The Rescuer

Psalm 136:11(MSG)
And rescued Israel from Egypt's oppression, His love never quits.

As I was walking along the beach this summer, I came across this area of roped off sand.  It said, "Please do not remove...Sea Turtle Nest".  I learned that the island is  a conservation island and thus their mission is to rescue and protect wildlife.  Apparently, the sea turtles will bury their eggs in shallow nests along the soft area of sand close to the dunes.  If left unprotected, predators will come along and dig them up.  Often times people will unknowingly shove their umbrella poles down into the middle of the nest and damage or kill the eggs as well.  Sounds like they definitely need this protective rescuing action from a caring community!

Do you ever feel like you need ropes around your life?  I sure do!  And the Israelites sure did.  God provides that yellow tape.  He is my mighty rescuer!  Our God  is full of mercy and grace and He pours it into our lives everyday.  I am so thankful for His love that never quits!

Thanking God for His constant love and never ending mercy in my life today.

Not Even A Dog Shall Growl Against You

Psalm 136:9(MSG)
The God who struck down the Egyptian firstborn, His love never quits.

This verse speaks of a just God, whom after listening to a king deny release of his children over and over again; after watching those same people be abused and enslaved by this dictator, made a decision to send down the ten plagues to work His plan throughout the land.  That tenth plague, "The Plague Of Death" seemed harsh, but in response to such horrible treatment of His people, it paled in comparison. 



Mel



When I read the story behind this verse's reference in Exodus chapter 11, I am reminded  that God does draw lines in the sand.  He will indeed protect those who have called on His Son's name.  Exodus 11:7 (ESV)~But not a dog shall growl against any of the people of Israel, either man or beast, that you may know that the Lord makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel. 



Tonight, while I am listening to the thunder rumble outside and as I catch glimpses of the lightening darting across the sky, I am
reminded of His love for me in that He does hear our cries for help and He will make a distinction between good and evil....because we are His children.

Lord,

Thank you for a protection that goes beyond anything that we can comprehend in our finite minds.  On first inspection of this verse, I was confused, but after I read further in Your word, the beauty of Your protective loving hand was once again revealed!

In Christ's name,

Amen   

Guardians Of The Night

Psalm 136:9(MSG)
Moon and stars as guardians of the night, His love never quits.

Pretty incredible to think about the moon and the stars.  I always thought it would be cool to study astronomy in depth, but I never have.  When I begin to ponder the way everything in the universe is aligned and the way the stars all just sort of "hang out" up there without falling down, I get more than a little awe struck!

But tonight, for some reason, (maybe because the last two verses were on light), I am drawn to the spiritual side of this statement.....not just the physical presence of light in the darkness.  This verse has me thinking about His phenomenal love for us in that He provided protection in the darkness....."guardians of the night"....as it states.  I can stand on this in the darkest hours of my life, knowing that I have armor bearers watching out for me....spiritual warriors shielding me from the darts of the enemy.

Psalm 91:4,11(NIV)~He will cover you with His feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.  For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;  

I am gaining so much strength as I focus on His love for me.  I am praying that as you read this, you are sensing His enormous love for you as well!   

His Powerful Love

Psalm 136:8(MSG)
The sun to watch over the day, His love never quits.

As I sit writing this, it is late into the night and the temperature is hovering around 90 degrees!  The sun stood fixed in the sky, unmoving all day, beating down onto a dried up land.  It's so hot that even the pavement is buckling under the blazing rays.  There are "fire warnings" being issued as the fields have turned into a matches delight.  Hiding indoors today seemed like the only logical thing to do. 

It's easier for me to think about God's love in the sunshine on a cool autumn morning when stepping into it's path provides just the right amount of needed warmth to take the chill from my bones.  In contrast, thinking about the sun on a day like today reminds me just how powerful it is!  Maybe that is a good way to think of it....His powerful love is watching over my day....every day! 

Tomorrow, as I am walking around under the sun, I will be reminded that my God is a strong and mighty God who loves me so very intensely!

The Skies Of Light

Psalm 136:7(MSG)
The God who filled the skies with light, His love never quits.

I love the way the light is reflecting off of the water in this picture.  If you study it closely, you can even see the clouds in the sky mirrored in the gentle ripples.  In order for our path to be illuminated we must have light's presence.  I can't see anything in the dark!  Light is a gift from the Lord that He knew we would need and a daily reminder of His love for us!

I frequently repeat His word, literally out loud, and often in my mind when I am struggling with any number of things.  The following verse has given me courage (not the absence of fear, but the ability to proceed) in many times of trouble.  In a particularly difficult season of my young daughter's life, she was experiencing a great deal of fear, so we memorized this verse together.  The strength she received was extremely faith building for both of us.  His Word is so powerful!

Psalm 27:1(NIV)
The Lord is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid? (Italics mine.)

Father,

Thank you for the physical light that You provide for us every day.  Thank you also for the light of Your word to guide my steps and give me a sure foundation of hope to stand on in all circumstances. 

Amen