Tag Archives: Trust

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Checkin’ out some rockin’ waves

“The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.” EXODUS 15:9.

Wow, that is quite a statement but that is the plan Pharaoh had for the Hebrews as the fled from Egypt. Most know the story; Israel had been in held as slaves to Egypt for four hundred and thirty years.

A bondage that God had foretold Abraham about, and I believe was a result of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers but that is a thought for another post.  So, we know that God sent Moses to Pharaoh to inform him that God wanted them freed, and of course he refused. God starts sending the plagues on Egypt and each time Pharaoh agrees to free them only to change his mind once the plague had been stayed.

Now, the interesting thing with this story is that it was GOD who was hardening Pharaoh’s heart, that does not mean that God made Pharaoh evil, he was already wicked and cruel, but God made his heart even harder because he would become the perfect candidate for God to pour out his fury upon. With each plague God displayed his majesty, His power over all creation.

From controlling the tiniest of things, turning dust to gnats, sending locusts, frogs, flies, to controlling the grander of creation, displaying His power over water, and cattle, and sending hail, three days of darkness, sending boils and then His control over life itself, by sending death upon their firstborn. 

All of Egypt knew that there was none who could stand against the God of the Hebrews. And most certainly God wanted the Hebrews to understand this.

So, we’ll pick up at the Red Sea, they had been released and fled Egypt but now they see in the distance behind them the pursing armies of Pharaoh and they first cry unto the Lord and then complain to Moses, that they should have just stayed slaves in Egypt rather than die in the wilderness. Moses assures them that they would see the salvation of the Lord and that after that day the Egyptians they would see no more. This says a lot about stopping mid battle:

Exodus 14:15: ” And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore (Why) criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that THEY GO FORWARD” 

Ever feel like you fight the same battle over and over again? That when it seems victory has been won, only to see what is sneaking up behind you again? 

God wanted them to know and to understand that He and He ALONE was their deliverer and no matter how many times He triumphed over Pharaoh, they still failed to see this.

Some things we go through are necessary for our growth because God wants us dependent on Him and Him alone in all in all situations. I think if we were all to be honest, we have all been there and some of us (notice I said US) seem to go there often.

We will continue in that wilderness, hung up on whatever stumbling stone that is there until we grow enough, trust enough and react with the reaction that He has desired in us.

But He NEVER leaves us to our enemies, and He NEVER leaves stranded before those seas alone.

EXODUS 19-31 “And the angel of the God, which went BEFORE the camp of Israel, removed (moved) and went BEHIND them: and the pillar of the cloud with before their face, and STOOD BEHIND THEM:

And IT came BETWEEN the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel, and IT WAS A CLOUD OF DARKNESS TO THEM, but IT GAVE LIGHT BY NIGHT TO THESE; so that the one come not near the other ALL THE NIGHT.

And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and THE LORD caused the sea TO GO BACK by a strong east wind ALL THAT NIGHT; and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.

And the children of Israel went into THE MIDST OF THE SEA UPON THE DRY GROUND: and THE WATERS WERE A WALL UNTO THEM ON THEIR RIGHT HAND, AND ON THEIR LEFT.   

And the Egyptians pursued and went in after them to the midst of the sea, EVEN ALL PHAROAH’S HORSES, HIS CHARIOTS, AND HIS HORSEMEN.

And it came to pass, that IN THE MORNING WATCH, that the Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians THROUGH the pillar of fire and of the cloud and troubled the Egyptians. And TOOK OFF THEIR CHARIOT WHEELS, that they drave (drove) them heavily.  so that the Egyptians said, LET US FLEE from the face of Israel FOR THE LORD FIGHTETH FOR THEM against the Egyptians.

And the Lord said unto Moses; Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen. And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength (full depth) WHEN THE MORNING APPEARED; and the Egyptians fled against it (tried to run away from it); and THE LORD OVERTHREW (SHOOK OFF) THE EGYPTIANS IN THE MIDST OF THE SEA.

And the waters returned, and COVERED the chariots, and the horsemen, and ALL the host of Pharaoh THAT CAME INTO THE SEA AFTER THEM; THAT THERE REAMINETH NOT ONE OF THEM.

