Last week was rough for many Americans as we watched in horror the shootings in Colorado Springs, CO and San Bernardino, CA. Our hearts and prayers are for the families who lost precious loved ones in the massacres. Pray for the injured to totally recover in Jesus’ name.
The Morningside Prayer Team will continue to pray for these families and friends during this season of loss.
Two deceased individuals in the San Bernardino shooting originally left their home countries to come to America to escape persecution. One was from Iran, the other from Vietnam. They thought America was a safe place. We used to think the same thing. So, where is true safety anyway?
Our hearts not only experience sadness, shock and sorrow, but many times fear enters during tragic events. Just witnessing these horrible scenes on television can cause us to tremble. The enemy is behind everything evil that we are seeing. Satan wants to paralyze us so we won’t be bold for the Lord.
Scripture tells us in I John 4:18 that fear has torment. Don’t allow fear to torment you. Make decisions for the future based on faith in God, not fear!
God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. II Timothy 1:7. Today, right now, determine not to give in to fear. Fear is knocking at your door and much of it is being transmitted through the media and modern technology. Guard your heart and mind. Be aware of what you are watching.
When thoughts of fear invade your mind — take authority over them — cast them away and replace them with God’s Word. Declare according to God’s Word that you have a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. Hide the Word in your heart so you can offset the fiery darts from hell. As you hide the word and meditate on it, you will become safely hidden in God and receive His peace.
Humans plan, scheme, buy weapons for protection, build underground bunkers, store food, have an escape plan, etc. All that is helpful, BUT, what do you do if you aren’t near any of the “safe zones” you have designated? What if you are unable to access your supplies? What then? Will you panic? What if your phone service goes out?
Friend, we have to settle some things in our life so we are ready spiritually and mentally when the unexpected comes.
So where is your ultimate safe Hiding Place? Where can you obtain peace in the midst of your storms?
Our best made plans may not be adequate for the future challenges coming to the Body of Christ and to America. There is only one answer, only one ultimate safe place and that is IN HIM. In Who? IN CHRIST. Are you born again? If so, are you convinced that God is with you, in you and for you?
Recently I saw the movie “The Hiding Place” which is about Corrie ten Boom’s experiences in a concentration camp during WWII. Her crime? Hiding Jews from the Nazis. In the movie she said several times “No matter how deep your pit is, God is deeper still.” This was either the 3rd or 4th time I had seen the movie. However, this time was different for me. At the end of the movie I began weeping and repenting for complaining. It jerked me back to reality how blessed we are in America. Older folks remember what America used to be like before mankind supposedly “evolved” to a more tolerant and better state.
The Hiding Place was a separate room that Corrie’s family has constructed within their house. While in the concentration camp Corrie’s Hiding Place became her faith and trust in God. As Christians that is where our Hiding Place has to be today. Yes, prepare, do what you can in the natural but especially prepare yourself spiritually to endure to the end. Rely on Christ and what He has already accomplished and overcome for your sake.
The following verses exhort us to dwell in the eternal secret place of the Most High:
Psalm 91:1,2,15 – “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2) I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 15) He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.”
Psalm 32:7 — “Thou art my Hiding Place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.”
Psalms 9:9 – “The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.”
Psalm 62:7 – “My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.”
Psalm 119:114 – “Thou art my Hiding Place and my shield: I hope in thy word.”
Psalm 62:8 – “Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us.”
Friends, when you are in Christ, you are victorious through Him! It may look like you are a victim, it may feel like it, you may go through real losses, but, Christ has overcome all of this. Look to the Lord and press into Him. You are a victorious overcomer through Christ! You can make it regardless of what life brings when you lean upon the Lord. This priceless Hiding Place in Christ is available to all of God’s children.
Pastor Jim is constantly exhorting us to be prepared – this is a strong anointing and assignment on His life – to prepare God’s people for end times. He is called as a watchman who helps us understand today’s events in relation to Bible prophecy. I pray that you have heeded these warnings straight from the heart of God.
Prepare to the best of your ability for the days ahead. If you are unable to buy large quantities of prepper items, just start where you are and believe God to make a way for you to purchase more. The center of God’s will is the safest place to be. God is your refuge and strength. He is your source of peace in these troubled times.
Acts 17:28 – “For in him we live and move and have our being…” NIV
In all your preparing, seek the Lord for guidance and draw close to Him. He is your peace and your true Hiding Place.
