Tag Archives: safe places

Running Out of Safe Places

When I was younger, a parents mentality was much different.  Summers were spent outside exploring the woods in the neighborhood with other boys.  The concept of terrorism wasn’t even a thought.  Sure, there were boundaries, areas or places to avoid, but the friends in my development had plenty of safe places to play.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go, Joshua 1:9.

When you fast forward to modern times, parents don’t have the luxury of a generation ago.  Today, concerts, malls and schools have been targets of terrorism.  Some are motivated by a chance for 15 minutes of fame.  Meanwhile, others have been deceived by evil to attack areas once thought to be safe.

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety, Psalm 4:8.

In the midst of terror, God is the only one who can restore peace.  The element of freewill has ushered in a new era of turmoil, not knowing the next safe space to be targeted.  Yet, when chaos subsides the only source of hope is Jesus.  Therefore, don’t allow the frenzy stirred up by the media to dictate your mood.  Rather, cry out to the Lord in prayer so that you may dwell in safety.

by Jay Mankus

 

When Guardian Angels are Ushered into Action

To some, angels are a myth, a figment of your imagination.  For others, the concept of angelic beings is something you grow out of, like a childhood phase.  Yet, those who place their trust in the Bible, hold a belief, clinging to the promise of Psalm 91:11, hoping and waiting for the day for this verse to come true.

There appears to be 3 prerequisites before guardian angels are assigned to your side.

1) Individuals need to reach a point of desperation, recognizing that the only safe place on earth is resting in the shadow of God’s wings, Psalm 91:1.

2) In additional, priorities must be reorganized until a trust level develops, leading people to seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness. Matthew 6:33-34.

3) Finally, to complete the setting for angels to enter the scene, souls must be willing to give up  complete control, yielding the reigns of their life to Jesus, Matthew 16:24.

Unfortunately, most Christians want results without the effort on their part.  As those who bypass the sweat and tears part of this equation, a lack of results leads to bickering as disenfranchised customers complain to God.  Despite these cries, their treatment is no different than that of Israel in Isaiah 1:15.  The missing ingredient is perking God’s attention.

Right now, angels are looking down from heaven, waiting to get into the game.  However, until the prayers of the saints ask for a hedge of protection, angels will continue to sit on the bench.  The words of Jesus is Matthew 7:7-12 are just begging leaders to make specific requests now.  “You don’t have because you haven’t asked!”  May this blog inspire you to proclaim bold prayers so that guardian angels will be ushered into action today.

by Jay Mankus