But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters WERE a wall unto them on their right hand, on their left. Thus the Lord saved (delivered) Israel THAT DAY out of the hands of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptian’s dead upon the sea shore. And Israel SAW the great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians; and the people feared the Lord (stood in awe of Him) and believed the Lord and his servant Moses.”

We all battle and what is no problem for you may take me to my knees and something I could have the faith to move a mountain about could be the area that endlessly torments another.

But we all have Egyptians, Red Seas, and spiritual Pharaohs to deal with on our journey for the Lord. 

But as with these passages the Lord was telling them to just go, go on, and keep going FORWARD because of course they couldn’t turn because they would be running into the very thing they were running from.

God does not want us to run from anything.

He wants us to trust Him and know that even though it is dark, it is night, but that those waves are rocking. Even though you may not see what is going on in the spirit world rest assured that God is always at work, and He is setting things in motion to bring deliverance to your situation.

But only a deliverance and divine plan that leaves no doubt that it is the hand of God on your life. 

Sometimes the sea you think that you are going to drown in can be the very one that God uses to form walls of protection around you.

So don’t look back, don’t question, don’t complain, just trust and remember four hundred and thirty years was a very, very long time, but deliverance always comes with the morning.

Φλογίζω Σαλπιζω NB 2016 **REVISTED** 08/30/2022 Rev. N. Brown Johnson

 

 

 

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DWELLING PLACE

“Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into morning, and maketh the day dark with night: that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them upon the face of the earth.” Amos 5:8

We know what could be said, I personally can never say it enough.
He is omnipotent and omnipresent, no matter where you are, He is with you. 
He is holy, beautiful,  complete in glory and majesty and yet having a gentleness and humility unlike anything of this world.

 He is the Lord and beside Him, there is no savior.
Jeremiah 23:23″Am I a God at hand, saith the Lord, and not a God afar off ? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord.”

When he revealed himself to Saul, who was on his way to arrest all the Christians that he could round-up, Jesus told him it was useless to resist him, my question would be who could?

He then transformed Saul to his chosen vessel Paul, who would go preach the very gospel he had so adamantly fought against! With thirteen books of the New Testament having been authored by him.

Now that is a true transformation of mind and soul!
So many atrocities are committed in the name of God, but he is nowhere near of any it.
Jesus is gentle and merciful and does not condone beating children, animals or anyone.

He himself, suffered a horrific beating before His crucifixion, in our place, so why would He want us to beat others or be subjected to it?
Evil always pretends that it is for the cause of good, because Satan is a liar and the father of lies.

The Bible recalling work after work of the Lord  with the heavens, the earth, and the seas, and all of creation declaring His glory.
His will and purpose for us equating into that plan when we should be so small, so insignificant, but the God of the universe has called His followers, His friends!
The nations are as but a drop of water in a bucket to Him and yet He has called us his peculiar treasure.

Maybe that is why we are a peculiar treasure, that He would think of us and walk with Adam and Eve in the garden, and speak with Moses, first from a burning bush and then face to face, visit with Abraham and spend time with the disciples before returning to heaven and cry when we cry and hear us when we call and heaven comes down to visit earth.

No matter how we profess our love for Him, the truth of the matter and the secret to it all, is HIS love toward us!

A love so far beyond our human comprehension and defying all our human logic.

And the best part is His word and His word will not return void, it will do what He sent it to do.
So no matter where you are on this earth, what persecution and ridicule that you may be suffering today, I want you to know He does love you and He sees all that you endure.
Hold onto to Him, don’t try to figure anything out on your own, give it all to Him and He will guide you in the way you need to go.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”   Proverbs 3:5-6

“The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth him out of all their troubles.
The Lord is nigh (near) unto them that are of a broken spirit and saveth such as be of a contrite (crushed) spirit. 

Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.”       Psalm 34:15, 17-19

 

“He that dwelleth  in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, HE IS my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust:  his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Thou shalt not be afraid for (of) the terror by night; nor the arrow that flieth by day;
Nor for the pestilence (trouble) that walketh in darkness; nor the destruction that wasteth( lays waste) at noonday.
A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. 

For he shall give his angels charge over thee.”  Psalm 91:1-6,11

“Because thou hath made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation (dwelling place);” Psalm 91:9


The Lord’s answer follows:
“Because he has set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

He shall call upon me, and I will deliver him:
I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honour him.”

Again him, being a generic term for all humans.  

