TOPIC: BUT FOR THE LORD
MEMORISE:
“Blessed be the Lord, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.” - (Psalm 124:6)
READ: PSALM 124:1-8 (KJV)
1 If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say;
2 If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us:
3 Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:
4 Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:
5 Then the proud waters had gone over our soul.
6 Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.
7 Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.
8 Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
MESSAGE:
When I was a lecturer at the University of Ilorin, after my morning lectures, I would leave the campus, go home for lunch, and relax before returning for my evening lectures. I was also serving as the pastor of the RCCG parish in Ilorin then, so our living room was constantly filled with people. One afternoon, after eating, I lay on the couch in the living room to rest before returning for my evening lectures. I closed my eyes so people walking around would think that I was sleeping and not disturb me.
While lying down, someone grabbed my hands and legs and bent as if to kiss me. Initially, I thought it was my wife, but then I realised that whoever could hold my hands and legs at the same time must be much taller and stronger than her. I opened my eyes immediately, and the being (I really couldn't make out what it was) vanished. I wondered what had just happened as I felt a cold sensation run down my spine. I shook it off and went for my lectures. While I was on the campus, I started experiencing a terrible stomach ache, which led to severe stooling and vomiting. On returning home, I had to practically crawl from my car to the bathroom. Then I asked, "Lord, why is this happening to me?" and He responded, "I just wanted you to get a glimpse of the battles I fight for you that you are not aware of." Immediately He said that, the stomach ache, stooling, and vomiting stopped.
You have no idea how much God protects you as you go about your daily activities. You may think that you go and come safely because you are very careful or because you are a good driver, but believe me, your carefulness or driving skills cannot get you out of an accident that the devil has planned; only God can guarantee your safety. If you think that you are surrounded by security personnel, what will happen if they face a terror group with more sophisticated weapons than them? This is why Psalm 127:1 says that the watchman watches in vain if the Lord is not watching over the city.
Beloved, some people have plied the same routes you ply and gotten kidnapped or killed. Also, the same kind of food you eat is what has caused the death of others. You should constantly thank God for your safety; you will not be alive without Him (Lamentations 3:22).
ACTION POINT:
Today is my birthday; please thank God on my behalf because He truly has been faithful to me.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: DEUTERONOMY 28-29
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
HYMNAL: 19 - ROCK OF AGES, CLEFT FOR ME
1 Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee;
let the water and the blood,
from thy wounded side which flowed,
be of sin the double cure;
save from wrath and make me pure.
2 Not the labors of my hands
can fulfill thy law's demands;
could my zeal no respite know,
could my tears forever flow,
all for sin could not atone;
thou must save, and thou alone.
3 Nothing in my hand I bring,
simply to the cross I cling;
naked, come to thee for dress;
helpless, look to thee for grace;
foul, I to the fountain fly;
wash me, Savior, or I die.
4 While I draw this fleeting breath,
when mine eyes shall close in death,
when I soar to worlds unknown,
see thee on thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee.
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