From Pity to Praise

Dwelling In God’s Secret Place

In a world experiencing wars, rumors of wars, and dangers of many kinds, it is comforting to know that God has promised to protect His people. We may not be on the frontline of war, but we all face an enemy who intends to steal, kill, and destroy us. However, we must remember that God is more powerful than Satan. And when we make Him our refuge, we have security in Him. Just like a newborn baby wrapped in a warm, secure blanket, God wraps us in His love, power, and protection.

Psalm 91 is known as the “soldiers prayer”, It is a reminder that God will keep a person safe during all kinds of danger and war. I know I lady who used to send care packages to soldiers overseas every Christmas. She would include a copy of Psalm 91.

This promises of protection is also for us.

There is nothing anyone can come up with that is not covered by the promises of protection in God’s Word. He has provided a shelter that is ours for the taking.

God Himself is our shelter and refuge. A shelter that is inaccessible to the enemy.

Psalm 91:4 tells us, ‘Under His wings, shall you trust and find refuge.” When trouble comes our way, stay in that place of refuge in God. It’s a place of safety from any enemy. Prayer and obedience to God’s Word keep us in His refuge.

God’s protection means we are inaccessible to the enemy, no matter the circumstances. According to scripture, God encircles, encompasses, covers, and shields those who make Him their refuge. His anointing is a kind of force field of protection.

That’s how people through the ages have been able to walk unharmed through dangerous situations. That’s how Daniel survived the lion’s den. The lions couldn’t get to him because a force field of God’s protection was around him. God was Daniel’s refuge in the lion pit.

And God as a refuge for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace as well. They were faithful to God and believed in God and the circle of His power. A force of God’s anointing encased them. They didn’t bow and they didn’t burn. An angel of God was in the furnace with them. They were not alone.

They were encased by the power of God.

We have that same protection available to us when we dwell in the secret place of the Most High (Psalm 91:1).

“A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes, and see the recompense of the wicked. Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place. No evil shall happen to you, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling. For He will put His angels in charge of you, to guard you in all your ways.”

There is a place in Jesus where we abide in the secret place of God’s protection. Jesus made this possible with His death and resurrection at the cross. It is a place the world knows nothing about -the secret place. It is a place revealed by the Holy Spirit. It is for the obedient. Our lives can be hidden with Jesus.

We are made in God’s image just like Adam. When Adam was in the Garden it was believed that he had a divine glory about him. However, when he sinned that glory departed from him. Adam lost that crown of honor. Thank God, Jesus got back everything in the redemption that Adam lost in his fall of sin.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17, highlights that the Holy Spirit dwells within believers, making us a sacred place for God. “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you.”

Even though the Holy Spirit dwells in us, we just still make sure we have the “shield of faith” in place when satan aims a furry dart at us. We do that by knowing what God’s Word promises about protection and believing and standing on it with faith.

I have always believed you can deal with things if you don’t know what you’re dealing with. If we don’t know what God’s Word says, we cannot stand on His promises. “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). We must know His Word to have any basis for faith.

By keeping a shield of faith over us, no fiery dart of satan can penetrate our lives. Evil will come our way but we don’t have to listen to it. When circumstances look grim, keep your heart fixed on God’s Word -look at His promises instead of the situation. “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Take your seat in the refuge of the “Most High” and stay put. Hold your position even under pressure and satan has to flee.

Hold your place by faith in the secret place with God and believe what the Bible says. Believe the Lord God will bless you.

Our security is determined by the time and attention we give God in this life. Go after the things of God. Make it a priority to spend time with Him every day. Let everything else revolve around your relationship with Him.

God will do His part when we turn to Him. He had given us free will and it is up to us to do our part, which is to attach ourselves to Him and depend on Him. Choose to make God your refuge, and then walk it out. Believe God, rebuke fear, stand on His Word, and speak God’s promises when a furry dart comes your way. Or you can choose to yield to fear and let go of protection.