Literally living, breathing, being kept hidden from the adversary under the protective presence of all-powerful, all-knowing God.

“For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me: he shall set me upon a rock.

And now mine head shall be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle (presence) sacrifices of joy:

I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.

Hear, O, Lord when I cry with my voice: have mercy upon me and answer me. 

When thou saidst Seek ye my face: my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.”   Psalm 27:5-8

Life is never fair.

Things happen, it rains on the just and the unjust.

Trials and heartache come, but there is a presence of God, a place of safety, a place that assures you peace even in the midst of a storm raging all around you.
A reassurance that can only be found in  His everlasting arms, under the shadow of his wings.

If you need this today, all you have to do is ask Him, He does understand, He created you in the palm of His hand and yet those wings spread so far that He can cover the entire world with them.

That is who HE IS and that is one of the many reasons we love Him and worship Him and He never forces us to do any of it.

“And ye will seek me and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”   Jeremiah 29:13

My sincerest prayer for you today is that the Lord keep you, bless you and make his face shine upon you and give you peace, in the name above every name, Jesus of Nazareth.  AMEN

Φλογιζω/ All rights reserved. NBJ 2015
Revisited 2019 * I wanted to revisit this post again as we still watch the heartache that plays out in our world, and it can cause feelings of helplessness and overwhelming hopelessness, but don’t lose heart, God always wins! 

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“Bountiful Benefits”

Psalm 119:17-24 GIMEL:  “Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.

Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

I am a stranger in the earth; hide not thy commandments from me.

My soul breaketh for (is crushed with) the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.

Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.

Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.

Princes also did sit and speak against me; but thy servant did mediate in thy statutes. 

Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.”   

The joys of serving the Lord are beyond measure, but often in the midst of persecution or a season of lack we may not also feel blessed or feel like the chosen that we are. Which is why this verse reminds us that his testimonies are our delight and they are our “counselors”, helping us and giving us direction especially in the face of our enemies who ridicule and accuse us and God wants us to focus on Him, not on their actions especially when it seems like that have it “made” in life and it appears that they just run on forever being cruel, wicked, and unkind but God tells us often in his word that he sees all of this and even though it may appear that they are somehow rewarded, in reality if they do not change this life will be only life they have because they will be condemned to an eternal hell and in that thought you will actually feel sorry for them and here is his word on how to deal with that.

Psalm 37:1-18: “Fret not (do not be concerned with) thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.

For they shall soon be cut down like grass, and wither as the green herb.

TRUST IN THE LORD, and do good; so shall thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

DELIGHT THYSELF ALSO IN THE LORD; AND HE SHALL GIVE THEE THE DESIRES OF THINE HEART. 

Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. 

And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment (justice) as noonday.

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him; fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices (schemes) to pass.

Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; fret not thyself in any wise (way) to do evil.

For evildoers shall be cut off (destroyed); but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth .

For yet a little while, and the wicked shall NOT be; yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.

But the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

The wicked plotteh against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.

The Lord shall laugh at him; for he seeth that his day is coming.

The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and the needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation (conduct).

Their sword shall enter their own heart, and their bows shall be broken. A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked. 

For the arms (forces of control) of the wicked shall be broken; but the Lord UPHOLDETH the righteous.

THE LORD KNOWETH THE DAYS OF THE UPRIGHT; AND THEIR INHERITANCE SHALL BE FOR EVER.”

 

Φλογιζω  NBJ 2020/ Rev. Nina Brown Johnson

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DWELLING PLACE

“Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into morning, and maketh the day dark with night: that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them upon the face of the earth.” Amos 5:8

We know what could be said, I personally can never say it enough.
He is omnipotent and omnipresent, no matter where you are, He is with you. 
He is holy, beautiful, full and glory and majesty and yet having a gentleness and humility unlike anything of this world.

 He is the Lord and beside Him, there is no savior.


Jeremiah 23:23″Am I a God at hand, saith the Lord, and not a God afar off ? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord.”

When he revealed himself to Saul, who was on his way to arrest all the Christians that he could round-up, Jesus told him it was useless to resist him, my question would be who could?

He then transformed Saul to his chosen vessel Paul, who would go preach the very gospel he had so adamantly fought against! With thirteen books of the New Testament having been authored by him.

