You are my refuge

Psalm 91 - Study 6 - You are my Refuge

We read in Psalm 91:2, “I will say to the LORD, "You are my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust."” (GW)

The Psalmist says of the Lord, ‘You are my refuge’ and we will in this study try to comprehend  what it meant to him then, and what is means to us today. People find refuge in many things today. Some have taken refuge in money, others in their possessions, some in their talents, but the Psalmist declared that the Lord was his refuge.

The meaning for the word refuge is, ‘a state of being safe or sheltered from the pursuit of danger or difficulty’.  The Psalmist when surrounded by peril was confident to say that the Lord alone was His refuge and His fortress. We are at this present time, challenged with the danger of a pandemic, and that is why we too have been asked to take refuge in the confines of our homes.

What kind of refuge do we find in God?

1.      An Eternal Refuge

We read in Deuteronomy 33:27, “The eternal God is your refuge, and His everlasting arms are under you. He drives out the enemy before you; He cries out, 'Destroy them!'”(NLT)

When we take refuge in God, He becomes our eternal refuge. This is not a temporary hideout. For instance the houses we live in could be our own or rented, but they are still interim, for we may choose to move house, or sell the house for various reasons. However when God is our refuge it we have entered into a place of safety that is permanent and eternal. This revelation comes to those who have tasted God’s goodness, and have come to understand who He really is.

Though the Psalms were written about a thousand years before Jesus came, there are prophesies that were foretold that found fulfilment in Jesus. The Psalms, therefore are the anointed words of God that are relevant to us even today.

When there are some natural disasters like floods, the government steps in to create temporary shelters to protect those who reside in low lying areas. These are temporary places of safety.  So also every place of shelter on this earth is only momentary for God alone can be an eternal security for us.

What happens when God is our eternal refuge?

We read in Deuteronomy 33:28, “Israel shall dwell in safety, and alone.” (DRB)

To those who are wondering what this verse means, let me explain it this way.  This verse makes more sense to us in our present prevailing situation. During this pandemic that we are challenged with, many families are in anxiety as their parents, children or loved ones are in some other part of the country or the world, and they are unable to help them in any way. Instead of worrying, if we have made God our eternal refuge, we can rest assured that God will take care of those who are dear to us.  The word of God assures us through the testimony of the Psalmist in Psalm 37:25, “I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.” (ESV) We must trust God completely, and commit our family members into God’s hands for God has promised us from Deuteronomy 33:28 that they will surely dwell in safety though they are all alone.

We also read in Deuteronomy 33:29, “You are blessed, Israel! Who is like you, a nation saved by the LORD? He is a shield that helps you and a sword that wins your victories.” (GW)

·         A special people

Just like the people of Israel, the Lord reassures us that we are a blessed people. When the people of Israel crossed the Red Sea by God’s mighty intervention, they burst forth into songs of praise and sang to the Lord saying, ‘Who is like unto Thee?’ Here however, the word of God inspires the people of God to know and believe that there is none like unto them.  For those of us who have made this eternal God our refuge, the one without beginning or end, we too are blessed to be a special people, chosen by God, and kept safe by Him.

·         God is our shield and a sword

God is also our shield and a sword who will win victories for us. Generally a person who went to war in days gone by always carried a shield. The police department still uses these shields when they are in the midst of a riot. These shields are basically to protect them from being attacked by any weaponry that the attackers may use.  If a human shield can give such protection, how much greater is the security that God gives to us, when He goes ahead of us as a shield. Even if by chance the enemy should advance and get close, the Lord reassures us that He also the sword who will help us win our battles, to come forth victorious.

·         We are saved by the Lord

The verse also mentions that Israel is a nation that is saved by the Lord. Maybe there are those who are perplexed by all that is happening around us, and you are not even sure is they are truly saved. If we have received the assurance of salvation that Jesus offers, we will fear nothing for Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”(NKJV), will be our motto in life.

God has ordained our day of birth, and the day of death. Therefore, we have confidence that if we were to die, we will be found in His presence, for we are dwelling daily in the shadow of His wings.

How can one be saved?

For those who are still unsure and desire to be saved the word of God explains it this way.

We read in Romans 10:9, “If you declare that Jesus is Lord, and believe that God brought him back to life, you will be saved.” (GW)

Since we are being constantly bombarded with information and images of the adverse effects of this pandemic, most people are looking for ways to save themselves from this calamity.  However, the bible talks about hell, which is a place of eternal torment for those who reject the salvation that Jesus offers. The afflictions on this earth are temporary, but the agony in hell will be unending.

To receive this gift of salvation, we don’t need to do penance or undertake a pilgrimage, but all we are to do is to call on the name of the Lord Jesus, who has paid with His life for our salvation. In order to be saved, we must acknowledge with our mouth that Jesus is the Lord, Almighty and ruler of our lives, and believe that God the Father raised Jesus back to life.

2.      A refuge in times of trouble

We read in Psalm 9:9, “The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.” (Webster)

This is the experience of the Psalmist that the Lord is a refuge to the ones who are oppressed, and a refuge in times of trouble.

We are living in trying times when many people have lost their livelihood.  There are so many who are perplexed as to how they will tide through these difficult times. Many have invested in businesses with hope of good returns, which have come to a standstill or seem to be crumbling. Let us be assured that we can run to the Lord, to find refuge in Him in the midst of all our trials and hardships.

