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Today: Psalms 91:1-8; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; 1 Chronicles 19, 20, & 21
Psalms 91
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2
Many people are consumed with fear right now. But we do not need to be afraid. The Bible tells us that God will save us “from the deadly pestilence.” (v.3) God’s “faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.” (v.4-6)
Our God is in control. Nothing can harm us without Him allowing it. And the worst case scenario for His children only means that we will instantly be in His glorious, loving presence. I am blessed with visions of heaven often. It is the most marvelous place, so much better than here! Once we arrive there, we will understand how silly we were to be so afraid of death.
God had got this. Really He does. He is more powerful than any plague or war. He controls life and death. He has a plan for each one of us and He loves us more than we could ever imagine.
My heart has been heavy to witness the fear that has gripped so many churches. Fear is not from God. It is not His plan for us to be afraid.
“A thousand may fall at your side, then thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.” Psalm 91:7-8
1 Corinthians 1
I KNOW that God is real. I KNOW that the story of Jesus is true. I KNOW that the Holy Spirit inhabits my soul. I KNOW these things and have no doubts. I have experienced too many miracles, too many healings (even being brought back from the dead), and now regular visions and visitations for the past two years. I could never doubt the truths I find in the Bible. The more I test the Bible’s precepts, the more they are proven true over and over again. My faith is vibrant, my life full of joy, my soul is on fire with the love of Christ.
Yet many people consider the Bible to be a bunch of fairy tales. In 1 Corinthians 1, Paul describes these people, “the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing.” (v.18) The world may scoff at Christ but before God the wisdom of the world is utter foolishness.
I used to keep quiet about my faith. It was important to me but I practiced it silently. However the closer I get to God, the more my faith burns like a fire within my soul. I can’t keep it inside. I’m very aware that some people think my posts are ridiculous but I don’t care one bit. God has chosen me, a poor weak fool, and blessed me beyond comprehension. I will gladly be considered a fool for Him and I am not ashamed!
1 Chronicles 21
Here’s that weird story about David taking the census again. We are never told WHY taking a census was wrong but it clearly was. It could have simply been that God told David NOT to do it but he did it anyway. I suspect it may have indicated David shifting his reliance from God to his own power. Regardless of the reason, taking that census was a sin and David knew it. The Israelites paid a hefty price. 70,000 men of Israel fell dead from a plague.
But David confessed his sin, humbled himself and repented. So “the LORD saw it and relented concerning the disaster and said to the angel who was destroying the people, ‘Enough! Withdraw your hand.'” (v.15)
I believe there is a message here for us, an admonition that we also should confess our sins, humble ourselves before God and repent. I believe, if our church will do this, that God will relent and save us from His coming judgment.
