Tag: Rock

God’s Works Are Perfect

God’s Works Are Perfect

The word perfect means being entirely without fault or defect; complete.  We can see how God’s works are rightly described as perfect.  Here are several verses from the Bible:

He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just.  A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.  (Deut 32:4 NIV)

As for God, his way is upright; the word of God is pure; he is a shield to all those who take refuge in him.  (Ps 18:30 ISV)

And they will say about you, “The Lord always does right!  God is our mighty rock.”  (Ps 92:15 CEV)

These passages from the Scriptures remind us of how truly awesome and good our God is!  His ways are just, and He is faithful and upright.

God’s actions are perfect, and His character traits exhibit justice and mercy, as well as an ability to forgive repeatedly. When the Bible mentions “works,” it is discussing such things as actions, tasks, activities, and results.

Not only that, but God’s word is PURE—which means free from anything different, inferior or contaminating, free from foreign or inappropriate elements.

When we make the Lord our safe haven, He will shield us from evil and all harm. 

Several Bible verses remind us that God cannot lie.  (Num 23:19; 1 Sam 15:29; Heb 6:18) So in any circumstance or challenge of our lives, we can always rely upon the truth that ‘The Lord always does right!”  Be encouraged, strengthened, and emboldened in your faith in Jesus Christ, dear friend.

Hidden with Christ in God

<strong>Hidden with Christ in God</strong>

How are we “hidden with Christ in God”?  Let’s explore this thought.

For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. (Col 3:3-4 NKJV)

As believers in and followers of Jesus Christ, we have been set free from the law of sin and death.  (Rom 8:2)  We are set free from the power of sin. (Rom 6:7)  Since we are ‘dead’ to sin—or spiritually separated from it through salvation in Jesus—our lives are encompassed or contained in Jesus Christ. 

All of this simply means that we are in union with Jesus, our Savior.  We are one with Him.

On that day [when that time comes] you will know for yourselves that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you.  (Joh 14:20 AMP)

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.  (Gal 2:20 ESV)

As you can see from the two verses shown above, it is clear that we are forever in union with Jesus, and securely enfolded by our loving heavenly Father.

After a little while, the world no longer is going to see Me, but you are going to see Me; because I live, you also will live.   (Joh 14:19 NASB)

Being in union with Christ means that the past, present, and future aspects of our life are now and forever tied up and remain in union with Christ, and it began at the Cross when we died with Him. The condition of our lives may appear to contradict this truth, when difficulties rain down upon us, but no matter what life throws at us our union with Christ is 100% secure. 

(Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/colossians-3-3)

All of this reassures us to realize that we are safe and secure in Jesus.  He is our rock, our fortress, deliverer, strength, shield and our stronghold.  (Ps 18:2)  May God bless your day!

Jesus, Our High Tower & Our Safe Place

Jesus, Our High Tower & Our Safe Place

One of the mightiest defenses that we have in this world to help us fight against the tactics of Satan, is the name of the Lord. 

John 17:12 (AMP) Jesus is speaking:  While I was with them, I kept and preserved them in Your Name [in the knowledge and worship of You]. Those You have given Me I guarded and protected . . .  

Jesus was communicating this idea:  ‘I kept them in that High Tower, inside that NAME—I kept them there; they were in that lofty place.’  Remember the 70 that were chosen to be sent out said, “even the devils are subject to us in Your Name!” 

There are numerous Bible verses referring to the Lord as our high tower—our stronghold, our refuge. 

The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and the One who rescues me; My God, my rock and strength in whom I trust and take refuge; My shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower—my stronghold.  (Ps 18:2 AMP, emphasis added)

The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold [our refuge, our high tower]. Selah.  (Ps 46:7; 46:11 AMP, emphasis added)

O [God] my strength, I will watch for You; for God is my stronghold [my refuge, my protector, my high tower].  (Ps 59:9 AMP, emphasis added)

From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.  3 For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy.  (Ps 61:2-3 NKJV)  Jesus is the Rock.  (1 Cor 10:4; Ps 78:35)

But the Lord has become my high tower and defense, and my God the rock of my refuge.  (Ps 94:22 AMP)

My lovingkindness and my fortress, my high tower and my deliverer, my shield and the One in whom I take refuge, Who subdues my people under me.  (Ps 144:2 NKJV, emphasis added)

A high tower represented safety to people in biblical times; it was used for defensive purposes.  (Jud 9:51) Watchmen would be posted upon high towers to keep a lookout for enemies (human or animal), and the watchmen would sound an alarm when they saw danger approaching. 

