A Secure Place - By Glenda Mills

www.geekphilosphers.com

“If you want to know God, you must be willing to have your heart broken as His was.” That would be me I thought. My heart was already broken. The challenges our family faced during a turbulent, stormy season threatened to tear us apart. I needed to hear those challenging words from the minister and I left the chapel that day with a desperate heart cry...“Lord I want to know You”.

A couple of days later, I stood in a bookstore staring at a book. The beautiful floral cover caught my attention—the title captured my heart. There it was…. The very prayer I had prayed;

 “Lord I Want to Know You”–Kay Arthur. 

Hope soared as I opened the pages to the *book and ministry that literally changed my life and the life of my family. Within its pages I found the place to run for comfort, hope, and encouragement. I also found a Secret and Sheltered Place…a Place of Security and Peace…and a Place of Protection and Promise. Finally I found a Shield of Truth that continues to guard my heart and protect my mind.

To God be the Glory! I am so grateful for the things He has done in my life and the life of those who call on His name.

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What a joy to continue our study of Psalm 91 with my dear friend Jamie Britt. Last week, Jamie blessed our hearts as she shared about “A Sheltered Place”…under the shadow of God’s Wings (See last week’s post).

This week we dig a little deeper into this classic psalm written down that we may learn to know God in a deeper way.

Moses the man of God, and David the man after God’s own heart, called out to God in the deserts of their days—when they needed protection from predators, pandemic diseases and plagues. They knew His promises and they revealed His character as they spoke and wrote about His name.   

Reading from Psalm 91: 3-4 (New Life Version).

A. It is He Who:

            1. takes you away from the trap,
            2. and from the killing sickness.
            3. He will cover you with His wings,
            4. and under His wings you will be safe.

B. He is faithful like:

            1. a safe covering
            2. and a strong wall

These verses record just a few of the promises and attributes of God.  There are more to come, but today let’s focus on the Hebrew names of God in this chapter.

Who is the He who promises all the benefits above? This psalm speaks of just four of the Hebrew names of God.

1. God—El-ohim, Creator  

   In the beginning God created the heavens and earth

  (Genesis 1:1).

2. God Most High—El-Elyon, Sovereign Ruler of the Universe

   The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His  

   kingdom rules over all (Psalm 103:19).

3. Almighty God— El-Shaddai, Powerful Breasted One

    I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as El-Shaddai—'God Almighty' (Exodus 6:3a).

4. LORD—YHWH-Jehovah, Self- Existing One

    Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid:  

    for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; He 

    also is become my salvation (Isaiah 12:2).

Where do you run when the stormy seasons of life threaten you and the ones you love? Have you found that place of security and rest under the shadow of El-Shaddai-s wings?

Jamie and I would love you to leave your comment below. 

If you have yet to experience the overshadowing love of God, I encourage you to call out His Name. To learn more about how God manifested His love towards all who call on Him, click here How To Have Peace With God .

Jamie, that’s all I have to share today. Do you have any thoughts or a prayer you’d like to leave with us today?

Jamie writes:
Glenda, All I can say about this post is wow! I needed this today myself!

Jamie’s prayer: Father, thank You for giving us that sheltered secure place to run to during times of distress and trouble. When the storms of life come so suddenly, we feel as though we're sinking. Thank You for showing us that if David…. who was a man after Your own heart could run and seek refuge from you Lord, so can we. Thank You for giving us that access to not only come to you… but to come boldly. Help us run to…and not away from You in our time of need. In Jesus Name, Amen.

*To learn more about the book “Lord, I want to know You”, and the ministry behind the book, contact http://www.precept.org

Glenda Mills was deeply involved for many years in women’s ministry; teaching, training, mentoring, and encouraging women to find their identity and purpose through an ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ. She loves to encourage others to seek truth for themselves as they learn to study the Bible inductively. Mother of two, and grandmother of six, Glenda enjoys life in her autumn years, with her husband Dave, on top of a mountain in Wild and Wonderful West Virginia. 

Glenda was recently published with ChristianDevotions.us>You are invited to view her devotional at: http://www.christiandevotions.us/tag/glendamills/ and to visit her blogsite at: http://www.glendamills.com

A Sheltered Place

courtesy of www.geekphilospher.com

He who dwells 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 I will trust."
Psalm 91: 1-2 

“

When I think of being sheltered from a storm, my mind goes to a hurricane shelter. The shelter is used to protect us from the danger the weather presents. We trust operators of the shelter to keep us safe as long as the need is there. 

