“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” ( Psalm 18:2).
Our leading verse today has many insights for us. Any of us must be familiar with a rock, a solid mass composed of minerals, that can be used as a foundation because of its strength. Usually when visiting the seaside one sees waves tossing against a rock, wave after wave, yet being pushed back. In life one can face storms that come wave after wave, but where one has faith in the Lord God Almighty, He is indeed our rock. The waves will be tossed back.
In the olden times, especially during invasion, there used to be a stronghold in form of fortifications, where people would run to for shelter and take a last stand. These strongholds often rose as castles or towers built of stone. In life we need a stronghold where we can escape to if under attack, and the Lord Almighty God is our fortress.
In the days when armies would engage in physical combat, the shield was one of the most important weapon to have. The great Shaka, founder of the Zulu Kingdom, is said to have developed an edge over his enemies, by perfecting raw hide shields, in such a way that they could easily brush aside opponent’s spears. When spears are arraigned against us, in form of life’s challenges, we need a shield that can deflect any back, and the Lord Almighty God is our shield.
Again during war times horns where blown to rally soldiers and give them confidence as they mounted an attack. When Gideon went out to attack the Midianites he said, “Follow my lead. When I get to the edge of the camp, do exactly as I do. When I and all who are with me blow our trumpets, then from all around the camp blow yours and shout, ‘For the Lord and for Gideon” (Judges 7:17-18). Indeed, “when the three hundred trumpets sounded, the Lord caused the men throughout the camp to turn on each other with their swords” ( vv 22). This is why the Almighty God is the “horn of our salvation.”
Today, whatever may be shaking you, know that the Almighty God is you rock, fortress, a shield and the horn blowing with victorious sound against the enemies noise. You are safe.
Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I rise with confidence, and shall not be shaken for you are my refuge, strength and helper who delivers me through all troubles, this I pray in Jesus’s name
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18/05/2024 - 19/05/2024 All day“Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” (Colossians 2:15)
Perhaps one of the most inspiring passages in the Bible with enduring lessons is where Moses pleads to Pharaoh to let the Jews go. Instead Pharaoh dared Moses if he had the power as that of a king. Challenged to “perform a miracle” Moses turned to Aaron who threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts: Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs (Exodus 7: 9-12).
What we see here is the presence of occult powers in high places, as is true even today. A common mistake by some is to deny the existence of the occult behind certain thrones or power centers, especially in instances where we find those putting on a genteel manner of social respectability. There are also those who through their education and confined exposure to the spirit realm of things, doubt the existence of occult powers. The reality is that in the world we live in the enemy is much at work. 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
In this passage we see that while Pharaoh did release his snakes the staff God had placed in the hands of his messenger, Moses, was far greater and swallowed all. Here is the point. As believers we do have a far greater and mighty power to protect us from any attacks of the enemy. It is the blood of the lamb. As it is written, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony...” (Revelation 12:11).
Today whatever snakes you may encounter from anywhere be assured that you have a far greater power than of the enemy. It is the blood of Jesus. As His word says, “call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me” (Psalm 50:15).
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I pray for protection from the attacks of the enemy by the blood of the lamb, this I pray in Jesus’name.