High towers also served as a protection for people, animals, and goods.  They were used as a fortress in times of war.  It served as a last retreat when a town was taken by an enemy.  The people would flee to the high tower along with their valuable possessions.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs to it and is safe and set on high [far above evil].  (Pro 18:10 AMP)

“The Lord is a strong tower in fearful and scary times. It is the name of the Lord that is our
strong tower. It is the place of safety which God promises to those who
run to Him. The name of the Lord is a Biblical expression for the whole
character of God. The name of the Lord refers to God’s person and character.” 

~ (Source:  https://www.cui.edu/devotions/lent/2019/post/the-name-of-the-lord/day/40)

Jesus’ name is our high tower; and when we turn to Him, we are set far above evil.  Let us praise and worship the Lord for His mercy, love, and protection.  Thank You, Lord!

What is a Buckler?

What is a Buckler?

When we read certain versions of the Bible, there are terms or words used that we may not understand.  I know in the King James Version of the Bible, there are quite a number of words that are not used in modern times and they can confuse us. 

One such term is the word buckler.  Here are the definitions of this word:

1a: a small round shield held by a handle at arm’s length. 1b: a shield worn on the left arm. 2: one that shields and protects.

Here are several Bible verses that use this word. 

The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.  (Ps 18:2 NKJV, emphasis added)

As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.  (2 Sam 22:31 NKJV, emphasis added)

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.  (Ps 91:14 NKJV, emphasis added)

As you can see from the definitions of the word buckler, you’ll notice that it was a means of protection; it could be worn on the left arm; and it could be said of One who shields and protects.  Clearly the third definition seems to best apply to the Lord.  He is certainly One who shields us and protects us.  He is like a mother bird who protects her young under the shelter of her own wings.  (Ps 91:14)

God’s truth is also called our shield and buckler.  (Ps 91:14)  Since God and His Word are in total unity, it is not surprising that He and His Word are portrayed by the same words. Just remember whenever you need shielding or protecting, you should turn to our Redeemer and Savior, Jesus.  He will not fail to protect you! 

Sun of Righteousness Dispenses Healing

Sun of Righteousness Dispenses Healing

Who is the Sun of Righteousness?  It is Jesus Christ and He demonstrated this truth by performing signs, wonders, and miracles while He lived on the earth.

But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go out and grow fat like stall-fed calves. (Mal 4:2)

He is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He.  (Deu 32:4)

According to Your name, O God, so is Your praise to the ends of the earth; Your right hand is full of righteousness.  (Ps 48:10) 

But the Lord of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God who is holy shall be hallowed in righteousness.  (Isa 5:16)

“Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; a King shall reign and prosper, and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth.  (Jer 23:5 emphasis added, see also Jer 33:15) 

Jesus fulfilled each and every one of these Scriptures.  As the Son of Righteousness, Jesus healed the elderly, the poor, the widowed, and the rich equally.  He didn’t just heal one kind of disease but ALL kinds of disease.  He demonstrated His unlimited power as well as the unlimited, unconditional love of His Father for all mankind.

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.  (Mt 4:23, emphasis added – see also Mt 9:35)

Jesus also healed people spiritually by feeding the Good News of the Kingdom to them (Living Water).  He healed the broken in heart.  (Ps 147:3)  He healed demon-possessed and demon-oppressed people by delivering them.  He healed and restored the bent and broken ones.  He gave voices to the mute, and cured those with unclean spirits.  (Mt 15:30; Lk 6:18)  Some people received healing by just touching the edge of Jesus’ cloak!  (Mk 6:56)

You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.  (Ac 10:38)