Now that is a true transformation of mind and soul!
So many atrocities are committed in the name of God, but he is nowhere near of any it.
Jesus is gentle and merciful and does not condone beating children, animals or anyone.

He himself, suffered a horrific beating before His crucifixion, in our place, so why would He want us to beat others or be subjected to it?
Evil always pretends that it is for the cause of good, because Satan is a liar and the father of lies.

The Bible recalling work after work of the Lord  with the heavens, the earth, and the seas, and all of creation declaring His glory.
His will and purpose for us equating into that plan when we should be so small, so insignificant, but the God of the universe has called His followers, His friends!
The nations are as but a drop of water in a bucket to Him and yet He has called us his peculiar treasure.

Maybe that is why we are a peculiar treasure, that He would think of us and walk with Adam and Eve in the garden, and speak with Moses, first from a burning bush and then face to face, visit with Abraham and spend time with the disciples before returning to heaven and cry when we cry and hear us when we call and heaven comes down to visit earth.

No matter how we profess our love for Him, the truth of the matter and the secret to it all, is HIS love toward us!

A love so far beyond our human comprehension and defying all our human logic.

And the best part is His word and His word will not return void, it will do what He sent it to do.
So no matter where you are on this earth, what persecution and ridicule that you may be suffering today, I want you to know He does love you and He sees all that you endure.
Hold onto to Him, don’t try to figure anything out on your own, give it all to Him and He will guide you in the way you need to go.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”   Proverbs 3:5-6

“The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth him out of all their troubles.
The Lord is nigh (near) unto them that are of a broken spirit and saveth such as be of a contrite (crushed) spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.”       Psalm 34:15, 17-19

“He that dwelleth  in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, HE IS my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust:  his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Thou shalt not be afraid for (of) the terror by night; nor the arrow that flieth by day;
Nor for the pestilence (trouble) that walketh in darkness; nor the destruction that wasteth( lays waste) at noonday.
A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. For he shall give his angels charge over thee.”  Psalm 91:1-6,11

“Because thou hath made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation (dwelling place);” Psalm 91:9
The Lord’s answer follows:
“Because he has set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will deliver him:
I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honour him.”

Again him, being a generic term for all humans.  

Literally living, breathing, being kept hidden from the adversary under the protective presence of all-powerful, all-knowing God.

“For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me: he shall set me upon a rock.

And now mine head shall be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle (presence) sacrifices of joy: I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.

Hear, O, Lord when I cry with my voice: have mercy upon me and answer me. 

When thou saidst Seek ye my face: my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.”   Psalm 27:5-8

Life is never fair. Things happen, it rains on the just and the unjust.

Trials and heartache come, but there is a presence of God, a place of safety, a place that assures you peace even in the midst of a storm raging all around you.
A reassurance that can only be found in  His everlasting arms, under the shadow of his wings.

If you need this today, all you have to do is ask Him, He does understand, He created you in the palm of His hand and yet those wings spread so far that He can cover the entire world with them.

That is who HE IS and that is one of the many reasons we love Him and worship Him and He never forces us to do any of it.

“And ye will seek me and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”   Jeremiah 29:13

My sincerest prayer for you today is that the Lord keep you, bless you and make his face shine upon you and give you peace, in the name above every name, Jesus of Nazareth.  AMEN

Φλογιζω/ All rights reserved. NBJ 2015
Revisited 2019  * Repost 03/22/2022

by

Checkin’ out some rockin’ waves

“The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.” EXODUS 15:9.

Wow, that is quite a statement but that is the plan Pharaoh had for the Hebrews as the fled from Egypt. Most know the story, Israel had been in held as slaves to Egypt for four hundred and thirty years.

A bondage that God had foretold Abraham about and I believe was a result of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers but that is a thought for another post.  So we know that God sent Moses to Pharaoh to inform him that God wanted them freed,  and of course he refused. God starts sending the plagues on Egypt and each time Pharaoh agrees to free them only to change his mind once the plague had been stayed.

Now, the interesting thing with this story is that it was GOD who was hardening Pharaoh’s heart, that does not mean that God made Pharaoh evil, he was already wicked and cruel but God made his heart even harder because he would become the perfect candidate for God to pour out his fury upon. With each plague God displayed his majesty, His power over all creation.