The widow who was helpless

We read in 1 Kings 17:12, “She answered, "By the living LORD your God I swear that I don't have any bread. All I have is a handful of flour in a bowl and a bit of olive oil in a jar. I came here to gather some firewood to take back home and prepare what little I have for my son and me. That will be our last meal, and then we will starve to death."” (GNB)

Here was a woman who was destitute, with no husband, a young son to feed and a severe famine in the land. All that was in her hands was a handful of flour and very little oil. The widow decided that this would be her last meal, after which she and her son would have to await death from starvation.  She was a woman who knew the Lord, had faith in Him, but she was in dire straits and had nothing to hope in. 

Some of us may have this feeling that this widow had and have a sense that we too are shut in from all sides.  Thing may be available but we may not have the needed resources to purchase them. Even in the most crushing circumstances, may we never give up, and even for a moment think that death is the only way out.  The Lord has created us, and kept each one of us here on earth for a specific purpose. We have a God who is able to tide us over all these tumultuous times that we are challenged with.

God’s word of comfort to this widow

We read in 1 Kings 17:13, “Then Elijah told her, "Don't be afraid.” (GW)

The first words of the prophet Elijah to this widow was ‘Don’t be afraid’. God seemed to know and understand her deep-seated emotions, and so He had to reassure her through His prophet that there was nothing to fear.

Peter the disciple of Jesus was always impetuous. When he saw Jesus walking on the water, he asked that he too should walk on water like Jesus did. Jesus beckoned him to come, and Peter walked steadily on water, just like Jesus as long as he had his eyes fixed on Him.  The moment Peter took his eyes off Jesus to look at the stormy sea, he began to drown, because fear replaced faith. Jesus lifted Peter up and asked him, in Matthew 14:31, “You have so little faith! Why did you doubt?” (GW)

There are so many who are gripped with fear of this pandemic. The constant barrage of information from the media has made many lose their peace of mind. We should be informed about things that are happening around us, but if we are constantly filling our minds with only this negative information, we will soon be totally agitated. We must allow the word of God to take control of our lives, and bind these fears on the basis of God’s word. We must be cautious but never forget that God is in control, and He alone can help us overcome all our fears.

This is a golden opportunity for us to read God’s word, and listen to it as much as possible.  Let us also make use of this time to share with our children from God’s word about the wonders God performed, and all the good things that He has done for us in our personal lives, for we may not get such times again.

God’s provision until the calamity passed

We read in 1 Kings 17:14, “This is what the LORD God of Israel says: Until the LORD sends rain on the land, the jar of flour will never be empty and the jug will always contain oil."” (GW)

The Lord set a time for the widow and guaranteed her that the jar of flour will not be empty, and the jug of oil will not run out until the day the Lord sent rain on the land. It was as though the Lord was saying to her, until things return to normal, you are under my care, and I will be your provider. This was not Elijah’s words to her, but the word of the Lord Himself spoken to the widow.

The Lord promises us today that there is protection in the midst of all these calamities. He also assures us the He will be our provider and will take care of all our needs.  All that we need to do is to hold on to the word of God and cling on to Him with complete trust, knowing that He will never fail us.

We will conclude by reminding ourselves from Psalm 91:2, “I will say to the LORD, "You are my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust."” (GW). Yes, let us look to the Lord only, and confess that He alone is our refuge and fortress.

May we be reminded every day from Deuteronomy 33:27, “The eternal God is my refuge, and His everlasting arms are under me. He drives out the enemy before me;” (NLT) 

 Prayer:

Our loving heavenly Father, we thank You for all that You have bestowed upon us.  We thank You for being our refuge in the times of our trouble.  We acknowledge that You are our eternal refuge and that You will provide for us even at such a time as this.  We submit to Your Lordship and give you all the praise and the glory and the honour. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.

 Br. Dixon

Transcribed by Sis. Esther Collins

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Call unto the Lord

Psalm 91 - Study 5 - Call unto the Lord

We read in Psalm 91:21, I will say to the LORD, "You are my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust." (GW)

As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, if we were to take a moment to analyze our prayers, we would be surprised to know that most of them are self-centered. Our prayers pertain to ourselves, our families, our work, our health and our future. However, the things that David sought after from God are in total contrast to what predominantly occupies our thoughts and prayers.

This Sunday is one-of-a-kind in the history of our country, and of the world as well. A Sunday when people of God had no way to gather together to worship the Lord as we usually do. There is something that we as a church have failed to do, which is probably the reason for the calamity that we are facing right now. If we give heed to the word of the Lord, repent and get back to Him, the Lord will look down with compassion and bring back blessing to our nation and to the world.

·         The people of Israel forgot the Lord

We read in 1 Samuel 12:9-10, But they forgot the LORD their God. So he handed them over to Sisera, who was the commander of the army of Hazor, to the Philistines, and to the king of Moab. All of them fought against your ancestors. Then they cried out to the LORD and said, 'We have sinned. We have abandoned the LORD and served other gods and goddesses-the Baals and the Astartes. But rescue us from our enemies now, and we will serve you.' (GW)

In the above mentioned verse the people of Israel had forgotten all about God.  God punished them and handed them over to be devastated by their adversaries. It was only when they were surrounded by enemies on all sides, and were challenged with utter destruction did they remember to call on the Lord.

