1 Sam 16:7 (ESV)The Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. —This is why it is so important for us to guard the heart! — Prov 4:23 Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. — You know that we store His words within our heart, that we may be willing & prepared to follow after him! It is so important to guard the heart & plant His words & ways deep within, for it is here that we find the abundant life! Love Mel
God is Our Refuge and Strength – a Present Help in Trouble
Where is your safe place? —Psalm 46:1 (KJV)God is our refuge & strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 9:9 (KJV)The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 145:18 (ESV)The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. Prov 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. — We need to remember that His very Name is a strong tower that provides us safety when we run to Him! Love Mel
No Cramming – Stay Prayed Up
From Bill— How well did “cramming” for tests work in school. Sometimes we got by but rarely did we excel or truly learn. —Prob 12:24 tells us “The diligent hand will rule, but laziness will lead to forced labor.” —Often we “cram” in our prayer lives, usually when there is a crisis. Sometimes it works & sometimes it doesn’t. It is best to be prayed up in advance of a crisis. Best to stay close to God & pray diligently according to His heart. —Psalm 37:4 tells us “Delight thyself also in the LORD; & He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” —This means God will put His desires into our hearts. That is a sure way to answered prayer. Also,it is wise to pray for protection, favor, health, etc each & do it every day – before the crisis. May I suggest the Aaronic blessing in Num 6 and Psalm 91 each & pray it every day over your family, cares & concerns. In the Armed Forces this is called prepping the battlefield. It is always a good idea to pray in advance. Love Mel