From controlling the tiniest of things, turning dust to gnats, sending locusts, frogs, flies, to controlling the grander of creation, displaying His power  over water, and cattle, and  sending hail, three days of  darkness, sending boils and then His control over life itself, by sending death upon their firstborn. 

All of Egypt knew that there was none who could stand against the God of the Hebrews. And most certainly God wanted the Hebrews to understand this.

So we’ll pick up at the Red Sea, they had been released and fled Egypt but now they see in the distance behind them the pursing armies of Pharaoh and they first cry unto the Lord and then complain to Moses, that they should have just stayed slaves in Egypt rather than die in the wilderness. Moses assures them that they would see the salvation of the Lord and that after that day the Egyptians they would see no more. This says a lot about stopping mid battle:

Exodus 14:15: ” And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore (Why) criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that THEY GO FORWARD” 

Ever feel like you fight the same battle over and over again? That when it seems victory has been won, only to see what is sneaking up behind you again?  God wanted them to know and to understand that He and He ALONE was their deliverer and no matter how many times He triumphed over Pharaoh, they still failed to see this.

Some things we go through are necessary for our growth because God wants us dependent on Him and Him alone in all in all situations. I think if we were all to be honest, we have all been there and some of us (notice I said US) seem to go there often.

We will continue in that wilderness, hung up on whatever stumbling stone that is there until we grow enough, trust enough and react with the reaction that He has desired in us. But He NEVER leaves us to our enemies and He NEVER leaves stranded before those seas alone.

EXODUS 19-31 “And the angel of the God, which went BEFORE the camp of Israel, removed (moved) and went BEHIND them: and the pillar of the cloud with before their face, and STOOD BEHIND THEM:

And IT came BETWEEN the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel, and IT WAS A CLOUD OF DARKNESS TO THEM, but  IT GAVE LIGHT BY NIGHT TO THESE; so that the one come not near the other ALL THE NIGHT.

And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and THE LORD caused the sea TO GO BACK by a strong east wind ALL THAT NIGHT; and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.

And the children of Israel went into THE MIDST OF THE SEA UPON THE DRY GROUND: and THE WATERS WERE A WALL UNTO THEM ON THEIR RIGHT HAND, AND ON THEIR LEFT.   And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, EVEN ALL PHAROAH’S  HORSES, HIS CHARIOTS, AND HIS HORSEMEN.

And it came to pass, that IN THE MORNING WATCH, that the Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians THROUGH the pillar of fire and of the cloud and troubled the Egyptians. And TOOK OFF THEIR CHARIOT WHEELS, that they drave (drove) them heavily;  so that the Egyptians said, LET US FLEE from the face of Israel FOR THE LORD FIGHTETH FOR THEM against the Egyptians.

And the Lord said unto Moses; Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen. And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength ( full depth) WHEN THE MORNING APPEARED; and the Egyptians fled against it (tried to run away from it); and THE LORD OVERTHREW (SHOOK OFF) THE EGYPTIANS IN THE MIDST OF THE SEA.

And  the waters returned, and COVERED the chariots, and the horsemen, and ALL the host of Pharaoh THAT CAME INTO THE SEA AFTER THEM; THAT THERE REAMINETH NOT ONE OF THEM.

But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters WERE a wall unto them on their right hand, on their left. Thus the Lord saved (delivered) Israel THAT DAY out of the hands of the hand of the Egyptians ; and Israel saw the Egyptian’s dead upon the sea shore. And Israel SAW the great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians; and the people feared the Lord (stood in awe of Him), and believed the Lord and his servant Moses.”

We all battle and what is no problem for you may take me to my knees and something I could have the faith to move a mountain about could be the area that endlessly torments another. But we all have Egyptians, Red Seas, and spiritual Pharaohs  to deal with on our journey for the Lord.  But as with these passages the Lord was telling them to just go, go on, and keep going FORWARD because of course they couldn’t turn because they would be running into the very thing they were running from. God does not want us to run from anything. He wants us to trust Him and know that even though it is dark, it is night, but that those waves are rocking. Even though you may not see what is going on in the spirit world rest assured that God is always at work and He is setting things in motion to bring deliverance to your situation. But only  a deliverance and divine plan that leaves no doubt that it is the hand of God on your life. Sometimes the sea you think that you are going to drown in can be the very one that God uses to form walls of protection around you. So don’t look back, don’t question, don’t complain, just trust and remember four hundred and thirty years was a very, very  long time, but  deliverance always comes with the morning.

