My Help Comes From The Lord

June 14


Our Protector
Dr. Charles Stanley


Psalm 121:1-3


In Psalm 121, David describes the safety he finds in the Lord. Over the next two days, let’s look closely at several verses to better understand our security.


“I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord” (vv. 1-2). When this was written, robbers dwelled in the mountains, waiting for innocent travelers to become their unsuspecting victims. Needless to say, journeying through these hilly roads must have caused anxiety. David’s work as a shepherd took him into dangerous areas, where not only thieves but also wild animals posed a threat.


Our lives can be like mountainous territory. Do you look into the future and wonder what dangers lurk? The Lord is our helper; He is the only one able to protect us. Friends and relatives can offer limited assistance, but God knows everything and has all the power necessary to rescue us.


“He will not allow your foot to slip”(v. 3a). God has provided everything we need in order to avoid sin. The Holy Spirit directs and empowers us; the Word lights our path so we do not slip. Yet at times, we choose to sin. Almighty God could stop us from disobeying, but He doesn’t interfere with our free will. Instead, He upholds us, enabling us to walk in His way.


These opening verses focus on the Lord’s ability to protect us in treacherous times. Whether trouble originates with others, external circumstances, or our own sin, we can find ourselves in danger and afraid. Thankfully, we have a loving God who leads us to safety.


For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit http://www.intouch.org/.

June 14, 2011


Angels Unaware
Mary Southerland


Today’s Truth
“All the angels are spirits who serve God and are sent to help those who will receive salvation” (Hebrews 1:14, NIV).


Friend To Friend
Diane was visiting in the home of some friends. Time passed quickly as each person shared their various experiences of the past year. She ended up staying longer than she had planned and had to walk home alone. But she wasn't afraid because it was a small town and she lived only a few blocks away. As she walked along under the tall elm trees, Diane whispered a prayer asking God to keep her safe from harm and danger.


When she reached the alley, which was a shortcut to her house, she decided to take it. However, halfway down the alley, she noticed a man standing at the end, as though he were waiting for her. She became uneasy and began to pray again, asking for God's protection. Instantly a comforting sense of quietness and security wrapped around her and she felt as though someone was walking with her. When Diane reached the end of the alley, she walked right past the man and arrived home safely.


The following day, Diane read in the paper that a young girl had been assaulted in that same alley - just twenty minutes after she had been there. Overwhelmed by this tragedy and the fact that it could have been her, she began to weep.


Thanking the Lord for her safety and wanting to help the young woman who had been attacked, she decided to go to the police station. She told them her story and offered to help identify the assailant. The police asked if she would be willing to view a lineup, she agreed and immediately pointed out the man she had seen in the alley the night before.


When the man was told he had been identified, he immediately broke down and confessed. The officer thanked Diane for her bravery and asked if there was anything they could do for her. Diane was curious as to why the assailant had not attacked her. When the policeman asked him, his answer stunned them all, "Because she wasn't alone. She had two tall men walking on either side of her."


Do you believe in angels? I do. I believe that angels are real and are at work in our ordinary, everyday lives. I have personally sensed the presence of angels in my own life and have talked with many believers who share the same experience and belief. However, the mostpowerful evidence that angels exist is found in Scripture.


Thirty-four of the Bible’s sixty-six books talk about angels in detail.
Every New Testament writer confirms the existence of angels.
The word “angel” or “angels” occurs more than 300 times in Scripture.
From beginning to end, the Bible validates the existence of angels:


Genesis 3:24 “After God forced the man out of the garden, he placed angels and a sword of fire that flashed around in every direction on its eastern border. This kept people from getting to the tree of life.”


Revelation 7:11 “All the angels were standing around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures. They all bowed down on their faces before the throne and worshipped God.”


When we come to Jesus Christ in a personal relationship, He takes full responsibility for us. That means He takes care of us. And one of the ways that God cares for us is through the ministry of His angels. What an amazing and comfort-filled promise – that God sends His angels to encourage, protect and guide us on our life journey. As God’s messengers and our helpers, angels serve and honor Him through their praise and obedience as they carry out His will here on earth. As believers, we can count on the presence and power of angels.


Let’s Pray
Father, thank You for the way You love me and protect me through the ministry of Your angels. Help me be more aware of Your presence at work in my life and remember that no matter what comes my way, You are with me.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.


Now It’s Your Turn
Up until today, what has been your initial reaction to the subject of angels? Read the following verses and determine the work of angels in each circumstance.


Genesis 3:24 “After God forced the man out of the garden, he placed angels and a sword of fire that flashed around in every direction on its eastern border. This kept people from getting to the tree of life.”


Revelation 7:11 “All the angels were standing around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures. They all bowed down on their faces before the throne and worshipped God.”


You may have given little thought to angels and their purpose in our lives. By faith, celebrate the truth that angels exist and honor God by the way they comfort, encourage, protect and guide us. Ask God to make you more aware of the ministry of angels in your life.


More From The Girlfriends
As I look back over the past week, I wonder if I missed the presence and work of angels. Maybe when, at the last minute, the car swerved to avoid hitting me … or I came across the precious wedding ring I lost weeks ago … or an unexpected phone call of encouragement from a friend I haven’t heard from in years. Some people might say it was just a coincidence or an accident. I don’t think so. As you go through your day, set your mind on “things above” and be sure to include angels.


Don’t miss Mary’s NEW weekly Online Bible Study Under the Influence…of Love beginning June 6. Learn five powerful steps you can take to forgive and love your enemies. Enroll now and have access to all 2011 lessons. Need a friend? Connect with Mary on Facebook  or through email.


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Prophecy In the News: Psalms and the Christian Crusader




Today's Scripture Reading

Isaiah 13:9-22 God's Judgment Against Babylon
The people of Babylon will run away like hunted deer or like sheep who have no shepherd. Everyone will turn back to his own people, each will run back to his own land. Is 13: v.14

Isaiah 14:1-23 Israel Will Return Home and King of Babylon Will Fall
The Lord will show mercy to the people of Jacob, and he will again choose the people of Israel. Then non-Israelite people will join the Israelites and will become a part of the family of Jacob. Nations will take the Israelites back to their land. Then those men and women from other nations will become slaves to Israel in the Lord's land. In the past the Israelites were their slaves, but now the Israelites will defeat those nations and rule over them.

The Lord will take away the Israelites' hard work and will comfort them.  They will no longer have to work hard as slaves.  On that day Israel will sing this song about the king of Babylon:  The cruel king who rules us is finished; his angry rule is finished!  The Lord has broken the scepter of evil rulers and taken away their power...   Isaiah 14:1-5 ...