. The men or Gerar wanted to take Rebekah. Traditionally they would kill the husband but leave the brother alive. I

 

My Observations:

• Isaac lied about Rebekah being his sister because he was afraid.
• Abimelech saw Isaac showing affection to Rebekah that was not like a brother.
• Abimelech saw through the lie and protected Rebekah despite the deception.

 

Isaac was put in a difficult spot. He wanted to find a solution to the famine so he went to the king. He was told not to go to Egypt, but Gerar was just as bad. He lied about his relationship to Rebekah, probably to keep her and him alive. Whatever the case, it was a lie.

 

Abimelech knew Isaac was related to Abraham. He may have remembered what happened when Sarah showed up. All the women became barren. He did not want something like that to happen again. He ordered every man to stay away from Rebekah. They were protected anyway.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD explain this lie to Moses?
• Have you ever lied out of fear or insecurity?
• Can you begin your day with praising GOD for forgiving you of all your sins?

Entrance to Protection

Entrance to Protection

Genesis 7: ¹³ On the very same day Noah and Noah’s sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and Noah’s wife and the three wives of his sons with them, entered the ark— ¹⁴ they and every beast after its kind, all cattle after their kind, every creeping thing that creeps on the earth after its kind, and every bird after its kind, every bird of every sort. ¹⁵ And they went into the ark to Noah, two by two, of all flesh in which is the breath of life. ¹⁶ So those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him; and the Lord shut him in.

 

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It was time for Noah to realize the promise GOD made to him. He, his family and every living thing that would be saved, entered the ark as GOD commanded. Again, I believe it was JESUS who walked with Noah and it was HIM who shut the entrance to the ark. Noah probably designed a lock to keep the entrance closed. No one from the outside could open it.

 

My Observations:

• GOD told Noah to build the ark to protect him and preserve life on earth.
• GOD watched over Noah and his family during the building of the ark and after they entered it.
• GOD made sure the entrance was water tight when HE shut the door.

 

People saw animals gathering and walking into the ark, yet they still would not believe that anything was going to happen. For decades, Noah tried to convince people about something that had never happened before, namely rain. “How bad could it be?” they may have said. So when Noah and the animals entered the ark, the people may have thought that he had done what Cain sought out to do by building the Garden of Eden.

 

But the ark lacked function to grow things well. It only had one window and would be full of animals and insects. Very smart people, who built cities, were not impressed. There was no doorknob to come and go. “What a foolish design for a garden” they may have scoffed. They were looking for heaven on earth. Meanwhile, GOD shut Noah in to protect him.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about shutting Noah in the ark?
• Have you ever thought that GOD has left you?
• Do you believe that GOD will never leave you nor forsake you because HIS plan for you is special?

 

Protected All Along

Protected All Along

Revelation 21: ¹² It had a great, high wall with twelve gates and with twelve angels in charge of the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of the people of Israel. ¹³ There were three gates on each side: three on the east, three on the south, three on the north, and three on the west. 

 

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When the tornado sirens went off, I was still outside trying to finish a home improvement project. I had worked all week on this project, and I was at the last part when the darkness came rolling in. This memorable sight of the dark olive green clouds was followed by strong wind sounds, like a fast train passing by.

 

• A tornado touched down two blocks from our house.
• I was no match for the storm, nor was the house.
• Our house was not touched by the devastating winds.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, continued describing what he was shown from a high mountain. He saw a wall around a marvelous, new, clean city. The wall had, what was probably, monumental gates on all sides. Imperfect human names were written on the gates.

 

My Observations:

• GOD may have put the gates on the new city to show how HE was protecting us in this life.
• GOD is very methodical in providing you and me with assurance.
• One angel chained up Satan and GOD put twelve in charge of gates to protect you and me.

 

GOD’s protection is there when we cannot see it. I mean, HE protects us from dangers we cannot see each and every day! We take life for granted and pout when we are not getting our way. BUT GOD is fighting battles we are not aware of.

 

HE sees what we are going through and wants to not only provide, but protect. HIS wall of protection is impenetrable. The gates only let in those who belong and keeps out any harm. I am glad GOD protects you and me, even from ourselves!