Since we live in Ooty which is a hill station, many of us may have had this experience which I am sharing.  We may suddenly receive a call from a relative or acquaintance whom has not been in touch with us for many years. While we are glad that they have re-connected with us, somewhere towards the end of the conversation, they may inform us that they are planning to visit Ooty sometime soon. They remembered us only because they were in need of a favor from us. So also many of us have no place in our lives for God, don’t care to remember Him, but run to Him only to have our needs met.

We live in a strange time when our possessions, position, or our influence can do nothing to save us from this calamity that we are challenged with.  Only the Lord in His grace can save us from these disastrous situations that we are faced with right now.

The church of God has regressed in their understanding of who we really are.  We have started to use this as an organization to have our babies christened, our children married, and our funerals taken care of. May we be reminded that the purpose of the church is to worship the Lord, and to be that community who will lift our voices in prayer for our needs, and those of the entire world.

The second coming of the Lord is at hand, it will be sudden, and if we are not prepared to receive Him we will be left behind.  Jesus explained this in detail when He said that there will be two in a field, and one will be taken and the other left back.  So also two women will be grinding at the mill, one will be taken and the other left behind.  We must all be ready for the second coming of the Lord Jesus.

Isn’t it strange that we are very prompt to keep reminders for all the bills that have to be paid, but have no time to remember God?

We read in Jeremiah 2:32, A young woman can't forget her jewelry or a bride her veils. Yet, my people have forgotten me for countless days. (GW)

We as a church have become content with all that is outward and superficial.  We have forgotten the Lord for innumerable days. However, if we repent and turn to the Lord, He will surely look down on us with mercy.

We read in Zechariah 1:3, Tell the people, 'This is what the LORD of Armies says: Return to me, declares the LORD of Armies, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Armies.' (GW)

The call of the Lord of the Armies is that His people should return to Him. When we do so the Lord promises us that He will indeed return back to us. This world, and the things of this world are temporary and transitory.  Only those things that we do to invest for the kingdom of God are going to have eternal value.

·         The people of Israel repent and turn back to God

We read in 1 Samuel 12:10, Then they cried out to the LORD and said, 'We have sinned. We have abandoned the LORD and served other gods and goddesses-the Baals and the Astartes. But rescue us from our enemies now, and we will serve you.' (GW)

The people of Israel confessed two major sins to the Lord. Firstly, that they had abandoned the Lord and secondly that they had served others gods and goddesses. Nonetheless, the Israelites recognized their faults, repented of their sins, and turned back to serve the living God.

There are many like the Israelites who are serving their ego, their families, their jobs and their finances.  Woefully, none of these thing will save them in the day of disaster.  The call of God is therefore that we too return to the Lord in repentance, so that He can save us and deliver us from these disasters that surround us.

We read in Jeremiah 2:13“For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the spring of living waters, and cut them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. (WEB)

The Lord too declared the same in the above mentioned verse. They have forsaken the Lord who is the true spring of living water, and cut out for themselves broken cisterns (sought after other gods) which can hold no water.

These gods no matter what they are can never save us from any of these calamities that befall us. These broken cisterns will never satisfy, because they can never be filled up as they are cracked. These broken cisterns that God talks about is our dependence on all the worldly pursuits and material things that are certainly bound to let us down one day.

We have a great example in Job who was faced with untold misery, he lost his entire family and wealth all at once. In the midst of such grief and chaos, Job could say, in Job 1:21,The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” (ESV) This was because Job understood who God was, and perceived everything from God’s divine perspective.

Another great example is Abraham. He received his beloved son Isaac, the son of promise when he was hundred years old. When God asked him to sacrifice his son, he immediately obeyed with no questions whatsoever. He knew who God was, and trusted Him completely.

Many of us are distraught because we have not understood who our God really is. We grumble, are disheartened and miss out on the peace that God desires to give to us. It is a peace that passes all human understanding. Let us believe that God can sustain us no matter what difficulties or hardships surround us.

Come to the spring of living water to get your thirst quenched

We read in John 4:10, Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” (ESV)

The above mentioned verse is from Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman whom he met near the well in Samaria. Jesus had to assure her that is she came to Him, the fountain of living water, He would satisfy her every real thirst. She received the gift of God and had her thirst quenched that day when she met Jesus.

Let us for a while take our eyes of all the pestilence that surrounds us, and look to Jesus. We will look to the Lord and say, as the Psalmist said in Psalm 121:1-2, I will lift up my eyes to the hills,
from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. (NKJV)

We will conclude with the words of David in Psalm 91:2, I will say to the LORD, "You are my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust." (GW)

Prayer:

Our gracious and loving God, we call unto You and acknowledge that without You we are lost.  We truly have missed honoring You with our time and energy.  We have been so selfish pursuing our own goals but ultimately we have messed up everything.  Father, at this time we confess our sins and ask for Your intervention at this hour of need.  Help us to come to you, the source of living water.  In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen

Br. Dixon
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Transcribed by Sis. Esther Collins

Shadow of the Almighty

Psalm 91 - Study 4 - Shadow of the Almighty

We read in Psalm 91:1, He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. (WEB)

As we continue this study on Psalm 91, we will explore the word ‘shadow’ as mentioned in Psalm 91:1. Those who live in hot places will understand the blessing of being in a shade rather than those who live in cooler climates. When walking in the blazing sunlight, the shade of a tree is most welcomed and appreciated as it is a source of great blessing.

