Protector

Today's lesson is simple, yet profound:  With God as your protector, woe to anyone who tries to do you harm!  Why? Because God has NEVER been defeated and WILL NEVER be defeated.  Because He loves us so much, He protects us. Let that peace fill you as you take this moment to thank Him for His love for you.

Stronghold

"The Lord is good,
    giving protection in times of trouble.
    He knows who trusts in him."

Nahum 1:7 

There's just something about history that fascinates me.  The walled fortress that protected Constantinople saved the city from the 4th Century until 1453.  It was the use of cannons that finally broke the city in 1453 after a six week siege.  These walls protected the citizens of the Roman Empire from all invaders.  Yet in order to be allowed within the walls for protection, you had to be known by the defenders.

Life has a way of pounding us over and over and over and just when we're ready to crumble we remember that God is our Protector.  I'll admit my memory is not what it used to be, and I'll admit that when the attacks begin....my focus quickly shifts to defending myself against the attack rather than seeking the protection of God.  

The thing about fortresses is that once you are inside, you are not supposed to hide and hope the invaders go away.  You are expected to take part in the defense of the fortress and those who are in the protection with you. During the time of the fortress of Constantinople, the people who entered for protection were almost immediately put to work keeping the walls in good repair, helping the wounded, bringing food and water to the defenders, anything and everything to help those within the walls.

God knows who trusts Him.  He opens the gates to His protection, but we are expected to help those who are in the protection with us. 

First Question: Does God know that you trust Him?

Second Question: How are you helping those in protection with you? 

Protector

Look, God is my deliverer!
I will trust in him and not fear.
For the Lord gives me strength and protects me;
he has become my deliverer.

Isaiah 12:2 

 

This is Woody.  He came to be our companion just a little over a week ago.  He has already made himself right at home, enjoying being spoiled (pampered), but he is also shown himself to be very protective of us.  You see, Woody protects us because he loves us.  Hmmmm.....sounds like a little bit of a sermon topic there, so let's dig in.

 

When you love someone, you protect them.  This includes your spouse, your family, and those you hold dear.  God is that way with us (here's the 'Tah Dah' moment), He protects and delivers us BECAUSE He loves us.  He has adopted us as His children. He cares about us, even when we hurt each other.  

 

Read today's passage again and think about the fact that God loves us so much that He sent His one and only precious Son, so that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but will have everlasting life.  

 

Talk about a reason to be grateful?