 There's another shelter…. A shelter from the storms of life. We can trust the operator of this shelter—more than those who run hurricane shelters. 

We can trust God to never leave us and never let us down. 

When we feel as though we're backed into a corner so dark we can't emerge, we can take comfort that the darkness we're facing is –the Shadow of His wing. 

 So let me encourage you today—Run to the Safe Shelter. There's not a better place for you to find comfort, peace and rest. And if you're hearing about this provider of a shelter for the very first time, you can come as well. Just ask the Lord to forgive you of your sins and come into your heart. It's that simple! 

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NLT). 

"Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. (Rev. 3:20 NLT). 

Prayer: Father, You are our Shield, our Strong Tower, and our Refuge. Help us to run into your safe, secure Shelter. Amen.

Glenda writes: Thank you Jamie! You’ve caused my heart to soar with encouragement this morning!

 I love your strong statement: “When we feel as though we're backed into a corner so dark we can't emerge, we can take comfort that the darkness we're facing is –the Shadow of His wing.” 

Ladies, can you relate? Has your past or present circumstances caused you to feel you were backed into a dark corner you couldn’t escape? Did you experience the shadown and safety of His wings? 

Thought for the week: Darkness cannot hide the face of our Savior…we are being held under the Shadow of God’s Wing!

Dear Friends, its your time to leave a word of encouragement for someone who may be struggling in a dark place today.  Please leave a comment below. 

 God bless you all, 
Jamie and Glenda 

You may contact Glenda at http://www.glendamills.com

Lord Do You See?

Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, “Have I also here seen Him who sees me?” (Gennesis 16:13, NKJV)

I titled this post with a question that I'm sure we've all asked. I konw I did this weekend. My plans to see a dear friend had fallen through, and I was (and still am at times) wrestling with questions in my mind. "Lord why isn't this happening?" "This is the third time this has been canceled, why Lord?" Ladies, I felt as if I was all alone. I felt like God wasn't anywhere I turned. But the reminder of a dear friend once again reminded me that He is there. He is El Roy. He is the God who sees. He sees my frustration. He sees my disappointment. He sees my pain. Are you in a place where you feel God isn't anywhere in your circumstances? Ladies, He's right there. He knows what you're going through, and He cares. Let me encourage you, call out to Him. Tell him you're hurting, after all He's been there. He's struggled with disappointment. He's struggled with pain. He's struggled with everything that we as humans struggle with. So, call out to El Roy. He sees you, and He'll see you through your storm of despair.

Dear Lord, thank You for being El Roy. Thank You Lord that even when we don't feel you near, You've never left us. You've never left our side. I pray for each of my readers. Give them the comfort that You so long for them to have. Lord we love You and we praise You. Amen.

A Secret Place - By Glenda Mills

Awakening just before daybreak, I quickly dressed, grabbed my bible and headed for the beach. Our family was experiencing the loss of a precious relationship. The ache in my heart was real, yet a song flooded my mind as I walked toward the shore.

“When peace like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.” Horatio Spafford 

The sound of fluttering wings caught my attention as I stepped under the boardwalk. Looking up I saw a dove resting on the ledge of the crossbeam. Deeply aware of the presence of the Lord, I quickly opened my bible to the scripture that came to mind.

"Oh my dove, in the cleft of the rock, in the secret place of the steep pathway, let me see your form, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your form is lovely." (Song of Songs 2:14 NASB). 

Bible scholars believe the Song of Songs is a picture of Jesus Christ and His Bride. To be known and loved by God in such an intimate way is the greatest joy one can ever know. Psalm 91 also speaks of a secret place. A place seen by One who loves and knows his own... calls us by name... and knows all the details of our lives.

Good Morning Friends! Welcome to our study! Will you join me in prayer?

Father God, we gratefully enter the secret place of the Most High...not because we deserve it, but because of your great mercy and love. I pray you will open our spiritual eyes of understanding and our hearts to receive all that you want to show us through your Word. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen. 