Let us discover the blessings of resting in the shadow of our Almighty God.

Just imagine an eagle’s nest with young fledglings inside. The mother eagle has just gone to find some food for her young ones, when they encounter an impending danger from a predator. As the eaglets get flustered, the mother eagle gets back in time to hover over the nest. As the fledglings sense the shadow of their mother’s wings over them, their fears are allayed, and they are quietened.  The predator flees, and the eaglets are safely protected.

To understand how God protects His children let us read Isaiah 31:5, Just as a bird hovers over its nest to protect its young, so I, the LORD Almighty, will protect Jerusalem and defend it." (GNT)

This verse describes how the Lord Almighty will spread His wings over us so that we are secure under His shadow. When we are in the shadow of God, the Lord will defend us, protect us and deliver us from every kind of danger.

The church of God at large is facing arduous circumstances, but the Lord will surely come to liberate the church, and the people of God. Let us profess words of faith with confidence that the Lord is able to keep us from every harm.

1.      There is protection in the shadow of the Almighty

The Psalmist says in Psalm 57:1, Be merciful to me, God, be merciful to me, for my soul takes refuge in you. Yes, in the shadow of your wings, I will take refuge, until disaster has passed. (WEB)

David was being hunted down by King Saul. Saul’s only aim was to capture David, and have him killed.  The sole reason Saul was pursuing David was because of the intense jealousy that he felt towards David, though David had done him no wrong. As Saul chased after David relentlessly, David ran for his life, and hid in a cave. As David hid in the cave, Saul too came into the same cave, but David spared Saul’s life because he honored King Saul for being anointed by the Lord.

Under the shadow of God’s wings is divine protection, but it is up to us to stay within that protection or to walk away from it.  Just like David, let us also learn to be patient, and rest in the Lord.  In times of crisis may God grant us grace to not do that which is displeasing to Him. Just like David was hiding in a cave, all of us are confined to our homes, unable to move outside because of the dangers that are lurking all around us. Like David may we also take refuge in the shadow of God’s wings, for only there are we assured of being safe and protected. Setting aside our fears, let us be thankful to the Lord, and continue to praise Him for His presence and protection over our lives.

We also read in Psalms 17:8-9, Guard me as if I were the pupil in your eye. Hide me in the shadow of your wings.Hide me from wicked people who violently attack me, from my deadly enemies who surround me. (GW)

The prayer of David should be our prayer too. Plead with God to keep us as the pupil of his eye, and to hide us under the shadow of His wings. When a mother hen with her chicks senses that there is an eagle hovering over them, she spreads her wings so that the chicks can find safety under her wings. So also, in this time when we are challenged with disasters, may we run into the safety of the shadow of God’s wings.

We also read in Isaiah 25:4, For You are a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a refuge from storm, a shadow from heat; because the breath of the ruthless is like a storm against a wall. (LITV)

Here the prophet Isaiah spells out all those issues that afflict us; ruthless men, poverty, floods, storms and intense heat. God protects us from all of these calamities. He will be a stronghold to us, and a shadow from the heat of all these hardships that we encounter.

2.      In the shadow of the Almighty everything is made new

We read in Genesis 1:2,The earth was formless and empty. Darkness was on the surface of the deep and God’s Spirit was hovering over the surface of the waters. (WEB)

While the earth was formless and empty, the Spirit of the Lord was hovering over the surface of the waters to make everything new, and to set the entire created world in order. From nothing God was creating to make everything good and new.

When Pharaoh wanted to restrain the growth of the Israelites, he ordered that all the male babies two years old and under, be thrown into the Nile river. As Pharaoh carried out his evil schemes, he failed to understand that there was a God who was also working to counter-attack his evil plans. God is always able to change all that is evil for our good. Moses was born at that time of crisis simply because the Lord was doing something that would later blow Pharaoh’s mind.  The Lord can take any disaster, and turn it around to become something beautiful and new.

Instead of grumbling about the crisis that we are facing, and being disheartened about the inability to gather together to worship, let us be reminded that the Lord is doing something new in our midst. It is a fact that when the church of God is tried and tested, they will never diminish but will expand to be a greater force as God intended for us to be.

3.      In the shadow of the Almighty there is rest

We read in Psalm 91:1He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.(WEB)

In the above mentioned version it describes that there is rest in the shadow of the Almighty God. Ever since this problem of the epidemic began, so many are in turmoil that they have lost peace of mind. The Lord comforts us, that if we can come under the shadow of His wings, we will find rest for our souls.

We read in Psalm 62:5-6,Upon God alone, O my soul, rest peacefully; for my expectation is from him.  He only is my rock and my salvation; my high fortress: I shall not be moved. (Darby)

The Psalmist admonishes that his soul should rest peacefully in God alone. Instead of focussing our attention on God, if we fill our minds with the negative news and information from the world, we will most certainly become restless. Instead like the Psalmist let us turn our attention on God and let our expectation for deliverance be from Him alone. For God alone is our rock, our salvation and our high fortress.  When this is so, nothing will shake us, for we will be firmly set.

We read in Psalm 4:8,I fall asleep in peace the moment I lie down because you alone, O LORD, enable me to live securely. (GW)

The Psalmist talks about a peaceful sleep that God has blessed him with, only because he found his security in the Lord.

