Psalm 84:9 – “God, Your wraparound shield is our defense.”

As I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word, I was impressed by God’s impeccable timing and coordination.  I read both the Old and New Testaments each day for spiritual nourishment.  Although I study specific areas, my morning reading is from both.

Psalms 84:9 in the Passion Translation says this in a unique way that resonated with me.  What a picture of God’s covering and protection.  He is not just in front of us warding off frontal attacks but surrounding us to protect us from the snipers in the hidden areas.

Psalm 86:11 makes a powerful and purposeful plea, “Teach me more about You, how You work and how You move, SO THAT I can walk onward in Your truth UNTIL everything within me brings honor to Your Name.”

In Psalm 90:12, the request for God to teach us to number our days cannot be “How Many?”    We could never do that, so it must be focused on ordering our lives, for God is always cognizant of our brevity on earth.  We are to make the best use of every day.   It is as we focus on God, aware of our limited time on earth, we become more open to His correction and guidance; therein is wisdom.   That gives a foundation for the incredible revelation and promise of Psalm 91.

Hebrews 3:1 reveals that we are Now made Holy in Christ and have a standing invitation to the ‘feast of our heavenly calling.’   We are called to live the Life of Heaven now!  Jesus, in Matthew 6, said that we should pray for the Kingdom of God to come to this earth.  How do we enter into that Kingdom Life here?  The obvious first step is to accept Jesus as our Savior, then as Lord. Then, we fill our consciousness with Him, His Word, and Purposes.

Hebrews 3:10 reveals Israel’s wilderness experience: “They wandered in their hearts just like they do with their feet, and they refuse to learn My ways.” First, the heart, then the corresponding actions. The Life of Heaven flows from a transformed heart. It can never be produced by willpower or legalistic rules. It flows from Him through our redeemed and transformed hearts.

The guard, warning, or prescription given in Hebrews 3:12 is invaluable: “Search your hearts EVERY DAY…make sure that none of you has evil or unbelief HIDING within you.”  Then, in verse 19, we see their problem and our warning: ” They wrapped their hearts in unbelief.”  That requires effort to purposefully focus on things other than God. It is more than doubt!

If we treasure the Word and seek to make Jesus and His Word our permanent residence, we become equipped and empowered to stand regardless.  Stand victoriously!   Stand authoritatively, become candidates for the Isaiah 61 anointing, and be enabled to do the works Jesus did, manifesting the Greater Works!

We are invited to live the Life of Heaven NOW! Never settle for second best.

May God protect you from all the spiritual snipers and enable you to be fully protected at all times and in all things!