Matthew 22:29 "Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God."
Job 22:28 "Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto Thee."
Mark 16:18 "They shall take up serpents and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them."
Matthew 15:13 "Every plant which my Heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up."
Psalm 91:3 "Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler and from the noisome pestilence."
Joel 2:32 "Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered."
Romans 8:32 "For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."
Psalm 97:10 "He preserveth the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked."
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There are so many voices in this world--all clamoring for our attention. Think of the New York Stock Exchange, with everyone yelling to, and over one another. The earth is a lot like this chaotic scene.
Everyone around you is vying for your attention, but people who are nowhere near you are doing the same! We are connected to electronic devices--phones and iPads, computers, television--in constant contact with others whether we are communicating with or passively listening to (as in the case of television). But there is a place where you can escape--a place where you can commune one-to-one with the Most High God to hear and listen to His voice. The Secret Place--prayer.
We need to be alone in the presence of God because we are His family. He wants us to spend time with Him to help, speak to, and instruct us, to refresh us, to fill us with perfect peace in the midst of a fallen world spinning out of control. How often do you take the time to disconnect with the world and connect with Christ? Once a month? Once a week? Once a day?
The news is buzzing with stories about threats of terrorist attacks, deadly viruses, rumors of war, murder, corruption and more. It is easy to succumb to fear, but it's better to come to Christ!
God is our refuge and our only hope. He gave us His Word--the Bible. Keep it close to you always. Study it. Be instructed. Live it. And when you have the least little twinge of fear, open the covers and keep reading.
I like to start off every day with a base prayer--a simple, short 5-10 minute prayer like this:
Dear Lord, please bless and protect and keep healthy and well:______ and _______ and _______ and________ etc. Set your angels about all of them in a hedge of protection. I pray Psalm 91 over each of these family and friends and co-workers. Thank you, Lord for your loving care.
I include my immediate family, and I name some, but not all--parents, in-laws, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, neighbors and co-workers. This prayer is simple and is designed to build on. Time is at a premium for all of us, so I start each day with this and pray more during the day. The prayers I build on this base are more specific and tailored to the individual. I also build beyond my circle of loved ones to pray for my community, my country and the world.
There are days where I am so busy I never say another prayer. And if that is the case, I don't feel bad, because I know I've already prayed for those I love and care about. After I've said my base prayer, I can pray any time, anywhere, but I've already experienced my quiet time with the Lord. I've heard His voice speak truth into my heart. My heart is filled with His love and peace.
What else happens when we pray? Everything!
God is:
A refuge or hiding place to us. A fortress or place of protection. He is a place of security and trust for us to run to.
God will:
Deliver us from the snare of the fowler (a trap set for us by the wicked), and from the noisome pestilence. He will cover and protect us with His feathers as a hen covers it's baby chicks. He will make His truth as a shield and buckler (protects the vital organs from the weapon thrusts and arrows of the enemy).
The time it takes to pray is the time it takes to paint your nails or do your makeup--time we can easily fit into our busy routine by waking up a little earlier. We can't climb a mountain each day to pray, but we can take ten minutes to bow down before the Lord to pray and seek His face. Our time with Christ is the most important daily makeover we need.
I would blush with shame if I concealed the fact that Jesus is my foundation. He doesn't change like the shadows. His name sticks on my lips all day. My eyes line up on Him only. He polishes my heart and brings gloss to my life. The beauty He gives last forever.
Why settle for makeup when you can have a complete makeover?
