The Encourager

The How Safe is Your Dwelling Place?

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalm 91:1)

We are living in times of perplexity and uncertainty, not knowing what to expect from one day to the next. To narrow it down from moment to the other. Our faith is being challenge every day. But one thing for sure God’s word still stands true. No matter what we see or hear taking place we must trust God. I pray this Newsletter will lead us to re-examine our personal relationship with the Lord.

As never before we need to examine the safety of our spiritual dwelling place. Naturally so if we know a storm is coming, we try to secure our homes as much as possible. We make sure the windows are secured and the doors are tightly fastened. Today, we are faced with so many different kinds of storms. To make sure they won’t take us out we need a safe place to dwell. Here this verse describes an abiding defense, but the promise is conditioned upon making the Lord our true refuge and habitation.

“He that dwelleth”: this is a continual process. We can’t dwell in today and decide to move out tomorrow. God is calling for steadfastness. 1Corinthians 15:58a–Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord...Sure we are going to face hard trials in life. Some endeavors we will be victorious, some we will face defeat. The key words are: “never give up”. Stay in a safe place!

Where is our safe place? In the secret place of the most High. When I read this passage of scripture, I began to examine my access to my secret place, making sure that the passage was clear. O how sweet is is to be in the presence of the Lord. When I go in my secret place, I lose sight on people, things, time, and even myself. Jesus is my main focus. When He began to minister to my soul, the joy of the Lord overwhelms me. In His presence is fullness of joy. In order to get in this secret place, I must have and keep a personal relationship with the Lord.

If we dwell in the secret place of the most High we, shall abide under the shadow of the almighty. This passage promises protection from the snare of the fowler and from noisome pestilence: (Pestilence means a deadly and overwhelming disease that affects an entire community a fatal epidemic disease.) It also promises long life and salvation. Here the Lord describes an abiding defense, but the Promise is conditioned upon making the Lord our true refuge and habitation. Looking at the word refuge: a shelter, a place of trust, a place to flee for protection, a dwelling and it also indicates a retreat.

To dwell in the secret place of God is to stay quietly and securely in the most holy place where the presence of God is. And to abide under the shadow of the Almighty is to dwell constantly and continuously in the assistance and protection of God.

We make the Lord our refuge and habitation by trusting Him. We also must seek His counsel, spend times of refreshing with Him, love Him and walk closely with Him through everyday. When we do this, we will enter into a sheltered place, under the shadow of the almighty. It is God Almighty, All powerful, unconquerable, indicating God’s greatness, strength, and His everlasting nature. Therefore, the all sufficient God, is eternally capable of being all that His people need.

Verse four: He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shall thy trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler. I remember growing up my Grandmother raised chickens. When the little chicks were born we would like to pick them up and hold them in our hands. One day I tried to pick one up, the mother hen attacked me, made a certain sound, all the little chicks ran to her, she spread her wings and covered them. The little chicks felt safe because they trusted the mother hen.

What is this scripture saying? I am your refuge and strength, a present help in time of trouble. When I see the enemy coming, I will cover you with my feathers, and under my wings you are safe if you trust me. Like the little chicks know the mother hen’s cluck, we must hear and know The Master’s voice. Today if we hear His voice, harden not our hearts. God is calling us to come closer to Him. What Better time than now, while we are at home, to seek the Lord as never before. He is giving us time to repent and get it right with Him.

The Shield symbolizes steadfast principles, commitments, loyalty and protection. No matter who rises up against us, He covers us. We are guarded from everything that would threaten us. His truth is a effective defensive armor which quench the fiery darts and prevents them from wounding us.

I imagine some of you might be as troubled as I am when I see so many people dying from this Coronavirus, that have walked with the Lord so many years. Those who have given so much time to the spreading of the gospel. God knows what and why He is allowing this to take place. His ways are pass finding out. He placed the chosen scriptural text on my mind to encourage us and let us know, His word still stands. We know that all things work together for the good of them that love the Lord who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Although we trust God, It’s very important that we obey and follow the rules, not only for our benefits, but for the benefits of others. We are not exempt of this terrible disease. So many that have this disease was not aware they were in harms way. But now that we know better, we are responsible to do better. Romans 13:1–Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that are ordained of God.

Let me exhort you strongly to pray for those in authority. 1 Timothy 2:1-2–I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men. For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. As never before, we need to rise up and call on our God. We are in trouble as a nation. Be it known to everyone: we have a God, that will hear and deliver, but we much trust Him!

