Posts Tagged ‘God’s protection’

Scripture reading for November 17th: Acts 27-28

Do you really believe that God can cause all things to work together for good for those who love Him?  (Romans 8:28)  Today, we read about events in Paul’s journey to Rome for trial before Caesar.  These events were dangerous, exciting, and could have been fatal.  But God worked them for good and His purposes stood through all the trouble!  Be encouraged today as you read!

The trip from Caesarea to Rome was nearly 2000 miles by ship.  It was decided that Paul would travel by a Roman navy ship in the fall season when travel in that direction was more difficult.  As they made their way north, the centurion in charge of the prisoners, Julius,  gave special favor to Paul by allowing his friends to minister to his needs. (Acts 27:1-3)  As travel became more difficult, Paul warned the centurion and crew of impending danger and possible loss of life.  They ignored Paul’s advice and sailed on.  A great storm hit the ship and tossed it around for days.  The crew threw the cargo overboard and after more days of battering, all gave up hope of being saved.  (Acts 27:20)

Paul, again directed with a word from the Lord, encouraged the crew and passengers.  He told them that an angel of God had given him a word, “Do not be afraid, Paul.  You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.” The ship would be destroyed but God would spare the passengers and crew!  God is so merciful and His purposes will stand, no matter what trouble befalls us!  All 276 men on board made it safely to shore when they followed Paul’s advice!  (Acts 27:42-44)

As if the shipwreck and storm were not enough of a trial, Paul was warming himself over a fire on the beach after swimming ashore.  Suddenly, a viper jumped from the fire and fastened itself on Paul’s hand.  (Acts 28:1-6)  Paul quickly shook the snake off into the fire and no swelling or death occurred.  This opened the islanders to Paul’s message and he began to minister to those present with miracles of healing!  God placed him on this island of Malta for three months to minister the Gospel to those there!

When you are committed to God, life takes on a new quality of supernatural direction and hope.  God truly does work all things for His will!  We can go through shipwrecks, storms, and even snake-attacks and trust that all works out for our good and His glory!  What an exciting supernatural life!  Are you ready for today’s episode in your life?

Scripture reading for June 12th: Psalms 42-49

Many nations have armies and air forces armed with weapons that help to protect them.  America has one of the finest and best equipped  armies in the entire world.  We have a great air force which has a wide variety of weapons to strike the enemy from afar and soften the opposition before ground troops go into harms way.  We have a military intelligence system that gathers information about the enemy and battlefield for the air force and ground forces.  But in spite of our great army and ability to protect our nation and people, there is yet a much more fearful and powerful force of protection recorded in today’s reading!

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” Psalm 46:1-3

God’s ability to protect His people and help them in trouble is well documented.  He delivered David as a shepherd boy from the lion and the bear and then from the giant, Goliath.  He was able to deliver an entire nation from slavery in Egypt and then to protect them from the most powerful army on earth as they were being pursued.  He caused the Red Sea to close over the enemy army after His people walked through this sea on a dry bed!  Bring on those powerful armies!   Our God is a refuge and strength!  Fear not!

“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.  God is within her, she will not fall’ God will help her at the break of day.  Nations are in an uproar, kingdoms fall; He lifts His voice, the earth melts.  The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah Psalm 46:4-7

The source of strength is found within the Holy Place in the temple of the Most High God!  God’s presence is likened to a river of refreshing and life-giving water.  All who were inside the city and belonged to God, would have this source of water and life available to them.  God’ s presence makes all the difference!  In the midst of confusion of the nations, God’s voice melts the earth, causing kingdoms to fall. God is in charge and with His people.  He Himself is their fortress and protection during judgment and war!

“He makes wars to cease to the ends of the earth, He breaks the bow and shatters the spear, He burns the shields with fire.  Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:9-10

The final verses of this psalm tell of God’s final victory over all opposition.  God will ultimately bring peace to this troubled world.  We must silence our lips from fretting and fear and unbelief!  God is in control!  He alone is to be worshipped and honored!  He alone is a refuge and strength to depend on!