 

Challenge

• Why is the writer so descriptive of the gates and their placement directions?
• Have you ever thought about how many times GOD has brought you through trials of life?
• Will you take a moment to remember the difficult times GOD has brought you through instead of looking at your current circumstance today?

Protected

Protected

Ephesians 6: ¹⁶ At all times carry faith as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the Evil One. ¹⁷ And accept salvation as a helmet, and the word of God as the sword which the Spirit gives you. 

 

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“Why is this happening?” has been the question I raised up to GOD many times. During several points in my life, it seemed like wave after wave after wave of calamity was happening. Peace could not be found.

 

• I was down.
• I felt like things were hopeless.
• I did not see any relief any time soon.

 

“Carry faith” was Paul’s analogy in the armor of GOD. He warns that the Evil One will try to attack everyone and a way to thwart the attack is through faith. He also gives us protection of the mind by belief in JESUS for salvation. He lastly provides the only weapon used in the armor of GOD, namely GOD’s word.

 

My Observations

• Despair, doubt and disappointments can be fought against with faith in the LORD.
• Fear, insecurity and uncertainty can be erased from my mind with salvation in JESUS.
• Lies, twisted words and manipulation can be destroyed with the Word of GOD.

 

Protection against the Evil One is highly important to GOD. HE knows we are simply sheep amongst wolves, so HE gives us a way to protect ourselves against a foe that seems relentless. Our fight is not against humans, rather against “wicked spiritual forces” according to the scripture.

 

Salvation keeps our minds clear and focused on the LORD. The world will keep coming up with things that can pollute our mind to turn away from GOD. Since our sin nature wants what it wants, GOD provided HIS word to guide our desires back in alignment with HIM. I am glad GOD gave me the whole armor to protect me daily.

 

Challenge

• When does the writer feel you should use faith as protection?
• Have you ever felt helpless, worried or overwhelmed?
• Will you seek GOD’s protection through faith in HIS power, belief in HIS SON and understanding of HIS word today?

Detoured

 

Detoured

Acts 28: ¹¹ After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered in the island—it was an Alexandrian ship with the figurehead of the twin gods Castor and Pollux. ¹² We put in at Syracuse and stayed there three days. ¹³ From there we set sail and arrived at Rhegium. The next day the south wind came up, and on the following day we reached Puteoli. ¹⁴ There we found some brothers and sisters who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome. ¹⁵ The brothers and sisters there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged. ¹⁶ When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.

 

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Traffic was thick and I wanted to get home. I couldn’t take the stop and go moments any longer. I exited the jammed up road to take my chances on the side streets. I decided to forego making dinner so I stopped to pick up something to eat for the family. There was a homeless person outside of the restaurant. I gave to him.

 

• There have been times when I had a destination in mind, but was detoured.
• There have been times when I had a plan in mind but the plan did not go as expected.
• There have been times when I had a solid expectation in mind, but got a different opportunity.

 

Paul was led to go to Jerusalem to speak about JESUS. He knew he would face opposition from the church leaders, yet he went anyway. After being mobbed, thrown in jail, shipwrecked and detoured to strange places, Paul finally arrives in Rome. Along the way Paul told people about JESUS and showed HIS power.

 

• GOD wants me to accept HIS detours in life.
• GOD wants me to understand that my expectations may be holding me back from see how amazing HE is.
• GOD wants me to be excited about a new fruitful road of life rather than being stuck on the fruitless road of trying to control my fears.

 

Expect detours when serving GOD is what I have learned. I mean, nothing will go as expected in life. When one thing calms down another trial pops up. GOD wants me to see that I can have peace in the middle of life’s journey. HE leads me to places I would not expect and protects me along the way. I am grateful for HIS detours.

 

• Do you have a destination in life that seems to have taken a detour?
• Are there new people in your life that need to hear about GOD?
• Will you accept GOD’s detour by dropping your expectation and allow HIM to guide you to a better place than you anticipated?

Influential

 

Influential

Acts 26: ³⁰ The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. ³¹ After they left the room, they began saying to one another, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.”

 

³² Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

 

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Wanting to be more like this leader, I met his family. The wife was very poised and graceful and the kids were too. “How in the world did they get that way?” I asked myself. They were very influential.