Don’t forget to include in your prayers the ones that’s putting their lives on the line, trying to protect and help others. As they say, “We are all in this together!”

Taking a look at the Month of May

Just to highlight a few things about the month of May. The name of this month is derived from Maia, the Roman goddess of growth. The birthstone associated with this month is the Emerald, which signifies rebirth, youth and is thought to grant the wearer foresight. May is very important to me because I experienced the first adorable time of motherhood.

The second Sunday in May we always celebrate Mother’s Day. Please do something special for our Mothers to let them know how much they are appreciated.

The lily of the valley, also known as the May lily, symbolizes a host of good traits: humility, chastity, sweetness, and purity. The lily is a beautiful flower ranked as the fourth most popular flower across the globe! A white lily traditionally symbolizes modesty and new beginnings. An orange lily symbolizes passion. So we say: God Bless all our May Babies.

Please join us in our Conference Call Lessons-Every Monday after the First and third Sunday. Call in number:1-515-604-9094. ID Number 831-588-444 #

The Promised Messiah - December, 2015

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of peace. (Isaiah 9:6))

This Scripture was prophesied by Isaiah the prophet of the Messiah becoming man many years before it took place. In this Scripture we have one of the most beautifully poetic promises of the Messiah's coming reign. Yearly we recite this verse and hear it sung as we celebrate Christmas. Yet this verse also contains a reference to one of the great, incomprehensible truths in the Bible: the incarnation--"a child is born, a son is given."

God would become a man. A newborn baby would be called "The mighty God; The everlasting Father." We can accept that truth by faith, but we cannot fully grasp what it meant for the Second Person of the Godhead to shed His eternal state and put on flesh. But Paul tells us that He took the form of a servant and came as a man. "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given the name which is above every name." That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father, (Philippians 2:9-11)

Highly exalted "over" and "lifted up." Thus, the word suggests an exaltation to all others. The context contrasts humiliation and resulting honors. Jesus' obedience to death is followed by a super exalted position of honor and glory. Christ's exaltation is absolute; His lordship is universal.

We find in Hebrews 10:4-7; Jesus states His purpose for coming to earth. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins. Wherefore when He cometh into the world, He saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God....He taketh away, The first, that He may establish the second.

By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God. (Verses 9-12) Though ordained by God, the sacrifices and offerings were unsatisfactory because they were merely shadows and symbols: God willed that they should be fulfilled in the offering of the body of Jesus Christ.

Matthew confirmed the prophecy of the prophet in Matthew 1:21-23. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shall call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying: Behold, a virgin shalt be with child, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

I tried to emphasize the importance and true meaning of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Sadly to say; the Christ Child is being replaced with so many other things; but Jesus is yet the reason for the season.

I would like to highlight just a few things about the birth of Jesus. We find there was a decree in those days that the entire world should be taxed, every one into his own city. Joseph, with his espoused wife, Mary, being great with child, went from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth into the city of David, called Bethlehem, to be taxed.

During this time frame, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first born son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. The birth of our Saviour, the greatest event in all history, occurred in the most humble of circumstances. They filled the entire inn, leaving no room for the King of kings to be born. You see Joseph and Mary were just common people, but inside of Mary, she was carrying Royalty.

The announcement of Jesus' birth was not given to the noble or to those in authority or high places, but to the shepherds, men of low degree. One lonely cold night the shepherds were keeping watch over their flock, when all of a sudden, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them. Not knowing what was happening they became afraid.

In all this amazement, the angel said, Fear not I bring you good tiding of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. After this proclamation was declared, Heaven broke out in a jubilant praise. The Bible says: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

The question I would like to ask, “What is our attitude when we think about the birth of Christ?” Do we rejoice and give Him praise or do we take this day as just a special day to enjoy family and friends? Don’t get me wrong I enjoy being with my family. We have a great time. The point I’m trying to convey is: don’t forget about the reason for the season. Don’t leave Jesus out of the picture. It’s like having a Birthday Celebration without the honored guest being present. Take some time for Jesus! Merry Christmas and Happy New year.

Blinded Minds - July, 2015

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
(2 Corinthians 4:4)

The mind is the part or faculty of a person by which one feels, perceives, thinks, remembers, desires, and imagines. The mind also is the set of cognitive faculties that enables consciousness, perception, thinking, judgment, and memory. Therefore the mind controls all of our behavior and actions.

