06/10/2020
The How Safe is Your Dwelling Place?
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalm 91:1)
We are living in times of perplexity and uncertainty, not knowing what to expect from one day to the next. To narrow it down from moment to the other. Our faith is being challenge every day. But one thing for sure God’s word still stands true. No matter what we see or hear taking place we must trust God. I pray this Newsletter will lead us to re-examine our personal relationship with the Lord.
As never before we need to examine the safety of our spiritual dwelling place. Naturally so if we know a storm is coming, we try to secure our homes as much as possible. We make sure the windows are secured and the doors are tightly fastened. Today, we are faced with so many different kinds of storms. To make sure they won’t take us out we need a safe place to dwell. Here this verse describes an abiding defense, but the promise is conditioned upon making the Lord our true refuge and habitation.
“He that dwelleth”: this is a continual process. We can’t dwell in today and decide to move out tomorrow. God is calling for steadfastness. 1Corinthians 15:58a–Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord...Sure we are going to face hard trials in life. Some endeavors we will be victorious, some we will face defeat. The key words are: “never give up”. Stay in a safe place!
Where is our safe place? In the secret place of the most High. When I read this passage of scripture, I began to examine my access to my secret place, making sure that the passage was clear. O how sweet is is to be in the presence of the Lord. When I go in my secret place, I lose sight on people, things, time, and even myself. Jesus is my main focus. When He began to minister to my soul, the joy of the Lord overwhelms me. In His presence is fullness of joy. In order to get in this secret place, I must have and keep a personal relationship with the Lord.
If we dwell in the secret place of the most High we, shall abide under the shadow of the almighty. This passage promises protection from the snare of the fowler and from noisome pestilence: (Pestilence means a deadly and overwhelming disease that affects an entire community a fatal epidemic disease.) It also promises long life and salvation. Here the Lord describes an abiding defense, but the Promise is conditioned upon making the Lord our true refuge and habitation. Looking at the word refuge: a shelter, a place of trust, a place to flee for protection, a dwelling and it also indicates a retreat.
To dwell in the secret place of God is to stay quietly and securely in the most holy place where the presence of God is. And to abide under the shadow of the Almighty is to dwell constantly and continuously in the assistance and protection of God.
We make the Lord our refuge and habitation by trusting Him. We also must seek His counsel, spend times of refreshing with Him, love Him and walk closely with Him through everyday. When we do this, we will enter into a sheltered place, under the shadow of the almighty. It is God Almighty, All powerful, unconquerable, indicating God’s greatness, strength, and His everlasting nature. Therefore, the all sufficient God, is eternally capable of being all that His people need.
Verse four: He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shall thy trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler. I remember growing up my Grandmother raised chickens. When the little chicks were born we would like to pick them up and hold them in our hands. One day I tried to pick one up, the mother hen attacked me, made a certain sound, all the little chicks ran to her, she spread her wings and covered them. The little chicks felt safe because they trusted the mother hen.
What is this scripture saying? I am your refuge and strength, a present help in time of trouble. When I see the enemy coming, I will cover you with my feathers, and under my wings you are safe if you trust me. Like the little chicks know the mother hen’s cluck, we must hear and know The Master’s voice. Today if we hear His voice, harden not our hearts. God is calling us to come closer to Him. What Better time than now, while we are at home, to seek the Lord as never before. He is giving us time to repent and get it right with Him.
The Shield symbolizes steadfast principles, commitments, loyalty and protection. No matter who rises up against us, He covers us. We are guarded from everything that would threaten us. His truth is a effective defensive armor which quench the fiery darts and prevents them from wounding us.
I imagine some of you might be as troubled as I am when I see so many people dying from this Coronavirus, that have walked with the Lord so many years. Those who have given so much time to the spreading of the gospel. God knows what and why He is allowing this to take place. His ways are pass finding out. He placed the chosen scriptural text on my mind to encourage us and let us know, His word still stands. We know that all things work together for the good of them that love the Lord who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
Although we trust God, It’s very important that we obey and follow the rules, not only for our benefits, but for the benefits of others. We are not exempt of this terrible disease. So many that have this disease was not aware they were in harms way. But now that we know better, we are responsible to do better. Romans 13:1–Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that are ordained of God.
Let me exhort you strongly to pray for those in authority. 1 Timothy 2:1-2–I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men. For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. As never before, we need to rise up and call on our God. We are in trouble as a nation. Be it known to everyone: we have a God, that will hear and deliver, but we much trust Him!
Don’t forget to include in your prayers the ones that’s putting their lives on the line, trying to protect and help others. As they say, “We are all in this together!”
Taking a look at the Month of May
Just to highlight a few things about the month of May. The name of this month is derived from Maia, the Roman goddess of growth. The birthstone associated with this month is the Emerald, which signifies rebirth, youth and is thought to grant the wearer foresight. May is very important to me because I experienced the first adorable time of motherhood.
The second Sunday in May we always celebrate Mother’s Day. Please do something special for our Mothers to let them know how much they are appreciated.
The lily of the valley, also known as the May lily, symbolizes a host of good traits: humility, chastity, sweetness, and purity. The lily is a beautiful flower ranked as the fourth most popular flower across the globe! A white lily traditionally symbolizes modesty and new beginnings. An orange lily symbolizes passion. So we say: God Bless all our May Babies.
Please join us in our Conference Call Lessons-Every Monday after the First and third Sunday. Call in number:1-515-604-9094. ID Number 831-588-444 #