 

• I have met some very influential people.
• I have met some people I wanted to be like.
• I have met some people who seemed to be connected to everyone in an influential way.

 

King Agrippa heard Paul’s final defense. He, the governor and Bernice discussed the situation and could not find anything wrong with what Paul was doing. Bernice is mentioned a lot. Her prominence must have come from her influential style. Paul appealed to Caesar, avoiding the influences of those trying to kill him.

 

• GOD wants me to be influential for HIM.
• GOD wants me to be persuasive for HIM.
• GOD wants me to be a life changer for HIM.

 

Influencing people happens whether I like it or not. I mean, I will influence people with what is in my heart. If my heart is greedy, I will always speak about money. If I lust for power, I will somehow work respect or taking over into the conversation. BUT GOD wants something different.

 

GOD wants me to have HIS love in my heart so I can persuade people to follow HIS SON. People make mistakes. I make a lot of them. HE wants me to overlook the mistakes and present the true solution. JESUS. I am grateful for the influencers HE sent to me.

 

• What are you trying to persuade people to do?
• Who has influenced you to be where you are?
• Will you stop following human influences and allow JESUS to guide you through the HOLY SPIRIT today?

Escorted

Escorted

Acts 17: ¹³ But when the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God at Berea, some of them went there too, agitating the crowds and stirring them up. ¹⁴ The believers immediately sent Paul to the coast, but Silas and Timothy stayed at Berea. ¹⁵ Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then left with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible.

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“Put your stuff in boxes” they told me in a cold tone. “Oh, and here is a reward you won for being a great team member. We will be your escort out of the building. You will give me your access badge at the entrance.” I was being escorted out of the building after a job elimination.

• I have been escorted out during tense situations.
• I have been escorted out when I did not need protection.
• I have been escorted out without being able to send a message back to those who encouraged me.

Paul was escorted out of the city because the Jews from another city had arrived and stirred up trouble for him. Paul was speaking about JESUS and many began to believe. The believers had to escort Paul out of the city so he would not be harmed. They took a message of good will back to Silas and Timothy.

• GOD wants me to protect those who are being harmed.
• GOD wants me to bring messages of encouragement to others.
• GOD wants me to calm the crowd by speaking peace about JESUS.

Being an escort can mean something bad or good. GOD wants me to be a protector and an encourager. When I walk by someone’s side, HE wants me to watch over that person and be ready to keep them from harms way. I am glad GOD sends HIS protection for me.

• Are you being harassed?
• Are people trying to harm you because of your relationship with GOD?
• Will you ask GOD to provide a reliable escort out of the harmful situation today?

Protected

Protected

Acts 9: ²³ Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. ²⁴ But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. ²⁵ Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.

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After the thief snatched my bank book, somehow I snatched it back and ran. “He’s running into a door” one of them shouted. When I got inside of the train-line office, I did not summon for help, I stayed by the door for a long while, until an adult walked though. “Is anyone out there?” I asked. “No” replied the adult. I felt safe to continue my route home.

• Many times I have been in danger.
• Many times I have been scared for my life.
• Many times I have been in situations where I needed help.

Saul was now labeled as a troublemaker because he preached about JESUS. The church leaders and some of their misguided followers were not going to lose their power to someone preaching about JESUS. They plotted against Saul. BUT GOD protected him.

• GOD wants me to know HE will protect me.
• GOD wants me to be prepared to look out for those who try to harm me.
• GOD wants me to understand that there are people who do not love HIM who may try to persecute me.

The world is cursed by GOD. HE threw the first humans out of the garden and placed an irrevocable curse on the world that enabled Satan to run loose, trying to harm those who believe in JESUS. BUT GOD did something amazing.

HE put my name and those who believe in HIM, in HIS hand before the world was ever made. HE sealed my eternal life with HIS death and rose from the grave to ensure I will be with HIM always. GOD protects me and I trust HIM even when harm falls on me.

• Is someone harming you?
• Do you need protection?
• Will you allow GOD to protect you through the situation and trust HE has a plan, even for the difficulty you are facing?

Protection

Protection

John 10: ⁷ Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. ⁸ All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. ⁹ I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. ¹⁰ The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

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Wanting to be the top in my industry fed my drive. Long hours and missing family events became the norm as I pursued, what I thought was, abundance. “I’m doing this for the family” I rationalized as the pressure from being on top continued to wear on me. It was three A.M. and I was awake, thinking about work.