As children of God we are in difficult time, everything seems beyond our control, but, let us not lose heart. Let us also decide to come back to God and give Him the time, honor and glory that is due to Him alone. May we never make our busy schedules excuses for not spending time with God, His word, and being in fellowship with God’s people.

Paul says it this way in Philippians 4:6,Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. (GW)

There is no need for us to worry about anything, no matter what it is. This is God’s promise to us, and so we can rest assured. God wants us to instead to pray about everything, and present our requests to God with thanksgiving.  Let us decide to commit all our cares and worries to the Lord to find rest for our souls.

That is why the Lord Jesus encourages us with these words in Matthew 11:28,Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (NKJV)

The safest place for us to be in is the shadow of the Almighty.  In the shadow of God’s wings there is protection, in His shadow everything will be made new and in His shadow there is perfect rest for our souls.

Prayer:
Our Almighty God, we thank You for being so kind and good to us.  We fear loss of protection and rest at this time of challenge all over the world.  Please do help us to overcome.  We come under Your shadow.  We are grateful to You for all Your promises which are unchanging.  Keep us in the shadow of Your wings.  In the name of Lord Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.

Br. Dixon
Our website

Transcribed by : Sis. Esther Collins

You are My God

Psalm 91 - Study 8 - You are My God

We read in Psalm 91:2, “I will say to the LORD, "You are my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust."” (GW)

If we observe the above mentioned verse, the Psalmist refers to God in a most personal way when He says of God, ‘My refuge’, ‘My fortress’ and ‘My God’. God is not a supernatural power who is far away, who cannot empathize with us, but a personal God who desires to speak to us and have fellowship with us. Progressively mankind has been neglecting God, and the majority turn to Him only when challenged with hardships or difficulties.

We will study in depth to understand how God desires to have this personal relationship with us.

·         Job had a personal experience with God

We read in Job 42:5, “In the past I knew only what others had told me, but now I have seen you with my own eyes.” (GNB)

Job faced unimaginable trials in his life and lost everything that was dear to him. However, we read at the end of Job’s life that God everything restored to him in full measure. That was when Job testified, that though he had formerly heard about God from others, his eyes had now beheld and experienced God’s mighty wonders first hand. God had become a personal God to Job and was no longer a hearsay.

God longs for each one of us to have a personal relationship with Him.  This should not be based on the faith of our grand-parents, our parents or our pastor, but should be founded our own personal experience with God. If this is not so, we will not be able to face or escape the calamities that will come upon us. The Lord has permitted this pandemic I believe, to get the attention of everyone in the world as He wishes to convey something important to us. The people of the world have been hustling along in pursuit of money and possessions, forgetting that there is something fundamental that man is in need of, which is God and His Kingdom.  The word of God reminds us that if we seek after God and His Kingdom, everything else will be added to us as well.

Ruth made Naomi’s God her personal God

We read in Ruth 1:11“"You must go back, my daughters," Naomi answered."Why do you want to come with me?”(GNB)

Naomi had come to Moab, but when she became a widow and also lost both her sons, she decided to get back to the land of Judah. Naomi had two daughters in law both of whom were from Moab. Naomi encouraged both of her daughters in law, Ruth and Orpah, to get back to their own homes.  While Orpah left to go back to her family, Ruth refused to do so.

This was her reply in Ruth 1:16, “But Ruth answered, "Don't ask me to leave you! Let me go with you. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.”(GNB)

Ruth made a decision to go with her mother-in-law Naomi, resolving to make Naomi’s people her people, and Naomi’s God her God. Naomi knew the Lord, but Ruth was a Moabites, but she still was determined to follow her mother in law, and make Naomi’s God her personal God too. When Naomi and Ruth got back to Naomi’s home town, this is what happened.

We read in Ruth 2:3, “So Ruth went out to the fields and walked behind the workers, picking up the heads of grain which they left. It so happened that she was in a field that belonged to Boaz.”  (GNB)

As Ruth went to pick up the heads of grains that were left over from the fields, little did she realize that these fields belonged to Boaz, who was a relative of Naomi. There were many fields in the land of Judah in those days, but the Lord in His divine plan led Ruth to the fields of Boaz. The outcome of her going to the fields of Boaz is recorded in Ruth 4:13, “So Boaz took Ruth home as his wife.” (GNB) Though Ruth was an outside from Moab, God blessed her with a new lease of life, simply because she made Naomi’s God her personal God.

Each one of us must have this experience of having a personal relationship with God. The moment we acknowledge that God is our God, His immediate response to us is that ‘We are His children.’ When we trust God fully and walk in obedience to Him, He becomes our faithful Father who is not only willing, but able to meet all of our needs.

The Samaritan Woman accepted the Messiah

It is recorded in John 4:25, “The woman said to him, "I know that the Messiah will come, and when he comes, he will tell us everything."”(GNB)

The Samaritan woman who encountered Jesus in John 4, had heard about the coming of the Messiah through some source. However, when she met Jesus, she did not realize who Jesus was, and therefore she told Jesus who was the Messiah Himself, about the coming of the Messiah.

