Just after 911 2004, about 12:30 am 912 - some spicy news from our neighborhood to yours -
Last night, 2 cars driving and shooting up our street, 1 of them smashes into an unmoving tree across the street from us, sirens, police (a dozen or so, thank God!), fire engine and ambulances, and about 2 dozen neighbors (also, thanks to God for such concern!) - wide awake... and vigilant.
Just last night. Here. Now.
So what do we do?
Lots!
Organize a neighborhood watch that is kept inspired and vigilant - calling #911 on the telephone being the first action, and prayer of Psalm #91 the before, during and next!
And here is that prayer!
~~~ This also works for our friends and countrymen in Florida - soon to face 2004 hurricane #3, Ivan! ~~~
Psalms 91
1 Whoever lives under the shelter of the Most High will remain in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say to the LORD, "[You are] my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust." 3 He is the one who will rescue you from hunters' traps and from deadly plagues. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge. His truth is your shield and armor. 5 You do not need to fear terrors of the night, arrows that fly during the day, 6 plagues that roam the dark, epidemics that strike at noon. 7 They will not come near you, even though a thousand may fall dead beside you or ten thousand at your right side. 8 You only have to look with your eyes to see the punishment of wicked people.
9 You, O LORD, are my refuge! You have made the Most High your home. 10 No harm will come to you. No sickness will come near your house. 11 He will put his angels in charge of you to protect you in all your ways. 12 They will carry you in their hands so that you never hit your foot against a rock. 13 You will step on lions and cobras. You will trample young lions and snakes. 14 Because you love me, I will rescue you. I will protect you because you know my name. 15 When you call to me, I will answer you. I will be with you when you are in trouble. I will save you and honor you. 16 I will satisfy you with a long life. I will show you how I will save you.
The picture above is a depiction of the idea that the God of Creation, King of the Universe, Yeshua from Nazareth, Lamb of God Himself... is the strong, Eternal and Intergalactic Shepherd caring for YOU, his little lamb.
You are hidden under His mighty wing forever.
Thank God for His breathed promises in Psalms such as # 91!
May His everlasting mercy and wisdom be praised forever.
And may we trust in Him - even when things look really, really bad (like in verses 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8!) - that's definitely the hardest thing to do. But King David set an example for us in this Psalm... and gave us a prayer to recite, to meditate upon and to internalize and, ultimately, live inside of!
We are challenged to live inside of God's word. To have it fill, not just our minds, but our hearts with faith and love and vigilance.
Think, though...
...if it can't fill your mind during that time of crisis...
how will it fill your heart?
So STUDY!
James 1:25
But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
II Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
How annoying it can be that people in the so-called Church of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Yeshua, Messiah from Israel... SO LACK THIS PRIMARY VIGILANCE OF STUDY IN HIS WORDS TO US!
John 1
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
And yet we don't prepare for His return by studying diligently everything delivered to us by this Center of all creation, Yeshua, the Beautiful BrideGroom King! Why?
Turn off the TV. Pick up the Bible.
Vigilance (from
HyperDictionary) - Definition:
1. [n] vigilant attentiveness; "he keeps a weather eye open for trouble"
2. [n] the process of paying close and continuous attention
Learn Psalm 91 with this spirit of vigilance. It will transform your life into one of authority and peace as the son or daughter of God that you ARE in Christ Jesus!
Shalom to you and yours during these trying times.