• My previous pursuits made me worry.
• My previous pursuits made me lose sleep.
• My previous pursuits made me leave friends and family only to feel pressure to deliver.

JESUS continues to reveal who HE is in this passage. HE explains why HE came, but first, HE explains something important. JESUS talked about thieves and robbers who come to steal, kill and destroy. HE was speaking to the church leaders and those who oppress and exploit people.

• JESUS wants to protect me from my desires that may get in the way of my relationship with HIM.
• JESUS wants to protect me from things that rob me of HIS love.
• JESUS wants to protect me from worries, fears and doubts so I can have abundant life.

“I AM the door” is a strong statement that JESUS gave us. HE tells me that “No one can get you away from ME if you believe in ME.” HE says this to give me “abundant life.” A life where I can find peace and rest in HIM. But the worries of life rob me of this abundance and sometimes kills my relationships because of my pursuits.

GOD sees my futile attempts to hold onto my life and whispers “let go.” “Let ME have your life and I will give you abundance you have never known.” When I let go, GOD always comes through with abundance. I love HIS peace.

• Are you full of complaints and discontent over life?
• Do you feel you have little?
• Will you ask GOD to open your eyes to the abundance of life HE has given you?
• Will you change your thinking about what “true” abundance is and allow HIM to use you to bring an “abundant” amount of people to HIM through you today?

Permitted Protection

Luke 8: ³⁰ Jesus asked him, saying, “What is your name?”

And he said, “Legion,” because many demons had entered him. ³¹ And they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the abyss.

³² Now a herd of many swine was feeding there on the mountain. So they begged Him that He would permit them to enter them. And He permitted them. ³³ Then the demons went out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the lake and drowned.

³⁴ When those who fed them saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country. ³⁵ Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. ³⁶ They also who had seen it told them by what means he who had been demon-possessed was healed. ³⁷ Then the whole multitude of the surrounding region of the Gadarenes asked Him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. And He got into the boat and returned.

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“He’s alright” nodded the person as I tried to get into a restricted place. I had not been amongst the lavish before so I never noticed the plain clothed guards at discreet entrances. Once inside, I could see why the rich and powerful craved these kind of places because I felt secure.

• There were times when I needed permission to pass through “security.”
• There were times when I was allowed into a secure place.
• There were times when I was the one who was guarded and protected.

JESUS permitted the demons to leave the possessed man and enter a herd of swine. HE could have said “No”, but instead allowed them to wreak havoc on the herd. HE protected the healed man from any more harm and danger. JESUS also allowed the townspeople to ask HIM to go away. HE heeded their request.

• GOD wants me to ask permission for any request.
• GOD wants me to realize HE has the power over any force.
• GOD wants me to know HE has the power to protect me and make me feel secure.

Humans can only temporarily protect me with their limited power. BUT GOD can protect me from every force that tries to come up against me. With HIS permission, I am allowed into HIS family. HE wraps HIS loving arms around me and places me in HIS hand for which no one can pluck me out.

• Are you facing something very large that seems impossible to get out of?
• Are you afraid of an outcome that is out of your control?
• Can you ask GOD for HIS permission to protect you and cleanse you today?

Thoroughly Protected

Ezekiel 35: ¹² Then you will know that I the Lord have heard all the contemptible things you have said against the mountains of Israel. You said, “They have been laid waste and have been given over to us to devour.” ¹³ You boasted against me and spoke against me without restraint, and I heard it. ¹⁴ This is what the Sovereign Lord says: While the whole earth rejoices, I will make you desolate.

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We split up and ran in different directions to divide the would-be robbers. When I felt the coast was clear, I went back to the grocery store looking for my friend. As I walked into the store one of the detectives summoned me over. “Is he one of them?” he asked my friend. “No, he was the one I told you about who was being chased with me. He is my friend.” I never felt more relieved because they did catch the thugs and drove us home.

• Some people thought I was down and tried to kick me.
• Some people thought I was an easy target, and I was.
• Some people thought I could be taken advantage of and they were right.

