Monday, November 29, 2010

Recognize Where Your Help Comes From

Scripture Reference:
Psalm 121 (NIV)

1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

Three times each year, the men of Israel were to go to the temple and present themselves before the Lord. (See Deut. 16:16). The fifteen Psalms (120 through 134) are the songs of degrees, meaning, elevation, a journey to a higher place or go up, were to be sung as they ascended the temple mount.

The first verse is referring to the City of Jerusalem located in the hill country of Israel. This city was the place that God had designated as His (See 2Chr. 6:6). Mount Zion, Moriah, and Olives are all names associated with the city of Jerusalem. The author is lifting his eyes to the one place designated as God’s dwelling place on earth.

“I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain” Joel 3:17. The Psalmist was not expecting help from the hills; he was expecting help from God. Many times when we pray, we raise our eyes toward heaven the place were our savior lives. However, God dwells in the believer through the Holy Spirit.

Believers should remember that our help comes from God the creator and master of the universe. God is our protector, in this scripture help mean to depend on Him. He is aware of each believer’s spiritual needs.

Satan never lets up he looks for every opportunity to attach. Nevertheless, God is forever present “He neither slumber nor sleep”. When night comes, our guard is down and we become confronted with temptation, do not worry you are not alone. God is there He is vigilant and will deliver and protect us.

This scripture tells us that God is forever, He never leaves us whether day or night. He has a hedge around us protecting us from all evil. He protects us from harm in the physical and spiritual existence. God is invincible, for the faithful it is impossible for the enemy to attack.

Christian friends we can trust in God completely for protection and guidance. “The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time for the, and even for evermore.” God is with us for now and until the end shielding us from all harm.

by: Barbara Stevenson

Saturday, November 13, 2010

What A Blessing !

Scripture Reference
Ephesians 2:1-6
1As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,


All of us at one time were the walking dead; we were controlled by the flesh, being used by Satan. Until we accepted Jesus in our lives, we were the devil’s tools on earth. In Ephesians 2:1-3, Paul reminds the Ephesians that they were followers of Lucifer doing his bidding on earth.

Believers today forget that they were once under enemy control; that as sinners we were doomed, separated from God. “Gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts” (verse 3). We must realize that as saints we have a new life we are born again; set apart for God’s use.

So many of us feel that because we attend church it is a reason to be treated special. We have the impression that God should be excited that we choose his side; with all of our old baggage; all of our worldly expertise. It is so amazing that He chose us when we were unlikable. While we were yet sinners, Jesus left glory, came to this earth, He became flesh and dwelled among. He who was sinless became sin so that we might live. Christ did what no man would do He willingly went to Calvary for us.

Paul tells the church of the wonderful blessing of God love bestowed upon us through Jesus Christ. By grace we were raised up and seated in heavenly places with Him. This stresses the divinely formed unity shared between Christ and Christians. What was accomplished in the past is still a reality today and forever.

As believers we should rejoice in the knowledge of Gods divine grace, and understand His immeasurable love for us. God’s love pursues us, makes a way for us, keeps us alive and does not give up on us until we finally accepts all that He wants to give us.

by: Barbara Stevenson