Here's the outline for our study:
"Sheltered Under His Wings" Psalm 91
1. A Secret Place 
2. A Sheltered Place 
3. A Secure Place 
4. A Place of Peace 
5. A Place of Protection 
6. A Place of Promise

When you read Psalm 91, you may notice it has no title or author....

So who wrote the Book? 
During my time of preparation for this study, I learned that Jewish scholars assign un-named psalms to the writer of the previous psalm. If so, then the author is Moses...yet other scholars believe David wrote it.

Do you think it matters? There is no way to know for sure who the author is and we dare not be dogmatic, but it might just be worth looking a little deeper into the psalm to find clues that might help determine who wrote this most beautiful and comforting Psalm.

What's the story behind the psalm?
 Read through the chapter and look for descriptive words or phrases that describe the author's circumstances. You might also look for cross-references on the side or bottom bar of your Bible that reveal the history and surroundings of the writer.

Why do scholars differ on who wrote the psalm?
 One of my favorite sites for Bible Study skills and commentaries is Study Light. Click here <http://www.studylight.org> and check out C.H. Spurgeon's "The Treasury of David". You might also want to check out the opposing view by Adam Clark.

Question for today: Is it important for you to know who wrote Psalm 91? Why?

Let's talk about it! Please leave a comment below.
That's all for today, friends. Join us next week when Jamie will post: “A Sheltered Place”.

Friday Friends - Nan Jones

Nan Jones

It's my honor to introduce to you my dear friend, Nan Jones. Nan and I met through Vonda Skelton's Blog, The Christian Writers Den, just over 2 years ago. In that short time, Nan has taught me what it means to trust in God...not just say it with my mouth but actually believe it in my heart. I pray that through Nan's words, you'll be truly encouraged. 

Welcome, Nan!

1. Tell us a little about your family and growing up years.

Most of my growing up years took place in Charlotte, NC.  I have a brother, six years older, who is now deceased. I loved having an older brother to look up to and to pester. I was blessed with a solid home life that revolved around the church. With each passing day, I am more and more thankful for this blessing. After many years of ministry I see the devastating effects of homes without a strong biblical foundation. It breaks my heart.

2. When did you know God was calling you to write?

I have written all my life, but more as a hobby in earlier years. In 1992 I was in a ladies' conference in Tulsa, Ok. During a time of worship, with my hands outstretched in surrender to a loving God, I heard His gentle whisper, Nan, look about you. Many are hurting and need my assurance and hope. I have gifted you and I have given you a message to share. Don't worry about the timing. Only follow Me each step of the way. Eighteen years later I launched Jubilant Light Ministries, a writing/speaking ministry to encourage Christians struggling with their faith.

3. Who is a person that is making a strong impact on your life and why?

Many names come to mind, but if I have to choose one for this moment in time I would say my friend Debbie Welch. Debbie is battling stage 3 lymphoma and multiple myeloma of the blood. Even though her battle is fierce, her faith is strong. Regardless of her own pain, she continues to think of others and give God the glory. Debbie is exhibiting authentic faith, not religious rhetoric. She privately shares her struggles and fears, and yet the bottom line is that she belongs to the Lord and trusts Him completely. She inspires me to fight the good fight of faith.

4. What is your life verse?

"Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, ' Therefore I hope in Him!'" ~ Lamentations 3:22-24

5. Other than Jesus, what bible hero would you like to talk to?

Abraham

6. What in-depth bible study would you recommend to my readers?

A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place, by Beth Moore

7. Tell us how you came to a saving relationship with Christ?

I am the wife of a Baptist pastor, but I was raised in the Methodist church. My senior year in high school, a youth lay-witness team came to our church for a weekend. I had never seen people so in love with God. These teenagers were different. They were alive and had purpose in their lives. On the final afternoon - December 10, 1972 - I knelt at the altar and gave my life to Christ. I have never been the same.

8. Please give a word of encouragement and hope to my readers who may be struggling today.

If I can share anything it would be that God is able to perform His Word and He is faithful to do so. Faithful! Dare to believe Him. Step out in faith as He directs you - as He leads you  by the hand. I have learned that God really is with me always. It is in Him that I live, and move, and have my being. In Him! Surrounded and immersed in His Presence. In Him I find my purpose, my peace, my protection and provision. And, in Him, I fully realize His faithfulness.

Nan lives in North Carolina with her husband, David. She blogs at MorningGloryLights.blogspot.com