WHAT IS YOUR REFUGE?

I love the covered bridges.  They were used in the days of horse drawn carriages.  When a bad storm was brewing folks could pull their wagons in and ride out the storm.  It would protect them from the wind, rain, snow and the sun on very hot days. I imagine it was a life saver.

The Lord can be this to us.  He is always ready and willing to be our defence and refuge in the day of our trouble. 

There can be some very nasty people out there.  

No matter how kind you are or how hard you work, they will treat you bad.  What you don't want to do, is sink down to their level.  We as God's children are above all that.  When we "react" to their sin, we walk outside of the Lord's protection.  We have all had people treat us with less then kindness.  Sometimes, it will be a fellow saint.  That is usually the easiest to deal with.  It won't take them long to realize they are wrong and they will repent.  This is where you move on with forgiveness.  

Now, if you are dealing with pure evil intents, those that want to persecute you, this is when we run for refuge.  

Have you ever dealt with these kind of people?  The kind that enjoy saying really mean things about you and will spread nasty rumors far and wide and they have no remorse?  How about those that enjoy watching misfortune come your way or, will laugh at your calamity?  Sometimes, I actually feel sorrow for them.  I think how sad to have such darkness in their heart.  They don't have the joy of walking with the light.

  

Actually, I mentioned above that we "run for refuge".  

You don't have to run very far, He is right by your side.  Let Him deal with these people, keep your heart at peace.  He will find a way to correct them and get them off your back or out of your life.  But.....be patient!  Don't step outside of His refuge and try to handle it yourself.  Wait.... for His wisdom.  You may not need to do anything ( I have seen this in my own life.  Many times those of evil intent will fall of their own accord).  Sometimes the Lord will give you specific wisdom on what you need to do. 

You, just keep the word in your heart and fellowship much with the Lord. Don't fret, He is on your side. 

Don't get tricked into trying to handle it on your own.  

One way this can happen is if we think too much about the problem.  Look at it this way; it is actually not your problem, it is their problem.  They are the ones that can't handle the light in you.  You know you will come out being the winner.  What do you have to worry about?  Thinking this way makes it real easy.

For thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.  Psalm 59:16 

Click here to purchase the above image as a downloadable greeting card.

Click here to purchase the above image as framed art.

   

WISDOM....AS A FLOWING BROOK

WISDOM....SEEK IT

Have you ever looked at a piece of art and wondered what was in the mind of the artist as they painted their picture?

We may look and wonder what was in the Creator's mind when He put the world together. 

BUT...

We have access to the Master Artist.  You can read my previous post THE ARTIST OF ARTIST  to find out who He is.  He has given us His journal so to speak that we may know Him and what He was thinking.  That is why my husband and I love putting scripture on our pictures.  This particular scripture seems made for this photo that was taken while on one of our many nature hikes.

Proverbs is one of my favorite books of the Bible.  Why?  Wisdom.. I crave to know His.

The world is full of problems and at times those problems seem to want to dominate every aspect of life.  Everyone has an opinion as to how to handle all the crisis's going on in our world. When it gets overwhelming with every one's opinion, stop, find a place of quiet.  Get out the great book and seek His wisdom.  He has the answers for your situation.  Most of the time you can find the answers you need directly in the scriptures. While you are reading, you can ask Him for additional guidance for your particular situation.    

How do you know when it is His wisdom?

(James 3:17 KJV)  But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

The wisdom may not come right then and there.  It might come while you are taking a walk, or sitting watching people in a mall, or riding a bike.  The Lord is personal.  He knows you and how to best how to communicate with you.

Be patient. : )

One of my favorite accounts that shows a need for wisdom is in Matthew 17:24-27.  Get out your bible and read the account. Peter needed wisdom for the situation.  What I love most is Jesus' KINDNESS.  Jesus was thinking of the temple tax collector's.  He did not want them to stumble. He gave Peter the wisdom needed for the situation.  

We may not be able to change the world's problems, but if we follow the Lord's example in our own lives and walk with wisdom, my guess is the world's problems won't seem all that important.

Enjoy His creation today and seek His wisdom.