The LORD is thy keeper: The LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. Ps 121:5

Great amounts of our efforts are spent trying to make ourselves comfortable. Much time and energy are spent seeking pleasures, searching for the right “this or that,” striving for comfort, or securing possessions and protections in life. The lists may vary, but at the core of who we are, we want to feel good and avoid pain and sufferings. The scripture passage reminds us that God is the Ultimate Protector and Provider. “The LORD is thy keeper.” He is the keeper for all who will put their trust in Him. He protects His children from evil and its afflictions. The children of God are safe under His protection and care. The child of God is in the safety, protection, and care of God when we walk with Him to know “the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.” Draw near Him to walk in the shadow of His grace. It is the one who stands alone, in open spaces, who is unprotected from the elements of evil who will suffer its consequences and afflictions. Yet for the one who draws near unto the Father’s presence will know His protection, His provision, and the power of His might. He is forever faithful, and He always protects us by His tender mercies (Ps 40:11). He is the Great Shepherd, the Keeper of the flock. He knows His sheep and His sheep know Him and hear His voice to follow Him (Jn 10:27).  Even when we stray, and become scattered, confused, and afraid, He seeks out His children from dangerous places and delivers them from the fear of danger (Eze 34:12). My friend, our greatest protection and comfort in life is in Christ “who laid down His life for us” (1 Jn 3:16). Dear friend, find your greatest comfort and care in His presence and in the body of Christ, the church (Col 1:18). I thank God for His church and the prayers of the saints who worship Him and seek His glory. Father thank You for Your love and Your eternal protection through Your Son. Keeper of heaven and earth, keep me close by Your side that I may hear when You call. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations, knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. James 1:2-3

I pray that your day was filled with worship and praise as you gathered with the saints on the Lord’s Day. Life is not a bed of roses, nor is it meant to be easy. Though sometimes we think that it should. It is the tests and temptations that we face that can prove our character and manifest what we truly believe. Yet much of our energy and effort is spent to avoid these things. Much time is spent pursuing pleasures, happiness, and freedom from worry. We can become anxious with anticipation for moments of pleasure and happiness. Our scripture passage reminds us of something far greater than pleasure and happiness. It is time spent and shared with the Father. Temptations present themselves to try, test, and prove our faith in the word of God. They present the question, “What do you believe?” “Who do you trust more?” For this reason, we can “count it all joy when we fall into divers temptations” for the Father is near and present to walk us through “that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” My friend, God has a far greater purpose for you than to only enjoy the pleasures of life. He desires that you know the pleasure of His company. The pleasure His counsel. The pleasure of the comfort that only He can provide. He desires that you know the joy of His salvation and He will uphold by His generous Spirit (Ps 51:12). God is always present with His children, and He wants you to know that “He will not leave you nor forsake you” (Heb 13:5). Dear friend, do not become impatient when facing troubles, trials, or temptations. Only “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Eph 6:10) and stand upon the word of God and against the temptations of evil.  The Spirit of God will manifest His presence that you may “count it all joy…that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” Patience to wait on the Father and trust His word. Father thank You for Your love and the promise of Your presence. Teach me to have confidence in Your patience and not fear in times of testing, troubles, and temptation. To You be all glory, honor, and praise. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. Jude 3

I pray that you had a wonderful day of fellowship and worship with your local church on the Lord’s Day. I am always excited and energized to share in the faith and worship with other believers. What gets you fired up? Is it a political affiliation, a favorite sports team, or maybe time with family? When we love something or someone, we passionately defend it. We see in the news media active protector, social activist, and passions of people for the things they are most affectionate about. The thing that fired up Jude was his love for Jesus so much so that he passionately defended Jesus’ reputation and message. The scripture passage encourages us that we should “contend for the faith” that was entrusted to us (Jude 1:3). When the love of Christ that dwells in you is working in you to transform you (2 Cor 3:18) to live and walk by faith, His love will grow in you and compel you (2 Cor 5:14) to uphold the gospel, maintain true faith, argue against false teachings, and even insist on sincere worship. The sincere believer fights with all their might, strength, and passion for the entrusted faith as a gift to be guarded and cherished. Our salvation is a gift of God, and Jude encourages us to fight with courage and patience for others to hear the pure truth of the gospel message and receive the same gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. To that end, the child of God needs time with Jesus, speaking to Him in prayer, learning about Him in the Bible, following and trusting His word in faith. As we come to know Him, we will passionately defend Him. And as we spend time in the Word of God we will distinguish lies from truth. The Bible says if we endure with Jesus, we will reign with Jesus. But if we deny Jesus, He will deny us (2 Tim 2:12). My friend, if we aren’t defending Jesus, we’re denying Him. Jesus’ reputation and teaching are worth defending. Think about how your life has changed since you trusted Jesus by faith. Could anything matter more? Dear friend, are prepared and passionate to go on the offense and contend for the faith. Jesus is worth it because He is worthy! Father thank You for Your love and the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Draw me into Your presence and strengthen my faith and love to contend for You. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.