We were outnumbered five to two. They even yelled out “Shoot them!” thinking that would stop our mad dash. The odds did not seem in our favor. BUT GOD said something different.

• GOD said “I have heard all the contemptible things” meaning HE is listening to those plotting against me.
• GOD said “You boasted against ME and spoke against ME without restraint and I heard it” meaning HE listens to those who think they do not need HIM and who are against those HE protects.
• GOD said “I AM the Sovereign LORD, I will make you desolate” meaning HE is going to take down those who try to harm me.

GOD provides special protection for those who HE gives a purpose. I did not know it at the time, but HE protected me through many other similar incidents. As I look back through all the times I needed protection, I cannot help but think “Why me?” GOD says to me “Because I want you to tell people about MY SON.”

GOD’s protection should never be wasted. HE protects me in order for me to spread the Good News about HIS SON.’’

• Are you scared?
• Are you full of fear?
• Can you let go of the situation ling enough to give it over to GOD and watch HIS deliverance?
• Will you walk in HIS strength and protection today?

Seeking Protection

Isaiah 30: “Woe to the obstinate children,”
    declares the Lord,
“to those who carry out plans that are not mine,
    forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit,
    heaping sin upon sin;
² who go down to Egypt
    without consulting me;
who look for help to Pharaoh’s protection,
    to Egypt’s shade for refuge.

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¹⁸ Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you;
    therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.
For the Lord is a God of justice.
    Blessed are all who wait for him!

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Convenience was the thing that got me. I mean the agent and doctor came to my office, drew blood for an analysis and brought insurance papers that I signed for a life insurance policy. That same group came to my house while it was being built and gave me another policy. In fact they insured my cars, jewelry and probably my next door neighbor’s dog.

• Sometimes I put my trust in money.
• Sometimes I think that because I am insured, I’m safe.
• Sometimes I place my safety in a job because I think I am not expendable.

Seeking protection of my stuff, my body and my job was something that pleased me. I mean, now that I had a lot of stuff, I had to protect it, right? Maybe. But what kind of protection should I seek?

• GOD says to me “I will be gracious to you even though you did not seek ME first.”
• GOD says to me “After I take you through trials because of your obstinate actions I will show you compassion that I have longed to do.”
• GOD says to me “Be patient and wait on ME.”

GOD wants me to consult HIM on the little things as well as the large. HE wants me to ask if I really need the largest TV in the world that I have to insure for a boatload of money. HE desires that I run my plans for jobs and other activities by HIM so HE can say “yes or no.” GOD wants me to seek HIS kingdom first and all these things will be added to me.

• Are you looking for protection?
• Do you think you can buy security?
• Will your job provide you with everlasting life?
• Can you take time today and recognize GOD who saved you?

Protected Forever

Psalm 11: ⁷ You, Lord, will keep the needy safe
    and will protect us forever from the wicked,
⁸ who freely strut about
    when what is vile is honored by the human race.

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In a state of shock I stared, waiting for the horrible ride to be over. This was my first time I had been robbed and unfortunately it wouldn’t be the last. As the bus came to a halt my friend and I stepped off the bus in a daze. I was already broke and what little I had was taken from me.

• Sometimes I ask “Where is GOD?”
• Sometimes I ask “Why didn’t YOU protect me?”
• Sometimes I ask “What did I do to deserve this LORD?”

It’s easy to think GOD is not with me when something goes wrong in my life. I mean as soon as I believed in JESUS as my savior life is supposed to be easy, right? Wrong! In fact there are times where life seems to be harder when siding with GOD. The thieves had their moment and they were rich that day while I was poor. BUT GOD wanted me to notice something different.

• GOD wants me to know HE protected me through dangerous situations and still does.
• GOD wants me to know HE sees everything that has happened to me and has protected me the entire time.
• GOD wants me to know HE has me in HIS hands and no human can pull me out.

The arrogant go about making a name for themselves, sometimes without morals or scruples. BUT GOD wants me to humble myself and side with HIM. HE knows HE is protecting a sinner, but this sinner has accepted the way GOD protects me.

• Are you nervous?
• Do you feel on your own?
• Can you seek GOD’s protection which is infallible?
• Will you seek shelter in GOD’s loving arms today?