To the extent that a person pays attention to the Word of God and safeguards His commands, God will safeguard them.

The Gift Of Independence

The gift of independence is the opportunity and ability for individuals to make their own choices, manage their own lives, and be self reliant. It is both the freedom to act and the capacity to do so, it is the fundamental aspect of personal growth and well-being.

It is the cornerstone of America’s identity. It symbolizes the nations founding in 1776 and its core values of freedom, self governance, and individual liberty. It’s the victory of a British rule. It invokes a sense of unity and gratitude for ideals often to personal and collective freedoms. It is not a blend of tradition with activism which is what I believe is going on today.

Independence Day commemorates, the 1776 declaration of independence from British rule, specifically rejecting monarchy in favor of self government. Independence Day celebrates overthrowing a king in favor of self-governance.

Happy Independence Day

When You Feel Unloved

God is taking me out of my comfort zone this week. I was asked to speak to a young man who is dealing similar issues I did growing up. Immediately my heart said no, but I promised to pray about it. I can write about what I went through easily. Speaking it is a different story.

I know the most powerful way to defeat lies that Satan or anyone else is to replace it with the truth.

Sometimes life can feel like you’re at a carnival. Like you’ve waited in a long time for cotton candy, watching it swirl away in the hands of others before you, and the spinner breaks, or the ingredients run out, as soon as it’s your turn. Regardless of your patience or even the money you have for it, you’re denied the sweet reward.

Any one of us can be faithful, forgiving, and flexible and still end up with empty-handed rejection or pain. When that happens too many times, it’s hard to wonder if there’s enough love for us.

After years of wading and waiting through the lies I’ve been told, I put up the walls of defense to keep the pain out, not realizing the walls also kept out many good things as well.

Growing up it was easy for self-condemnation to fit into my baggage. I thought that was supposed to keep shoving it inside, to keep it hidden.

When we don’t feel loved from the start we become an easy target for the author of lies (satan) to come into our thoughts. Whether it’s the number of years we’ve believed them or the number of “loved ones” who’ve hurt us, pain can fool us into feeling utterly unloved.

The truth is, our feeling unloved is the biggest lie of all. If you’re feeling unloved, it’s the one thing you need to unpack and never take with you.

People will hurt us, they may say nasty things, steal, lie, or even humiliate us. That’s part of living in an imperfect world, but we have the power to not let it define who we are. The one thing we can do is own our identity.

We were created by God who is love, so we are loved. There are truths we can stand on to release all the lies we’ve been told.

There are scriptures that we can stand on. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us:

“For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and Spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Meditating on what God says, and not what the world says, was my way out of that chronic loneliness I felt even when I was surrounded by others. Hearing and believing what the One who made me was the umbrella in my storm.

There were truths that I stood on that changed my life. When we feel lonely or struggling through a crisis, alone time can feel loveless. God from the beginning of time spoke of who He is in our lives.

He is not angry with us, no matter what we go through, no matter what the enemy tries to put in our mind God’s love is boundless. What’s more, He remains faithful always.

God will love us forever. Psalm 136:23-24 promises us,

“He remembers us in our low estate, for His loving kindness endures forever, and has delivered us from our adversaries, for His loving kindness endures forever.”

God has not forgotten us when we’re feeling unloved. When our soul is dry with longing. Psalm 136 is particularly powerful because of its repetition.

We are never alone. Isaiah 43:1-2 tells us,

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and flame will not scorch you.”

He is with us when life gets deep, or our hearts get burned. He will not let go and will not let us be destroyed.

Our enemy likes to remind us of the lies people tell us, or we tell ourselves. In the world, it’s easy to get distracted and not pay attention to who God says we are in Him. We are never alone when we have God in our corner.

God will rebuild you. Jeremiah 31:3-4 reminds us,

“I have loved you with an everlasting love. I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. I will build you up again…”

We have to recognize that God wants what’s best for us. He doesn’t want us to suffer. He will rebuild us, even when all kinds of plans shatter and leave us feeling unloved.