In John 4:26, we read, Jesus answered, "I am he, I who am talking with you." (GNB)

Also in John 4:28-29, “Then the woman left her water jar, went back to the town, and said to the people there, "Come and see the man who told me everything I have ever done. Could he be the Messiah?"” (GNB) 

When she recognized that Jesus was indeed the Messiah who was to come, without any hesitation she left her water pots, and ran to invite her entire town to come and meet Jesus.  A woman who was hesitant to mingle with others, was suddenly transformed after this amazing encounter with Jesus.

The Lord’s word of encouragement to us is that, we can have this personal relationship with the God who created the entire universe. We can approach Him boldly and speak to Him without any inhibitions. The Lord desires to come and dwell within each one of us. The Lord has promised that where two or three are gathered in His name, He is there in their midst.  As families, we must believe that God is with us, and learn to commune with Him on a daily basis. Many people are aware that God is with them, but are ignoring Him to their own detriment.

The woman with an issue of blood believed Jesus for her miracle

It is recorded in Mark 5:25-28, “There was a woman who had suffered terribly from severe bleeding for twelve years, even though she had been treated by many doctors. She had spent all her money, but instead of getting better she got worse all the time. She had heard about Jesus, so she came in the crowd behind him, saying to herself, "If I just touch his clothes, I will get well."”  (GNB)

Here was a woman who was suffering from an ailment for twelve long years.  She heard about Jesus through somebody. Her faith began to grow, and then she decided that she would somehow approach Jesus to touch the hem of His garment. She touched Jesus, was instantly healed, and Jesus too knew that a healing had taken place. Jesus turned back and asked the crowds as to who touched Him, only because He wanted the woman to openly testify to the miracle she had received, as a result of the faith that she had placed in Him.

When we hear about Jesus our faith will grow, but it is only when we have a personal relationship with Him that our lives will be transformed. When we desire to have this close relationship with God, He too in turn wants to have that intimate relationship with us, and He will certainly speak to us.

Zacchaeus had this personal encounter with Jesus

In Luke 19 we read of Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector, a short man who wanted to see Jesus.  He thought he could hide in the tree, but Jesus recognized that Zacchaeus genuinely longed to have a relationship with Him. He ignored the huge crowds and stopped at the tree where Zacchaeus was perched, hastened him to come down, and invited Himself to his home.

In every house that worships together and prays together, be assured that the Lord is there in your midst. Instead of bemoaning that we are unable to worship the Lord corporately in church, we should acknowledge and rejoice that the presence of the Lord is there with us right in our homes.

Bartimaeus had a personal encounter with Jesus and received sight

We read in Mark 10:47-52, “When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus! Son of David! Have mercy on me!" Many of the people scolded him and told him to be quiet. But he shouted even more loudly, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called the blind man. "Cheer up!" they said. "Get up, he is calling you."  So he threw off his cloak, jumped up, and came to Jesus. "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. "Teacher," the blind man answered, "I want to see again." "Go," Jesus told him, "your faith has made you well." At once he was able to see and followed Jesus on the road.”(GNB)

Bartimaeus was a blind man, a beggar, who heard about Jesus, and he began to shout out to Jesus saying, "Jesus! Son of David! Have mercy on me!" When he called out, Jesus immediately stopped and responded to his cry. As Bartimaeus threw off his cloak and ran to meet Jesus, Jesus asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Bartimaeus asked Jesus that he might receive his sight to see again. When Bartimaeus’ eyes were opened, the first person he beheld was Jesus. Bartimaeus was a changed man.  He was no longer a beggar, but went on to share the wonders of the Lord Jesus to everyone he met.

We too can be assured that whenever we cry out to the Lord, He will undeniably give heed to our call.  Right now during these trying times, let us call on the Lord for He alone will come to our rescue.  The early church had much persecution, and the outcome was that they began to gather together in homes. As they did so there was a great revival, and unimaginable signs and wonders were being performed, and multitudes flocked into the Kingdom of God. No one can hinder us from worshipping the Lord in our homes, except us. During these days when we are locked up in our homes, we must be well prepared, have a clear mind to worship God in sincerity and truth. Like Bartimaeus who looked unto Jesus, every day when we wake up in the morning let us turn our eyes to the Lord alone, not to people or to the media, or our mobile phones.

We have taken for granted all the mercies of God, and neglected our coming together as believers to worship the Lord.  This is the time to repent and ask the Lord to restore to us what we have lost. The church on earth is actually a rehearsal of what is going to take place in heaven. We have our work and responsibilities, but in the midst of all of this we must have the experience of worshipping God, and spending time with Him.

We have heard about Mary and Martha who were friends of Jesus.  While Martha toiled hard to prepare a meal for Jesus, Mary sat at His feet to listen to Him. When Martha complained to Jesus that Mary was not helping her with her chores, Jesus responded by commending Mary for choosing the good part that He said would never be taken away from her. All of our earthly work will cease one day, but in eternity we will like Mary always be enjoying the presence of the Lord, worshipping and praising Him forever.

·         Saul got converted after his personal encounter with Jesus

We read in Acts 9:1-2, “In the meantime Saul kept up his violent threats of murder against the followers of the Lord. He went to the High Priest and asked for letters of introduction to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he should find there any followers of the Way of the Lord, he would be able to arrest them, both men and women, and bring them back to Jerusalem.” (GNB)

Saul had not met Jesus personally, but he was a Pharisee who did not believe in Jesus, and therefore went all out to destroy the church. He took a challenge to persecute and kill all those who followed the teachings of Jesus. Saul was an educated man, a Hebrew, a Pharisee who was tutored under a great Scholar named Gamaliel and was very talented.  What Saul did not realize was that when he persecuted the church, he was in actuality persecuting the Lord Jesus Himself.