The mind is the battlefield for Satan. Here is where he launches all his attacks. He knows if he can get the mind to think about it long enough, the will and emotions will respond.

And He charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod. And they reasoned among themselves, saying, it is because we have no bread. And when Jesus knew it, He saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? Perceive ye not yet? Neither understand? Have ye your heart yet harden? Having eyes, see ye not? And having ears, hear ye not and do ye not remember? (Mark 8:15-18)

Jesus was talking to His disciples who had walked with Him and seen Him perform miracles. They saw Him feed five thousand with two fish and five loaves of bread. Yet when they forgot to take bread, their minds were blinded by the situation. In verse 21, And He said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?

For to be carnally minded is death: but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (Romans 8:6) Paul expects Christians will ordinarily live after the Spirit which involves holiness, not only in actions and words, but also in the thoughts that fill our minds each moment throughout the day.

We are living in times where the god of this world has blinded mines, that they believe a lie rather than the truth. Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature. And likewise the men, leaving the natural use of women, burned in their lust one toward another, men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. (Romans 1:26-27)

Beware! Don't get caught up in the spirit of error. The Law has spoken, but we don't have to be a part of the decision. Our job is to love individuals but not condone sin.
It is Satan's purpose to deceive the nation and to keep us from obtaining knowledge of God's truth and salvation through His Son Jesus Christ. In the book of Revelation, Chapter 20, Satan is depicted as a deceiver of nations. The Greek word for deceive, according to Strong's Greek Dictionary, means to "cause to roam from safety, truth or virtue, go astray, seduce, wander, and to be out of the way."

Satan's major success in deceiving a nation is due to a lack of discernment on the part of the people. Some are blind to the invisible forces of supernatural evils that are operating and influencing visible human agents of political, social, religious and philosophical programs. Satan's greatest victory would be to convince the world that he doesn't exist. However, God signifies the devil as the author of sin, sickness and death, and warns us to be alert and vigilant because the devil, as a roaring lion, roams about seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet. 5:8).

The devil controls the kingdoms of the world and we are not to underestimate his influence and power, nor are we to believe that this is the will of God. God is telling us to "stand" against these evil forces by being equipped with the power of God and looking unto Christ as our example.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. - Romans 12:2

Think about it this way. The things you see and hear go into your memory. The more you do something, see something, and hear something… the more of your memory is taken up by those things.
The renewing of a person's mind needs to become one of the very first priorities in our walk with Christ. All of the ungodly content did not get there overnight and it does not leave overnight. It is a process. The process involves replacing the existing ungodly content with new Godly content.

This is why reading the Word of God is so important. God's Word acts as a spiritual detergent as it replaces the garbage in our minds with God-inspired content. It is also critical that we are mindful of what we watch and listen to. What is in our mind ultimately manifests itself in our day-to-day decisions and actions.

Therefore, it is mandatory that we clean all old thoughts and ungodly information out of our minds and replace them with wholesome clean God-inspired information. Our minds react to how we program it.

One of the greatest truths in life: It's not what happens to us (our past, present or future circumstances) or what people do or say to us that cause our emotions. Our emotions come from what we think about after things happen to us! We control all of our emotions by what we think. Emotions are simply data telling us what we have been thinking.

Therefore, renewing of the mind means conforming to God's way of thinking, by reading and meditating on His word. We must have our plans, goals, and ambitions determined by heavenly and eternal truths, not by this evil, temporal, and transient age.

Our thoughts determine who we are. "As a man thinketh in his heart so is he." (Proverbs 23:7) Not only does his thoughts embrace the whole of a man's being, but is so comprehensive as to reach out to every condition and circumstance of his life. A man is literally what he thinks; his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts.

As the plant springs from and could not be without the seed, so every act of a man springs from the hidden seeds of thought and could not have appeared without them. This applies equally to those acts called "spontaneous" and "unpremeditated" as to those which are deliberately executed. Act is the blossom of thought; joy and suffering are its fruits.

Please join us in our Free Conference Call Lessons, Each Monday night after the first and third Sundays. 7:00 p.m. Men and women are invited. I think you will enjoy the lessons and comments. Dial in # 1-712-432-1212 Meeting ID #831-588-444

I would like to take this time to express my gratitude for allowing the Encourager to be a part of your life. I really appreciate those of you that take time to email it to others, and those who go a step further in running it off and giving it to those who don’t have access to a computer. This allows the Ministry to expand to a greater level. Thank you so much. Teamwork always brings success!