2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
1 Peter 1:3-5 (NIV)
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
This is such a wonderful promise and truth about who God is: that we “…through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:5).
We trust Jesus. We look forward to His return. We are shielded by God’s power.
I invite you to think of other verses in the Bible that declare that God is our shield and protector.
Perhaps verses from Psalms come to mind (see Psalm 3:3).
I also think about the armor of God that is described in the book of Ephesians and includes the shield of faith (see Ephesians 6:10-20).
I invite you to pause with Jesus today and thank Him for His protection and provision. I know that this does not mean that life is perfect or easy, but I am so thankful for how Jesus protects us and strengthens us and walks with us through it all (see Psalm 23).
As I type this, please know that I am praying for you. I know that Jesus knows each person who will read this. Perhaps you need encouragement today. I pray that you would experience a deep awareness of Jesus’ protection and Him shielding you today. Jesus watching over you. Jesus caring for you.
May you know in a fresh way today the presence of Jesus with you and in you as you trust Him and rest in Him (see Ephesians 3:14-21). By His Holy Spirit, He is closer than your very breath.
There is a song called A Shield About Me that came to mind today. We sang it at Hillcrest Church in Medicine Hat where I grew up. The song draws on the words of Psalm 3:3, “But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.” Here is a powerful rendition of the song as sung by Steffany Gretzinger.
As you listen, I invite you turn up the volume as Jesus leads you and remember that He is with you in the battle every day, every step, every breath.
I also invite you to intercede on behalf of others who have yet to know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. As you listen to the words, pray that one day they would know Jesus in this way and worship Him.
Jesus for the win! To Him be all the praise and honour and glory and power! (Revelation 5:13)
The Lord bless you today!
Sincerely yours in Jesus,
Pastor Dave
Romans 8:1