When Saul was on his way to Damascus, with letters of introduction from the High Priest to arrest those who believed in Jesus, the Lord Jesus met with Saul.  All that Saul saw was a bright light and immediately he fell to the ground.

We read in Acts 9:4-5, “And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” (KJV)

When Saul fell to the ground and heard the voice, he recognized that it was God whom he had met. When Saul asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ immediately the Lord responded by saying, ‘I am Jesus, whom you persecute.’ The Lord made it clear to Saul that the ones whom he persecuted were not men, but the Lord who dwelt in them. The Lord also told Saul that it would be hard for him to kick against the pricks.  You might have seem some people who ride bullock carts, who have in their hands a stick with a sharp point to prod the animal to move faster. If the bullock rebels and tries to kick, it would be hurt badly, and hence it learns to submit to the prodding.  In the same way the Lord conveyed to Saul that if he tried to harass God’s people, and rebel against God, he alone would be hurt in the process.

When Saul met Jesus, his life was totally transformed. This same Saul became Paul who glorified the very name of Jesus, whom he tried to malign. The one who tried to break down churches became the one who built so many churches. Saul understood that Jesus was a God of love, compassion and that apart from Him there is no way for forgiveness of sins or a way to heaven.

It is an established fact that anyone who opposes the Lord Jesus or His children, will never prevail. If there is someone who can humble us and make us fall to the ground, it surely must be the Lord, for no one can stand against God. Anyone who tries to stop believers from coming together and schemes against the church will encounter the exact same predicament that Saul faced.  It is only when each one of us have a personal encounter and relationship with the Lord Jesus, will we have a blessed life.  May we be able to say with the Psalmist in Psalm 91:2, “I will say to the LORD, "You are my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust."”(GW) We would be a blessed people if we can say ‘The Lord is my personal God.’

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, thank You for giving me the opportunity to know You personally.  That is the greatest gift for me on earth.  Teach me to understand Your ways and walk in them.  Help me to know You more closely so that I will fulfill all that You want me to fulfill during my life on earth.  In the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen.

Br. Dixon

Transcribed by Sis. Esther Collins

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Almighty God

Psalm 91 - Study 3 - Almighty God

We read in Psalm 91:1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. (WEB)

The Psalmist in the above mentioned verse mentions two titles for God; The Most High and The Almighty.  As we have already considered the significance of The Most High God in the previous study, we will in this one understand the essence of what ‘Almighty God’ means to us.

God is the Almighty one implies there is nothing that is impossible with Him. We will take a different perspective in this study to comprehend how this might of God is revealed to us.

1.      God is mighty in love

We read in 1 John 4:8, The person who doesn't love doesn't know God, because God is love. (GW)

While the word of God declares that ‘God is love’ the world has misconstrued this message to assert that ‘love is God’. The love that God offers the world is a sacrificial love, whereas the love that the world gives is a self-centered or selfish love. God’s love gives and gives to bless, but man’s love is constantly on the receiving end.

The love of God is elucidated this way in Romans 5:8, Christ died for us while we were still sinners. This demonstrates God's love for us. (GW)

As human beings we may be willing to do good for someone who is good.  On the other hand we will often hesitate to help someone who is not good by our standards.  For instance, if an alcoholic approaches us for financial assistance, we would debate in our minds, as we are not sure if he would use or misuse the help extended to him. This is in complete contrast the love that God extends to us. While we were still sinners, separated from God, and at enmity with Him, God manifested His love toward us. This immense love of God was demonstrated to us when Jesus willingly laid down His life on our behalf.

To explain this unfathomable love of God, Jesus told the parable of the lost son.

We read in Luke 15:20'And having risen, he went unto his own father, and he being yet far distant, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and having ran he fell upon his neck and kissed him; (YLT)

If the father embraced his son, when he was at home, obedient to him it would have not been a big deal.  The condition in which the son returned to his father was deplorable. When the son got back to his father, he had squandered all of his wealth, was in tatters, had worked among pigs and therefore was in a despicable state.  It was such a son, that the father embraced and kissed. This is the boundless love that the Almighty God extends to all of His children, whom He has created in His image.

We are all in a situation where we are forced to be confined to our homes with fear and uncertainty about the future. While some people have begun to look to God, there are still a majority who are not much concerned. This is God’s call to everyone, to turn our attention towards Him, and to seek Him. Just like the son lost all that was his, mankind is standing at the threshold of losing everything. The rate at which the world is going it seems that mankind will have to pay for the very air we breathe.  A few years back, people were amused at the thought that they would have to buy water, but today it has become a reality.

The Almighty God is a God of love. If we will repent, turn to Him, and seek His face, He will surely encompass us with His great love. When the son returned back to his father, he did not question him or blame him but accepted him just as he was.  Even if you have lost everything and feel totally unworthy, just return to God for He will accept you with open arms, and with unconditional love.

1.      God is mighty in righteousness

We read in Psalm 71:19,Your righteousness, O God, is very high; you have done great things; O God, who is like you? (BBE)

God is one who does everything right, and there is nothing amiss in Him. There are many people who have not fully understood who God is, and therefore have questions in their mind as to how God could allow something like this.