God is kind and His love is everlasting. He is both the architect and the One who rebuilds us by the power of His love.

God will restore us. Joel 2:25 promises us,

“I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, My great army, which I sent among you.”

This promise is to restore abundance and satisfaction after a period of devastation. 1 Peter 5:10 tells us,

“May the God of grace, who called you to His eternal glory by Messiah Yeshua, after you have suffered a little while, perfect establish, strengthen, and settle you.”

The God who calls us by name, loves us always, and can rebuild us from disaster. He is the maker of miracles. He has the power to restore what’s missing in us. To mend what’s broken, and find what’s lost.

This one is one to hold onto if you’re ever feeling like the rug has been pulled out from under you and don’t see what remains to be rebuilt. God can restore the strength that’s been missing and even revive dead things we thought were gone forever.

We always have life to give. Letdowns come into every life, and feeling unloved is human. But staying there can stifle our power source. It’s beautiful to receive love, but it’s also a gift to give it. This is why Jesus calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves -even our enemies as ourselves.

Regardless of whether people have made any love deposits in our accounts. God has deposited His love into us. When we find it hard to show love because we are feeling unloved it actually helps to show love to others. It opens our eyes to the truth even though we feel lonely sometimes, we can still choose to show love anytime.

God never cuts off His love supply. The enemy can make us forget that. When we remain open to receiving love our cup can overflow.

An Authority

On what subject(s) are you an authority?

I do not see myself as an authority on anything. Every thing I do. I do for the glory of One I see who has authority in everything -God

Evil Digs It’s Own Grave

When you’re in the middle of suffering, it’s easy to lose ourbearings. It is easy to question “is God really in control, or ask how much how can a good God allow so much pain.”

The pain that we feel can make hard to think straight. We need anchors that keeps us tethered to the truth so we do not drift when we encounter suffering.

When we experienced pain, we might be tempted to let God off the hook by saying “He is not in control.“ the problem is God does not need or want to be let off that hook. Scripture is clear that God sovereignty is over all things.

Isaiah 46:9-10 tells us, “remember the former things of old, for. I am God, and there is no other. I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times not yet done, saying, my council stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.”

All scripture is clear about God‘s sovereignty over evil. Amos 3:6 tells us, “ is a trumpet blown in a city, and the people are not afraid? Does disaster come to a city, unless the Lord has done it?”

And Isaiah 47:7 says, “I form and create darkness. I make well-being and create calamity, I am the Lord, who does all these things.”

This is not a dualistic yin and yang in which God and Satan are fighting it out evenly matched, uncertain who will win. Satan is a creature, he does not have power in and of himself, and he and all his works exist under God‘s power and purposes. Even though evil may seem random and it’s irrationality , and God does not let us take him “off the hook.” Over who is ultimately in control. God‘s sovereignty extends over all things, including evil.

God’s sovereignty over evil does not destroy our moral responsibility for the evil we commit. We are responsible for our own actions, and God is sovereign over them. Joe Rigney, wrote in his book, “God is the author, the world is His story, and we are His characters.”

So if God is sovereign over evil, does this mean that He is not good? This is a question given the fact that immense human suffering is happening around the world. As we all know, this is not a hypothetical question for most of us, but deeply personal.

Scripture clearly tells us that God is perfect and all he does. God is known as the Rock, His work is perfect, His ways are justice. A God of faithfulness, and without iniquity. Deuteronomy 32:4 says, “ The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are just. A God of faithfulness who does no wrong, just as right is He.”

In Matthew 5:48 Jesus says, “You therefore, must be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is perfect.”

Scripture affirms God’s goodness and the mist of a broken world. And at the same time, it doesn’t turn a blind eye to the evilness of evil. It also affirms God’s sovereignty over all things, including evil, and God’s goodness in all that He does.

