There were two bomb blasts in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka in the month of May. The first was in a bus: My sister and my niece were at that bus stop. Since the bus was getting late and they did not want to be late for the prayer meeting they were going to, they took a taxi and left the place.
About five minutes later, the bomb blast took place. Many waiting for the bus got injured. It was God who preserved my family. The other one happened on the train: My nephew normally returns home on that train after work. That day, he decided to take the later train and he escaped the blast. These people, because of the uncertain, precarious situation in the country, always pray and give themselves to the protection of the almighty God.
I believe that it is God who is keeping them safe.
When I said this to someone, she said, "Oh, they were fortunate" and "It so happened that they decided to take the other course.". Another said "Your people always have such stories.". To them, these are not miracles of protection from God. Some call these coincidences. For God's children, nothing happens by chance or coincidence. When we trust God, Psalm 91 becomes a real daily experience.
"If you make the most high your dwelling, even the Lord, who is my refuge, then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent." [Psalms 91:9,10]
It is good to remember that God does not promise a world free from danger, but He does promise His help whenever we face danger. When we believe His promises, we will experience His miracles.
Showing posts with label Promise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Promise. Show all posts
Monday, June 16, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Danger! Run for Protection!
"He shall cover you with His feathers, under His wings shall you trust. His truth shall be your shield and buckler"
Psalms 91:4
I remembered an interesting scene I witnessed, when I was a child in the countryside: A mother hen and her brood of about twenty or more chicken were having a cool time in the sun. The chicks were running all over the garden fearlessly, learning to get food and playing too. Suddenly, the mother hen made a noise. Immediately, all the chickens ran from wherever they were and hid under the hen's wings. Somehow the hen's two wings hid all the chickens and I could not spot a single one of them. The chicks were hidden under the wings till the danger passed. As a hawk flew away from the area, the mother hen let the chicks out of her wings into the open again. The little chicks hid themselves because of the warning signal the mother bird gave. The little ones understood it and knew what to do.
Above them, the hawk flew round and round, at times stooping down and then going up. It was aiming to get the chicks. The hen knew the danger and hid the chicks under her wings, where they rested safely and comfortably under the soft feathers! Had any one of the chicks turned a deaf ear to the mother's warning, that one would have been prey to the hawk that day!
The verse above compares the protection our Lord desires to give us, to that of the mother hen.
There are so many dangers waiting to prey on us in this world. The danger alerts are in the word of God. The Holy spirit too, warns us. Only those who heed the warning and act on it, will be safe from danger. Some may think lightly of it and not listen. Others may not want to obey and run for protection. Others still, may seek protection in the wrong places. They will be the losers.
There is protection, safety, provision and security, along with tenderness in the Lord. It is a place we can run to, when we fear. We could rest there in perfect peace of mind and contentment in the midst of the wickedness of this sin cursed world.
Lord help us to discern your voice and obey. May your truth be our shield and buckler.
Psalms 91:4
I remembered an interesting scene I witnessed, when I was a child in the countryside: A mother hen and her brood of about twenty or more chicken were having a cool time in the sun. The chicks were running all over the garden fearlessly, learning to get food and playing too. Suddenly, the mother hen made a noise. Immediately, all the chickens ran from wherever they were and hid under the hen's wings. Somehow the hen's two wings hid all the chickens and I could not spot a single one of them. The chicks were hidden under the wings till the danger passed. As a hawk flew away from the area, the mother hen let the chicks out of her wings into the open again. The little chicks hid themselves because of the warning signal the mother bird gave. The little ones understood it and knew what to do.
Above them, the hawk flew round and round, at times stooping down and then going up. It was aiming to get the chicks. The hen knew the danger and hid the chicks under her wings, where they rested safely and comfortably under the soft feathers! Had any one of the chicks turned a deaf ear to the mother's warning, that one would have been prey to the hawk that day!
The verse above compares the protection our Lord desires to give us, to that of the mother hen.
There are so many dangers waiting to prey on us in this world. The danger alerts are in the word of God. The Holy spirit too, warns us. Only those who heed the warning and act on it, will be safe from danger. Some may think lightly of it and not listen. Others may not want to obey and run for protection. Others still, may seek protection in the wrong places. They will be the losers.
There is protection, safety, provision and security, along with tenderness in the Lord. It is a place we can run to, when we fear. We could rest there in perfect peace of mind and contentment in the midst of the wickedness of this sin cursed world.
