A Mighty Fortress is Our God

I received this little bookmark (added to this photo) in the mail. I sensed God was saying those words to us: “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 Him I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2. Often, our physical AND spiritual eyes just can't see it.

I am certain that the key to our peace of mind and joy of spirit is making sure we’re staying in God’s refuge and fortress. I turned the bookmark over and it read: “God is My Refuge – In difficult times, you won’t understand everything God is doing. Trust He is in control, and stay close to Him in prayer and praise. He will carry you through.”

Need I say more? No, I don’t, but I’m sure you know I can’t help myself. I’ve got to put the jelly on the peanut butter! If ever we needed places of refuge, it is in these times. I just heard that a pastor and his wife of a mega-church in Frisco has the Covid. My prayers go out to them for divine healing and restoration. I know God will carry them through. This Covid is no respecter of persons. But, no matter what -- we go to our fortress.

My friend posted this photo of her two grandsons, who, for the first time ever in their lives, have their own bedrooms in the beautiful and comfortable home she has for them now. That is a miracle story I’ll save for another day. What blessed me so much was they didn’t stay in their individual bedrooms that first night. They have a fort – a fortress to sleep together under Josiah's bed. It was a “comfort” place. They’ve been together so long – of course, they couldn’t separate just yet.

And, isn’t that what we need – a place of absolute certainty that everything’s gonna’ be alright in that place of safety and refuge. I remember Robert Schuller’s book entitled “Tough times don’t last – but tough people do!” I've known some tough people that weathered some of the greatest storms of life and they did so because of their Anchor, their Rock, their Refuge Who was their Mighty Fortress.

Maybe you're feeling a little shaky today -- in your faith and in your emotions that are getting the best of you, and in truly believing that you will survive these storms that have prevailed for months now. In spite of the worst possible scenarios, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble”. Through it all – the torrential downpours to the most solid and stable, our God remains steadfast and faithful. There is no earthquake, tornado or hurricane, whether natural, moral, physical, financial, or spiritual, that can shake us out of his loving arms!

Doing Our Part for Our Generation.....And the Next

People need Godly role models in their lives -- pacesetters who set the pace for others to follow. That's the way Jesus set the example for His disciples -- so that they would carry on His example to others. Think about how He encouraged, motivated, and stirred up the gifts of those around Him. He took a Motley Crew of disciples and turned them into on-fire and bold speakers, teachers, preachers and writers, with caring, compassionate and loving hearts for humanity.

We can take Jesus' example in helping to raise up the next generation to be the best they can be. When we sow into our kids and grandkids, as well as other young people, as we help cultivate their talents and abilities, taking the time to listen and encourage them, as well as help steer them to be laser focused on getting to know God and His plans and purposes for them, they will not only impact their generation, but the generations to come.

I loved spending time, yesterday with one of my favorite families, the Moore's. I heard about some of their dreams, desires, and already, so many accomplishments. I felt like a proud grandparent when Matt Moore, their 14 year old son, brought his Scout badges to show me (probably over a hunded). He is just one step away from becoming an Eagle Scout at his young age. Next week he leaves for the National Scouts Jamboree, in West Virginia (first time without Dad or Mom) and his excitement was contagious. He gave me a speech, worthy of a speech competition about his "scouting" dreams which included his Dad and him going to Philmont Scout Ranch – the premier High Adventure base. I love his passion to excel. Then there’s Kassidy Moore who is a college student and so very multi-talented in music arts, that doors are opening left and right for her talents. To say I’m proud of this precious family, puts it mildly. They are impacting their generation with the right stuff -- stuff that matters to the world around them.

Then there’s my precious godson and his family who continue to impress me with their academic excellence, winning so many awards, Owen’s drive and determination to be anything he desires to be (he’s the one who had a slow start, being so ill in the beginning of his life, but now, nothing seems to hold him back), but most of all what impresses me about this family is their commitment to the family of God. Yesterday, was my love fest that I take in with such joy when I come to Tulsa, and then it was them showing me their decorating artistry for their “Mighty Fortress – In Jesus the Victory Is Won" Vacation Bible School that starts today. How’s that for empowering our kids during summer break, for the next school year when they’ll come into plenty of opportunities to need to call on their Mighty Fortress? VBS holds a special place in my heart because it was there that I truly fell in love with Jesus and invited Him into my heart.

This scripture became evident to me after I had connected with those two precious families: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 “The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You are to love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. Let these words that I’m commanding you today be always on your heart. Teach them repeatedly to your children. Talk about them while sitting in your house or walking on the road, and as you lie down or get up. Tie them as reminders on your forearm, bind them on your forehead, and write them on the door frames of your house and on your gates."

I am always thrilled when I see the divine osmosis that takes place when our children have "aha" moments in their own walk with the Lord. It's so worth it to teach them and fortify them with character building through incredible programs of excellence (like Boy Scouts) AND in raising them up to love the Lord because of the Christian education we ensure they get (like VBS). It's a work-out, no doubt, but the rewards we reap, in the light of eternity, in focused training and disciple role modeling carries on from generation to generation. "We will tell the next generation about the Lord’s power and great deeds and the miraculous things he has done.” (Psalm 78:4)