It’s no wonder that the problem of evil is a mystery, there is so much we do not and cannot know. Paul writes in Romans 11:33, “ all the depth of riches and wisdom, and knowledge of God! How unreachable are His judgments and how inscrutable are His ways.”

Evil does not have the final word, in fact, God has made evil dig its own grave. In the book “Evil and the Cross,” Henri Blocher explains it this way.

“ evil is conquered as evil because God turns evil back upon itself. He makes the supreme crime, the murder of the only righteous person, the very operation that abolishes sin. God entraps the deceiver in his own wiles. Evil, takes advantage of the power of good, which it perfects. The Lord, like a supreme champion, replies by using the very grip of the opponent.

One reason evil exists is so that God could redeem a people for His glory who love Him. The most evil act in history, paradoxically was the event of redemption that purchased, hope.

At the Cross, God turned evil against evil, and brought about the practical solution to the problem of evil. He made an atonement of sins, He conquered death, He triumphed over Satan and laid thr foundation for hope.

The cross perfectly shows God‘s goodness and sovereignty over evil. And only in the cross has evil been conquered.

If we doubt, goodness, all we have to do is look at the cross. At the cross evil was conquered through Him who loved us.

Romantic Dates

What’s your definition of romantic?

I am just a country girl. I enjoy the outdoors. I like hiking, fishing, and mudding, and hunting. And if he has a sense of humor it’s a plus.

If he can do those sort of things with me and keep me laughing with some affection and a bottle of wine. I would consider that romantic.

Bad Company

Bad company corrupts good character. We have all heard about having good character or building character. Yet, it is difficult to live life unaffected by the actions of others. We have to be cautious when we are in the company of people who are a bad influence. We can be exposed to repetitive behaviors that can likely move us to have behaviors that mimic the people we surround ourselves with. People are known by the company they keep.

Proverbs 13:20says, ‘One who walks with wise men grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.”

As children of God, we can prioritize everything that brings us closer to God. If our company does not meet God’s standards. We can look for new people to associate with, otherwise we risk losing blessings from God. Spiritual discipline, hard effort, and learning from our previous mistakes, are all part of the process and of developing godly character. Bad company causes problems by destroying our heart, corrupting our character, harming our reputation, and damaging happiness along with hurting our soul. When we surround ourselves with like-minded people, we encourage each other, and build character that is acceptable to God.

You might be thinking, Jesus hung out with bad company. He associated with them to show mercy, offer redemption, and demonstrate God’s kingdom. Jesus was strong enough to influence them without being swayed by their sin. His mission was intentional – calling people to repentance, not conforming to their lifestyle. The Bible acknowledges that not all believers are equally equipped to engage with those values or morals without being negatively influence. Spending too much time with those who actually reject God’s way and we can our flesh, especially if we don’t have a strong foundation.

We should never allow our flesh to rule in any situation, but should pray that we can overcome the weakness of our flesh, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Having Gratitude

How do you express your gratitude?

There are many ways to express gratitude such as verbal expressions like saying “thank you” directly or offering compliments. Some use thank you cards that have a personal touch.

I prefer responding with acts of kindness such as helping someone with a task or giving a small gift. Treating someone to a meal, coffee.

Worrying

What are you most worried about for the future?

I’ve worried a lot over the years and it has not added to my life in any way. It has only added stress to my life.

I have learned to trust God in all things. If I begin to worry I pray. I trust God that He will make a way. Worry is a human tendency, but I can counter that with the peace of God. The peace that conquers all understanding.

This doesn’t mean I don’t do everything that is humanly possible to rectify the situation.

Be A Thermostat, Not A Thermometer

Have you ever walked into a room full of people and felt its heaviness? We are easily influenced by the mood of those around us. It is usually not something we do consciously, we might hear someone using a tone of voice, or shifting their body language, and our brain notices it. I’m sure we’ve all walked into a room and felt weird vibes, something you can’t put you finger on, but it feels uncomfortable, there is something about the energy of the room -it was off,

I’ve been known to just walk out of the room, because of the way it felt. I’ve had those days when I just didn’t want to deal with it, I’ve learned it’s my gut instinct that keeps me safe.