Just like a coin has two sides, and it would be worthless if it had no inscription on one side, so also the love of God and the justice of God are two sides of the same coin.  We can never comprehend the love of God, if we have not fully understood the justice of God.

·         God delivered Israelites with a mighty and powerful hand

We read in Deuteronomy 26:8,Then the LORD used his mighty hand and powerful arm to bring us out of Egypt. He used spectacular and awe-inspiring deeds, miraculous signs, and amazing things. (GW)

This the testimony of how God delivered the people of Israel.  He brought them out of bondage from Egypt, with His mighty hand and powerful arms.  He performed miracles and wonders that were unimaginable. God redeemed them because they were His people.

·         Israelites speak against God and are punished

We read in Numbers 21:5-6, And the people spoke against God, and against Moses, and the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and many people of Israel died. (Webster)

In spite of all the miraculous wonders that the people witnessed firsthand, they rebelled and spoke against God and against Moses. When they did so, the Lord sent fiery serpents amongst the Israelites, which bit the people so that many died. God in His grace brought the people of Israel out of bondage, but when they rebelled against Him, he punished them, for God is also a God of justice.

·         The Israelites turn to God in repentance

We read in Numbers 21:7, Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, we have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray to the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. (Webster)

When confronted with death, the Israelites turned to God. They went to Moses and begged forgiveness for the words they spoke against the Lord and against Moses. Moses then pleaded with God to spare the people.

Even today, man is in rebellion against God. The reason we are faced with such tumultuous times is because, the things that God disapproves of and declares sinful, man has approved, to make it acceptable. There’s going to be a great change in these days. The Lord is sifting the church to rid it of all that is displeasing to Him. This is a wake-up call for the church, and the people of God.  All that man thought was unstoppable has suddenly been brought to a grinding halt. If any of us have in ignorance spoken against God, or against the ministers of God, may we repent and ask for His forgiveness.

Right now we are surrounded by death and fear of a grave epidemic. If we do not turn to the Lord in the midst of this crisis, we are to be pitied as there will be no hope for us. If we want this present situation to change, the only answer is to humble ourselves and pray.  The church must pray, individuals must pray and families must pray.

·         God gives a solution to their problems

We read in Numbers 21:8,And the LORD said to Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. (Webster)

God commanded Moses to make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole.  Whoever, was bitten, were instructed to simply behold the serpent so that they could live, and not die. This was God’s love demonstrated again by giving a way to escape punishment and death. Healing and deliverance came when they looked on with faith at the brazen fiery serpent.

In a time such as this where we are surrounded by disease, death and impending gloom, you may be wondering where our deliverance will come from or to whom should we look to.

·         Jesus was lifted up for us

We read in John 12:32,When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to me." (GNB)

Jesus came down to earth, took on human form, and lived among us. Jesus came to bring salvation to all mankind, and He was lifted up on the cross to pay for our sins. Jesus was crucified, raised up, and He assures us that those who look to Him by faith will be drawn to Him.

We read in Isaiah 53:5,He was wounded for our rebellious acts. He was crushed for our sins. He was punished so that we could have peace, and we received healing from his wounds. (GW)

There is absolutely no need for anyone to fear if they can only lift up their eyes to look to the Lord Jesus who was crucified for our sins. Jesus was wounded because of all our rebellion, He was crushed for our sins, He was punished so that we could have peace, and it is because of those the wounds of Jesus that we are healed from all our diseases. Jesus was the sinless Lamb of God, but He died only because of our sins and transgressions. There is hope only in Jesus, and we are commanded to believe in the Lord Jesus, and behold Him alone. He alone can deliver us from death and destruction. We have ignored God and His word, but now is the time to come back, repent, and look to Jesus by faith.

God loved the world so much, that He was willing to send His only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus, to die on our behalf. The cross of Calvary is the perfect place where the love of God and the justice of God are both made manifest. John the Baptist introduced Jesus this way, in John 1:29, Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the whole world (ESV)

Instead of running in our own strength, doing our own things, the Lord has halted us, to turn to Him. The Almighty God is a God of love, but also a God of justice and if we turn to Him, He will be gracious to us and deliver us from these fierce trials that surround us.

How can man be reconciled with God?

We read in 1 Peter 3:18, Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God; (WEB)

In days gone by, in many developed countries the gospel was preached, and missionaries were sent to other parts of the world to share the good news.  Sadly, today many of these countries have forfeited their faith in God and turned to various ideologies. The call of God to everyone is to repent and turn back to Him.

Jesus who was righteous one took on all our unrighteousness, so that we can be reconciled to God. Jesus is the only Way, the Truth and the Life. He is the only mediator between God and man.  God is Almighty and if we trust Him, He will reveal His wondrous might to us again.  Let us look to the Almighty God, and believe that everything is possible with Him. May we plead with Him in prayer to that our situations can change at the earliest. Let us repent and decide to give the honor and glory that is due to our Almighty God.

Prayer:

Our dear and loving Heavenly Father, we truly repent of our misdeeds and come to you believing that You are mighty in love and in righteousness.  We need You desperately at this time and acknowledge our helplessness.  Do change our situation Lord.  We ask this in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

Br. Dixon

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Transcribed by Sis. Esther Collins