The Morning Watch

The Morning Watch


And in the morning watch the Lord in the pillar of fire and of cloud looked down on the Egyptian forces and threw the Egyptian forces into a panic,

Exodus 14:24 ESV

Picture taken during my vacation with loved ones in New Hampshire 

God is ever vigilant, ever watchfully of you. In this verse the Israelites are fleeing from the Egyptians and God has parted the Red Sea to make for their escape. During this time as the children of Israel were leaving Egypt, God had a visible pillar of fire and cloud in front and behind the people constantly, day and night. This was a visual comfort for the Israelites to reassure them of God's presence. The verse says in the morning watch, God looked down. The morning watch as you may know is when someone is posted to guard others in the early morning time, to be observant and to be on the look-out. And when God saw the Egyptians pursuing His people, He sent them in a fury of confusion, sabotaging their efforts to recapture the Israelites. This is the same Lord God who looks over you and fights for your freedom, safety and health. Sometimes these old Bible stories are so familiar to us we loose the real truths nestled between the lines. God in His almighty power looked down from His throne and saw His people in trouble and rescued them. My God, He is a more than a Superhero, He is the epitome of power, love and strength. "The Lord will keep you from all harm - He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore" Psalms 121:7,8
He protects us because He knows we need protecting, He considers you to be His child, we are not left alone to fend for ourselves in this wicked world and what a comfort it is to know that! The daily news reports are saturated with crime and natural disasters that strip the world and leave us feeling vulnerable and alone. "If you make the Most High your dwelling - even the Lord, who is refuge - then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent" Psalm 91:9, 10 Those with small children worry about the world that they are exposed to BUT we have God!! God who has redeemed you is a very present guardian, watching over you by His Holy Spirit. Trust in God, cast your cares on Him for He is listening and watching, eager to hear from you. He will protect you from your enemies and shelter you from anyone who wishes you harm. He is our protector and Saviour. In Him we have everything we need.

Dear Jesus, we come to you in a time of turmoil. Our world is full of wars, riots and crime. People do ill to one another and wickedness overflows. But we know that you reign oh Lord and that you see everything and you dispense justice and protection. Protect us as we sleep, protect our loved ones and the precious children. We call upon the Word of God which shows your promise of shelter and we hold true to it. Thank you Lord for looking over us and gracing us with your presence.

Freedom in Choices

"I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments" Exodus 6:6.

Bondage -
The state of one who is bound as a slave or serf.
A state of subjection to a force, power, or influence.


What weaknesses keep you bound? Are you a slave to anything in your life? Is it a drug addiction, a bad habit of smoking, eating unhealthy, always in a state of fear and worry, insecurity, negative thinking or even addicted to a destructive relationship? We have so many choices in our lives, but sometimes instead of choosing God's best for us, we choose what is familiar, comfortable and easy. God encourages us to choose life, "See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction" Deu 30: 15 I knew I had a choice and I knew that God's way was best for me, but sometimes I would just ignore the truth and chose to do what I wanted to do. Instead of trying to stop smoke you just give in, it feels good so why stop? Or have a physical relationship with someone who does not treat you right, or who you are not married to. Isn't it easy to just give in to the pleasure and have some fun? Don't let the devil deceive you into choosing death over life. Yes it is easier but afterwards the shame, guilt and regret sets in and soaks your soul. But be encouraged! God can and will set you free, He WILL rescue you. When you make that first initial decision to make a change in your life and follow God's will - you will be amazed at how much easier it is each time. Saying no becomes easier to say :) Say No to addiction, brokenness and passivity! Say Yes to God and stand up against those things that hold you down, look to Him for guidance and His power to help you overcome. "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you". Luke 10:19 You have the Power of God on your side. Nothing can keep you from the perfect, loving and happy life He has planned for you - you need only look to Him and let Him guide you. Let's choose life together friends, let us all choose to follow Christ!


Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank you for being my best friend and savior. Holy Spirit please remind me that Jesus did not die on the cross to save me once, but remind me that Jesus continually cleanses and saves me. Thank you for your good and perfect will and help me live according to it and have a life of happiness, love and prosperity. Amen 

Lighting Darkness

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. ”John 8:12 

  

Sometimes the world can seem so dark. Children dying, wars going on, violence and murder in our country. There seems to be no regard for life. Mothers are heartbroken, fathers are frustrated or absent. Children have to grow up quickly in order to survive in a world riddled with sex, drugs and violence. But do not fear tomorrow, for Jesus said I am the light of the world. Although we are attacked by darkness everyday, remember your Lord and Savior. Rest in His truth and light. Follow Him and He will direct your path to honor. Goodness and mercy will follow you. He has the light of LIFE, He died so that you can have life and enjoy it, abundantly. John 10:10  Even in your “thought life”, I battled with negative and dark thoughts for many years. Thoughts about your self worth, your future, even how you look at people. Don’t let the darkness turn you into a miserable, bitter person. Let Jesus’ light shine in your life, learn to think like Him. Tell yourself “I am a new creation, God does not hold my past against me so I won’t hold it against me”,