How perfect these Proverbs scriptures! Proverbs 16:4,9

The Lord works out everything to its proper end.

In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

These scriptures came to mind when I think about how the Lord paces us – I felt that way with my shoulder surgery few years back, I feel that way when we have to pause and think of our next steps… you probably feel that way occasionally… PACED.

And the Lord is fair. The Lord knows to pace our steps for calmness and peace and precaution.

Scriptures of encouragement? The Lord works out everything to its proper end.

In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

That time had passed – almost forgotten now – and yet the Lord’s protection and pacing and peace will NEVER be forgotten.

This devotion email reminded me of the Lord’s Refuge:  Refuge in Times of Trouble 1/15/2021

Good Morning, Is Jesus Christ always your first choice for refuge in times of trouble?

Psalm 91:2 “I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

We live in an evil world and evil has the ability to find any of us at any time. As a family, in June of 2012 we experienced this evil first hand with the tragic loss of my daughter-in-law. I am thankful that this horrible, evil act did not cause me to live in fear each day. I am thankful that instead, it caused me to cry out even more for the Lord’s mercy and protection over my family and not take a day for granted. And while I often wrestle with the “Whys”, as do many other believers who have experienced tragedies on this earth, I still and always will trust in the protective power of our awesome, faithful God. I have built my faith around God’s word and it truth. One such verse I use is Proverbs 3:5-6, which I often say this out loud to myself throughout the day, “I will trust in the Lord with all of my heart, I will not lean not on my own understanding, I will acknowledge Him in all of my ways, and trust that He will always be faithful and make my paths straight.” The harsh reality is that our only true refuge is in God through Jesus Christ. Christ offers us an eternal refuge that is filled forever with His goodness, peace and joy.

And while there may be places on this earth that are safer than others, we are reminded so eloquently by David, that our only true refuge is in the Lord.” Psalm 11:1 Psalm 14:6 Psalm 16:1“God is our refuge in times of distress” Psalm 59:16 “God is our tower of strength against the enemy.” Psalm 61:3 “Our salvation and glory rest in God, Who is the Rock of our strength.” Psalm 62:7 “We must learn to take refuge in the shelter of His wings, and not the things of this world.” Psalm 61:4

Jesus Christ must always be our refuge in times of distress, as we fight to abide and remain in Him daily. John 15:5 As we approach the end of days, the safest spot in the universe is in Christ, the perfect refuge only God could design. “I love You, O Lord, my strength.” 2 he Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 3 I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, And I am saved from my enemies Psalm 18:1-3.

One key to abiding in Christ is to discipline ourselves to set aside time each day, in order to spend some quality time with Him in the Word and in prayer. It is during these times that we insure that we are engrafted in Him, Who is our sufficiency. “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” 1 John 5:12. “Jesus Christ is the only Way, the only Truth and the only Life”! John 14:6 

Let’s all attempt to find our refuge in Christ each day and not turn to the things of this world first for our comfort and protection, as Jesus Christ is our only true hope, our only true refuge, and our only way to salvation. And Jesus is as close as a cry, an outstretched hand, or an upturned heart. He is only one thought or prayer away. From any location, anyone can instantly arrive in that safest of all places. That is our ultimate hope as we approach the end of days.

Lord, please help us to trust more in Your faithfulness to us. Do not allow us to be deceived into thinking that this world offers us any true comfort and refuge. Thank You for Your faithfulness to us! In Jesus name we pray, Amen

Have another powerful and prosperous day of remaining in the comforting refuge of God as you emulate Jesus Christ by serving others in the workplace and at home!

Bob Bennett, Real Men Ministries

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” — Philippians 2:3

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