Relax~

Greetings,

My son has a best buddy who is known for saying, “Relax!” in response to everything and anything.  The ironic thing is that he says it so much and for the most dumbest of reasons, that I get agitated just waiting for him drop the “R” bomb.

“Relax, I’ll be there soon.”

“Relax, I have enough to eat.”

“Relax, the movie wasn’t that great.”

I get it; it’s just a saying.  But to our Lord, it’s an actual legit, meaningful, necessary, and beautiful word for our weary souls!

“GOD is a safe-house for the battered – a sanctuary during bad times.  The moment you arrive, you relax; you’re never sorry you knocked” (Psalm 9:9-10 The MESSAGE Version).

I can definitely get behind God promising me that in His presence I can relax, calm down, recline, rest, breathe easy, and put my feet up – for real.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, We are knocking at Your safe-house today seeking sanctuary.  We have arrived, and therefore we RELAX! We take a breath and a time-out from our worries and concerns.  Fill us with Your peace, joy, protection, and health. We are so happy we knocked! In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

Here We Go Again!

Greetings,

Here we go again! Almost a year ago  -  October 4, 2016  -  I, along with thousands of South Floridians, started preparing for Hurricane Matthew.  This time around it's Hurricane Irma. She is churning away in the Atlantic as a Category 5, which means her speeds are topping out at 175 mph. That's insane! Her exact path is still unknown, but as a precaution, we must be ready. 

So, as soon as I send this DEVO I am headed out the door to purchase more water and fill my car up with gas.  Then I will pick up Hershey's toys, which are scattered all around the yard, take down my hanging fern, and dust off the storm shutters. Not exactly a great way to spend a Tuesday. 

But the most important thing I will do in all my preparations is pray  -  specifically, Psalm 91 (The Message Version).

"Dear God, You are my refuge, my haven, my sanctuary, and my shield.  I trust in You, and I am safe.  You rescue me and protect me from deadly hazards [like HURRICANES]. Your huge outstretched arms guard me and my family, and under them, we are perfectly safe because Your arms fend off all harm.  I fear nothing, and no harm will even graze me or those I love. I will stand untouched because You are my hiding place. Harm can not get through the door. Thank You that You have ordered Your angels to protect me and my family wherever we go.  Their job is to keep us from falling, and we will walk unharmed.  Thank You that You give me and those I love the best of care.  In Jesus' name, Amen."

The words of the Bible are so comforting, and God knew that Psalm 91 is exactly what we all needed to hear today.  May you pray this prayer and be strengthened in your souls!

A Song of Victory!

Greetings,

The DEVO published a couple days ago detailed God's miraculous rescue of His children, the Israelites, from slavery in Egypt.  The heart-pounding climax came when Pharaoh and his army of 600 chariots chased the Israelites all the way to the edge of the Red Sea, and the Israelites were trapped. There was no way out; a cruel and wicked army was behind them and a raging sea in front of them.

Then...

"Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord drove the sea back and turned it into dry land...the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground...the Egyptians pursued them into the sea...Moses stretched out his hand again, and the sea went back to its place...the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed were covered in water...not one of them survived" (Exodus 14:21-28).

At that moment, the moment of deliverance, what was the right response? A song of victory, of course, and below is a prayer based on the song  the Israelites sang  -  from now on we will sing it too:

I sing my heart to You God  -  You give me victory!  You pitch horse and rider into the sea.  You drown all my enemies. You are my strength, You are my song, and You are my salvation.  I will tell the world that You, my God, are a fighter, Your strong right hand shimmers with power.  Your strong right hand shatters the enemy. There is always a way out when You come to my rescue.

At a blast from Your nostrils the waters pile up. All my enemies are covered by the sea.  They sink like lead. Who compares with You, my God? Who compares with You in power? You are my wonder-working God!  You redeem my life and lead me in merciful love.  You guide me under Your protection. You bring me and plant me on the mountain of Your heritage, which is the place where You live, Your sanctuary. I will live forever with You, Amen.