It’s no surprise humans mirror each other. But we are also highly attuned to subtle cues like body language, tone, and intention which means our presence can shift the vibe. If we enter with calm confidence, a warm smile, or purposeful energy others often unconsciously mirror or respond to it.

Alternatively when we have had a “bad day” we tend to give off strange vibes and people pick up on that and pick up our vibes. Its actually a normal defense mechanism.

Noticing a pattern in these situations takes a lot of practice. But when you start paying attention to people’s patterns of behavior, like how they use words when they feel upset, or their body language. It’s like a kind of taking the emotional temperature of the room. But we can positively change the thermostat. Since humans mirror each other, we can intentionally change the energy in the room, instead of letting it change how we act or feel, we can change the thermostat to a more comfortable temperature.

We can use a calm tone and open body language to find out what people are feeling. For example, nodding at the pace the other person is talking helps the other person know you are tracking with them. Leaning into someone who’s speaking, too often when are uncomfortable they unconsciously back away. This sends a message that we are uncomfortable with the situation or giving off gives you want to get out of the situation. Be intentional about your tone of voice. Getting quiet when the other person gets louder can sometimes shift the mood or even add joy to your voice can reset the temperature in the room.

Sometimes it’s not what you say but the tone you say it in. I have a very kind family member, but her tone of voice can be cold and harsh which creates a “chilly” vibe making people feel uneasy, or disengaged. Tone conveys emotions like empathy or authority. People tend to judge trustworthiness and intent based on the tone of your voice. A clear tone can energize the room to make it feel “hot” or excited, while a hesitant or sarcastic tone might dampen enthusiasm leading to a “cooler” impression. Aligning our tone with the desired temperature. Your tone of voice is a key lever for changing the vibe it the room.

Changing your tone of voice as well as body language and framing your words can align the desired mood in a room.

Bible Principles

The Bible offers several principles for living a life of blessing and abundance, rooted in faith, obedience, generosity, and trust in God’s provision.

We can have blessings and abundance if we do these things

Trust and seek God first. prioritizing God’s kingdom and righteousness align us with His promises for provision and blessing. Matthew 6:33 tells us, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Put God at the center of our lives, trusting Him to meet our needs. People fight so hard every day to make ends meet, but God promises He will supply our needs if we follow and trust Him.

Obedience to God’s Word. Following God’s commands brings blessing. Deuteronomy 28:1-2 tells us, “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all His commands, blessings will come on you and accompany you.”

Obedience positions us to receive God’s favor and abundance.

Generosity and Tithing. Giving freely and faithfully invites God’s provision. This has to be the hardest command from God. Because it goes against what we think. Our brains tell us “If I give this money away, I will lack.” Many times I have given money, and received a huge blessing. One example I needed surgery on my mouth, my molars came in when I was 51 years old, and they were impacted. I have no dental insurance and the surgeon wanted cash upfront. I didn’t have it, I could not schedule the surgery. The exact amount of money came in the mail from a reimbursement I didn’t know I had come. Now that was a God thing.

Malachi 3:10 tells us, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse…Test Me on this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”

God’s commands are linked to promises of prosperity, protection, and favor. I’m not saying you will get “rich” if you obey God, but many blessings will come your way. God’s love is tied to joy and spiritual fulfillment.

Blessings aren’t always material or immediate, but they do bring peace, and purpose, eternal life.

Great Teachers

What makes a teacher great?

To be a great teacher he/she has to have empathy and compassion. They have to be able to connect with students and teach honesty, forgiveness and patience.

A great teacher prepares students for life outside of the classroom. Not useless things about the 76 genders or critical race garbage that are being shoved down their throats.

They should teach students to love their country, not hate it.