Φλογίζω Σαλπιζω NB 2016

 

 

 

by

DWELLING PLACE

“Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into morning, and maketh the day dark with night: that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them upon the face of the earth.” Amos 5:8

We know what could be said, I personally can never say it enough.
He is omnipotent and omnipresent, no matter where you are, He is with you. 
He is holy, beautiful, full and glory and majesty and yet having a gentleness and humility unlike anything of this world.

 He is the Lord and beside Him, there is no savior.
Jeremiah 23:23″Am I a God at hand, saith the Lord, and not a God afar off ? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord.”

When he revealed himself to Saul, who was on his way to arrest all the Christians that he could round-up, Jesus told him it was useless to resist him, my question would be who could?

He then transformed Saul to his chosen vessel Paul, who would go preach the very gospel he had so adamantly fought against! With thirteen books of the New Testament having been authored by him.

Now that is a true transformation of mind and soul!
So many atrocities are committed in the name of God, but he is nowhere near of any it.
Jesus is gentle and merciful and does not condone beating children, animals or anyone.

He himself, suffered a horrific beating before His crucifixion, in our place, so why would He want us to beat others or be subjected to it?
Evil always pretends that it is for the cause of good, because Satan is a liar and the father of lies.

The Bible recalling work after work of the Lord  with the heavens, the earth, and the seas, and all of creation declaring His glory.
His will and purpose for us equating into that plan when we should be so small, so insignificant, but the God of the universe has called His followers, His friends!
The nations are as but a drop of water in a bucket to Him and yet He has called us his peculiar treasure.

Maybe that is why we are a peculiar treasure, that He would think of us and walk with Adam and Eve in the garden, and speak with Moses, first from a burning bush and then face to face, visit with Abraham and spend time with the disciples before returning to heaven and cry when we cry and hear us when we call and heaven comes down to visit earth.

No matter how we profess our love for Him, the truth of the matter and the secret to it all, is HIS love toward us!

A love so far beyond our human comprehension and defying all our human logic. And the best part is His word and His word will not return void, it will do what He sent it to do.
So no matter where you are on this earth, what persecution and ridicule that you may be suffering today, I want you to know He does love you and He sees all that you endure.
Hold onto to Him, don’t try to figure anything out on your own, give it all to Him and He will guide you in the way you need to go.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”   Proverbs 3:5-6

“The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth him out of all their troubles.
The Lord is nigh (near) unto them that are of a broken spirit and saveth such as be of a contrite (crushed) spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.”       Psalm 34:15, 17-19

“He that dwelleth  in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, HE IS my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust:  his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Thou shalt not be afraid for (of) the terror by night; nor the arrow that flieth by day;
Nor for the pestilence (trouble) that walketh in darkness; nor the destruction that wasteth
( lays waste) at noonday.
A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. For he shall give his angels charge over thee.”  Psalm 91:1-6,11

“Because thou hath made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation (dwelling place);” Psalm 91:9
The Lord’s answer follows:
“Because he has set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will deliver him:
I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honour him.”

Again him, being a generic term for all humans.  Literally living, breathing, being kept hidden from the adversary under the protective presence of all-powerful, all-knowing God.

“For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me: he shall set me upon a rock. And now mine head shall be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle (presence) sacrifices of joy: I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord. Hear, O, Lord when I cry with my voice: have mercy upon me and answer me.  When thou saidst Seek ye my face: my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.”   Psalm 27:5-8

Life is never fair. Things happen, it rains on the just and the unjust. Trails and heartache come, but there is a presence of God, a place of safety, a place that assures you peace even in the midst of a storm raging all around you.
A reassurance that can only be found in  His everlasting arms, under the shadow of his wings.

If you need this today, all you have to do is ask Him, He does understand, He created you in the palm of His hand and yet those wings spread so far that He can cover the entire world with them.

That is who HE IS and that is one of the many reasons we love Him and worship Him and He never forces us to do any of it.

“And ye will seek me and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”   Jeremiah 29:13

My sincerest prayer for you today is that the Lord keep you, bless you and make his face shine upon you and give you peace, in the name above every name, Jesus of Nazareth.  AMEN

Φλογιζω/ All rights reserved. NBJ 2015
Revisited 2019