keeper

Ebenezer, Stone of Help

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     The Philistines drew near to battle against Israel. But the Lord thundered with a great thunder on that day against the Philistines and confused them, so that they were routed before Israel. Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” I Samuel 7:10, 12 NASB

     Israel’s enemies attacked after she’d returned to the Lord, repented of her sin and removed her idols. Samuel set a stone to mark the place between the two cities where God’s enemies had fled in fear and confusion. The Philistines didn’t draw near again for battle because of His defense. The Ebenezer stone was a tangible reminder to the Israelites of God’s power and protection.

     We shouldn’t be surprised when we’re also attacked by the enemy after we confess our sins and recommit to the Lord, embark on a new ministry, or determine to give of our time, gifts, and money. Any resolution to further the gospel message might invite an ambush by the enemy. Therefore, we must stand firm, be alert to Satan’s tactics, and put on the full armor of God.  

     We must gird our loins with Truth; put on the breastplate of righteousness and choose holiness. We shod our feet with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace. During Biblical times, combat boots were embedded with nails for better grip and defense. But our sins have been nailed to the cross. Jesus’ shed blood made a way for us to have peace with God. He stands with us. 

      We take up our shield of faith to fight off the enemy’s fiery missiles. Then we put on the Helmet of Salvation and carry the Sword of the Spirit; and pray in the Spirit at all times. Like a soldier, we must be alert and diligent, ready to defend and endure with petitions for all saints. (Ephesians 6: 10-18)  

     Furthermore, we recall that God’s promises are for us! (Galatians 3:29) 

     Psalm 121 tells us that the Lord is our Helper. He never grows weary of our struggles, nor sleeps. He will not let our feet slip. The Lord is the keeper of our soul; He is our shade and rest. The Lord is our protector; He guards our going out and coming in, now and forevermore. 

     When we’re caught between two hard places, we can’t return to where we’ve been, and we’re not sure what lies ahead, we can be certain that the Lord is with us and has helped us thus far! Here lies the Truth that is worthy to be marked with an Ebenezer stone. 

Trusting in God’s mighty hand,

Lily Mae

I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip. He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your Keeper . . . He will keep your soul. Psalm 121:1-7 NASB

Keeper of My Heart

restoreroflostvoices

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The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
The sun will not smite you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul.
The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in
From this time forth and forever. Psalm 121:5-8 (NASB)

 

The child drapes her arm around her daddy like an open collar, and powder pink sways in his bronze arms. Her sleepy gaze drifts backward to me and I smile with orphan envy. She is held secure in love. When I bow my head and break the bread and drink the cup, I remember and then I re-member.

When I was in first grade, my parents were missionaries in Africa; and so, I attended a boarding school. My teacher was a harsh disciplinarian, our fingers were either smacked with a ruler, or we were locked alone in a closet. And I learned to not ask questions.

At the end of the day, I ran and hid in the hedges because I was petrified of the mean dogs that lived on our compound. I felt safe and sound under the lush, green cover. So, I played with my twig friends and built stick boats and homes until our supper bell rang. Then I raced to get in line.

Years later, I slipped on the same powder pink as the little girl in the pew, and my mother pulled my hair up fancy. I set off for the garden with a skip in my bare feet, but gnarled hands refused to break their rhythm. When I failed to get more than a quick nod and a few mumbled words, I turned and walked away. Then I pulled the bobby pins from my loose bun. I was not seen.

I taste the salt of past tears and recall the hurt. Then my Abba Father declares His great love for me. Though I was dismissed and silenced, God has broken through my defenses. He tucks my tendrils in place with care. And He steadies my footsteps as I stand and sing, “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.”

My Savior has hedged me in with thorns, and He protects, defends, and preserves my life. He’s never forsaken me in my wounded and weakened state. I too am kept by love. And so, He calls me to rethink with mercy.

The same gnarled hands held my Jelly Bean close, and her dark eyes were as bright as the pink stripes and sun on her shirt. Her grandfather had hooked the worm on her fishing pole and helped her catch the bass and crappies on the lake. She beamed with joy. And so did he.

I am challenged to lift my eyes and to seek the good intentions of others. And God’s grace prevails. The creator of beauty will not rest until His restorative work is complete.

What is the Lord asking you to remember and re-member? The Keeper of your heart and soul is trustworthy. He protects and preserves your life from here and forever more.

Step up with His assurance,

Lily Mae