Monday, December 4, 2017

Pastor's Ponderings, December 4, 2017

God Is Our Protection

Anna Fifield wrote an article in the November 29, 2017, issue of the Washington Post magazine entitled, “North Korea’s latest missile launch appears to put U.S. capital in range.” The article quoted North Korea’s most famous newsreader, Ri Chun Hee, who said, “With this system, we can load the heaviest warhead and strike anywhere in the mainland United States.”  According to the "Federation of American Scientists: Status of World Nuclear Forces", there are eight sovereign states that have successfully detonated nuclear weapons.

Now, we could be paralyzed with fear, but we have to continue to remind ourselves that our God is love and His perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18).  We should not be afraid of diseases, job loss, mass shootings or anything else (Psalm 91:4-6). We can declare that our God is able to keep us from falling and to protect us from danger (Jude 24).  My youngest daughter shared with our church that she felt led to leave a large holiday event before four people were subsequently shot just minutes later. God promised that our ears would hear a voice telling us which way to move (Isaiah 30:21). Thank God that she listened to His voice for direction!

Even those that love the Lord may fall victim to catastrophe.  Yet, we can rest assured that our God will be with us, keep us, and comfort us.  We know that even though bad things may happen to good people, we still have an eternal home with Jesus (John 14:2-3).  Let us remember that we do not have to fear. God is our protection.

1 John 4:18

New International Version (NIV)
18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Psalm 91:4-6
New International Version (NIV)
4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.

Jude 24
King James Version (KJV)
24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

Isaiah 30:21
New International Version (NIV)
21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

John 14:2-3
New International Version (NIV)
2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.



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