The book of Acts tells us that people who need healing are “oppressed by the devil.”  That’s not just an old-time, backwards way of saying that people were sick.  No, I believe that this is a revelation from God for us.  Recognize that pain, sickness, and suffering are all tools of the enemy.  He comes to steal, to kill, and to destroy according to the Bible. (Joh 10:10)

As followers of Jesus Christ, by faith we must trust Him and KNOW Him to be our healer.  God has said:

. . . for I am the Lord that healeth thee.  (Ex 15:26 KJV, end)

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases . . .  (Ps 103:3 KJV)

Food for Meditation

Food for Meditation

Our last article was on the topic of meditation, which included a biblical promise with it.  Today, I’m going to give you suggested food or topics for meditation.  I hope that they will bless you.

The Lord is my:

  • Exceedingly great reward (Gen 15:1)
  • Rock (Ps 18:2; 31:3; 71:3)
  • Rock that is Higher than I (Ps 61:2)
  • High Tower (Ps 144:2)
  • Hiding Place (Ps 32:7;119:114)
  • Very present help in the time of trouble (Ps 46:1)
  • Intercessor (Job 16:19-21 NIV1984; Isa 59:16-17)
  • Mediator (1 Tim 2:5; Heb 8:6; 9:15; 12:24)
  • Advocate (1 Joh 2:1)
  • Teacher (Lk 12:12; Joh 14:26; 1 Cor 2:13)
  • Healer (Ex 15:26; Ps 103:3; Mt 4:23)
  • Open Heaven (Joh 1:51)
  • Comfort, Comforter (Ps 86:17; 2 Cor 1:3-4)
  • Strength (Ps 18:1; 32)
  • Fortress (Ps 18:2; 31:3; 71:3; 144:2)
  • Deliverer (Ps 18:2; 40:17; 70:5)
  • Shield (Ps 3:3; 18:2; 28:7; 144:2)
  • Horn of my salvation (Ps 18:2)
  • Stronghold (Ps 18:2)
  • Redeemer (Ps 19:14; 78:35; Pro 23:11)
  • Prince of Peace (Isa 9:6)
  • Sun of Righteousness (Mal 4:2)
  • Bright, Morning Star (Rev 22:16)

May God bless your meditations.

My Defense is of God

My Defense is of God

In the Bible, the Lord is shown again and again to be our defense in times of trouble or difficulties.  Defense means protection, security, cover, or shield.  It can also mean justification or vindication.  Assuredly, Jesus Christ is our justification!

My defense is of God, Who saves the upright in heart.  (Ps 7:10)

I will wait for You, O You his Strength; for God is my defense.  (Ps 59:9)

He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.  (Ps 62:2)

But the Lord has been my defense, and my God the rock of my refuge.  (Ps 94:22)

The Lord is our protection; and this is something that we all need to recognize and to trust in, since we live in an increasingly hostile world—one that is growing even more antagonistic to the message of the gospel.  Let us remember to confess, along with the Psalmist, “My defense is of God.”

It is essential for us to remain in a strong and vital relationship with the Lord.  The Word of God feeds us and increases our faith.  It reminds us who we are and of the One we serve.    Don’t allow yourself to become complacent, or to wander away from daily Bible reading and contemplation. 

Continue to worship with other like-minded believers on a regular basis because we’re encouraged to have fellowship with our brethren. (Heb 10:25)  As we fellowship with other believers, they will support us and encourage us, spurring us on to good works!  Glory to God!

The Rock

The Rock

The Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let God be exalted, the Rock of my salvation!  (2 Sam 22:47)

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.  (Ps 18:2)

In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.  (Ps 62:7)

This expression [Rock of my salvation] stimulates vivid imagery and a sense of security. Our God is a trustworthy, reliable, resolute Savior.

Isaiah 28:16 says:  Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes will not act hastily.  [not be panic-stricken]

This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’  (Acts 4:11)

From these various passages of Scripture, we understand that Jesus is our Rock and our foundation—even the chief cornerstone of our faith!  Jesus is solid, secure, and unmovable.  He is our sure foundation who never changes, and who never fails.  Glory to God!

Put your faith in Jesus, alone, and you won’t be disappointed.