Lord help us to discern your voice and obey. May your truth be our shield and buckler.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
The Negative Effects of Worrying
Everyone knows the ill effects of worry. Here are some that I read recently:
Jesus tells us not to worry about the needs that God has promised to supply, because of the adverse effects of worrying. [Mat.6:31-34] Yet people worry!
How many ill effects of worry you are experiencing today? Isn't it better to banish worry altogether and trust God?
Some confuse worry and concern. Here is the difference between worry and genuine concern: Worry immobilizes, but concern moves you to action. We should be concerned and not neglect matters of importance. We shouldn't worry about them and do nothing about it.
In Mathew 6:25-34, seven reasons are given not to worry:
1. The same God who created life in you can be trusted with the details of your life. [v.25]
2. Worrying about the future hampers your efforts for today. [v.26]
3. Worrying is more harmful than helpful. [v27]
4. God does not ignore those who depend on him. [v28-30]
5. Worry shows a lack of faith and understanding of God. [v31-32]
6. There are real challenges God wants us to pursue and worrying keeps us from them. [v.33]
7. Living one day at a time keeps us from being consumed with worry. [v.34]
[Taken from the Life Application Study Bible]
Since God's word is true, we can never fail when we live by it.
Jesus tells us not to worry about the needs that God has promised to supply, because of the adverse effects of worrying. [Mat.6:31-34] Yet people worry!
- Worry will damage both your physical and mental health.
- It will cause the object of your worry to consume your thoughts.
- It will disrupt your productivity.
- It will negatively affect the way you treat others.
- It will adversely affect your emotions.
- Worry will reduce your ability to trust in God.
How many ill effects of worry you are experiencing today? Isn't it better to banish worry altogether and trust God?
Some confuse worry and concern. Here is the difference between worry and genuine concern: Worry immobilizes, but concern moves you to action. We should be concerned and not neglect matters of importance. We shouldn't worry about them and do nothing about it.
In Mathew 6:25-34, seven reasons are given not to worry:
1. The same God who created life in you can be trusted with the details of your life. [v.25]
2. Worrying about the future hampers your efforts for today. [v.26]
3. Worrying is more harmful than helpful. [v27]
4. God does not ignore those who depend on him. [v28-30]
5. Worry shows a lack of faith and understanding of God. [v31-32]
6. There are real challenges God wants us to pursue and worrying keeps us from them. [v.33]
7. Living one day at a time keeps us from being consumed with worry. [v.34]
[Taken from the Life Application Study Bible]
Since God's word is true, we can never fail when we live by it.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Buffet of Promises
This morning, the Lord reminded me that there are so many promises we could hold on to in times of need. You too, may help yourself and be benefited by them. Here are some that encourage me:
"Listen to me ... you whom I have upheld since you were conceived and have carried since your birth. Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am He. I am He who will sustain you, I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you."
-Isaiah 46:3-4
Isn't His love so enduring and endearing that He gives me the assurance that He will care for me through out my lifetime and even through death?
It is amazing that the one who is giving this promise is the Lord God of the universe! "This is what the Lord says, Your redeemer who formed you in your womb, I am the Lord who who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself" [Isa.44:24]
I was happy that I have accepted his Love for me. I believe His promise. It gives me comfort, confidence and security.
I prayed: "Do not cast me away when I am old. Do not forsake me when my strength is gone" [Ps.71:9]. Also, Lord may all those who have not intimately known you yet come to you before it is too late. May all your children learn to enjoy the variety of promises you have given us.
"Listen to me ... you whom I have upheld since you were conceived and have carried since your birth. Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am He. I am He who will sustain you, I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you."
-Isaiah 46:3-4
Isn't His love so enduring and endearing that He gives me the assurance that He will care for me through out my lifetime and even through death?
It is amazing that the one who is giving this promise is the Lord God of the universe! "This is what the Lord says, Your redeemer who formed you in your womb, I am the Lord who who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself" [Isa.44:24]
I was happy that I have accepted his Love for me. I believe His promise. It gives me comfort, confidence and security.
I prayed: "Do not cast me away when I am old. Do not forsake me when my strength is gone" [Ps.71:9]. Also, Lord may all those who have not intimately known you yet come to you before it is too late. May all your children learn to enjoy the variety of promises you have given us.
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