Thursday, May 29, 2014

Scriptures of Encouragement ~ Daddy, I Love You

by Nan Jones

The pitter-patter of tiny feet echoed through the hallway, running gleefully towards his dad.

"Daddy! Daddy!"

Photo Credit: miriadna.com
Daddy sat his briefcase by the door just in time to receive a leaping toddler into his strong arms. Father and son hugged, exchanging glances that reflected their adoration of one another. Hearts raced. Faces smiled. Eyes gleamed.

The child relaxed in his daddy's arms. He placed his chubby little cheek next to his father's and quietly whispered, "Daddy ... I love you, daddy."

Similarly, Psalm 27 offers a declaration of David's faith. David says, "When You said, 'Seek My face,' my heart said to You, 'Your face, Lord, I will seek.'"

To seek in Hebrew is baqash (bah-kahsh) meaning to look with diligence, to search earnestly until the object of the search is located. It requires action. It requires intention.

At the sound of his father's voice, the toddler ran through the house searching, anticipating his father's love. I want to be like that. I want to listen for my Father's voice with anticipation. I want to keep my eyes open so I won't miss the Lord when He's passing by.

When I hear the Lord's sweet whisper, when I know He's near, I want to race towards His love, leap into His arms and cry, "Abba, Father ... Daddy, I love You."

"But from there you will seek the Lord your God, 
and you will find Him 
if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul." 
~ Deuteronomy 4:29

*********************************************************
Tweetables to Encourage Others

How do I seek God? @NanJonesAuthor may have your answer. (Click to Tweet)

I want to listen for my Father's voice with anticipation. (Click to Tweet)



*********************************************************
If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory  page. I'm featuring a powerful song by Kari Jobe titled, "The More I Seek You". This quiet prayer will provide a sweet respite from your busyness. I hope you enjoy.



Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Scriptures of Encouragement ~ Be Still

by Nan Jones

I rocked back and forth on the porch swing, the simple rhythm soothing my spirit, refreshing my tired body. I closed my eyes and thought about the Lord.

Photo Credit: www.houzz.com
You are wonderful, Lord. Your love embraces me with a comforting warmth. I'm so thankful for You.

I sat quietly, closed my eyes, and steadied my heart. A sweet breeze kicked up, rustling the wind chimes, sending them into song. A celestial melody filled the air. The cardinal chirping in a wild cherry across the way joined in. Out back a woodpecker drummed on our apple tree, adding percussion to the symphony. I'm certain the strings section buzzed in and out of my irises. Oh my! What a heavenly chorus of praise to the Creator.

I could sense His lovely Presence surrounding me.

Because of Jesus, we can know our God. We can know His voice and His love. Isn't that amazing? What love is this that we can walk with the Creator of the Universe? What love, indeed!

I kept my eyes closed and listened to nature's song of praise. In the quiet of the moment I heard Him whisper, "Be still and know that I am God."*

Be still. Cease striving. Rest in His lovely Presence.

*Psalm 46:10

*********************************************************
Tweetables to Encourage Others

Are you striving? @NanJonesAuthor offers help in being still. (Click to Tweet)

In the quiet of the moment I heard him whisper, "Be still and know that I am God." (Click to Tweet)



*********************************************************
If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory  page to receive the blessing of Alan Jackson singing, "In the Garden". This is one of my favorites. The video shows his audience singing along, focusing on the Lord. I'm sure it will bless you.

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Where is God? Sunday Glimpses

by Nan Jones

Photo Credit: livingbetter50.com
Lord, Thank You for calling to me from the deep recesses of my spirit. Thank You for teaching me to listen and to recognize Your sweet whispers. You are an amazing God. I'm so honored and thankful to belong to You. I pray for my readers who desire to know You more. Awaken their hearts to adore You. Stir within their spirits a hunger and thirst to devour Your Word. You, alone, satisfy the longing soul - nothing compares to Your love. You are high and lifted up! You are the King of Glory, the Mighty God, the Prince of Peace. You, Lord, have called us friends. Thank You. Thank You from the bottom of our hearts. We love You and we give You praise.

*********************************************************
Tweetables to Encourage Others

Do you long to know Him more? @NanJonesAuthor offers this prayer for you. (Click to Tweet)

You, Lord, have called us friends. Thank You. (Click to Tweet)

*********************************************************
Please don't carry your burdens alone. I would be honored to pray with you. You may contact me at nan@jubilantlight.com

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Scriptures of Encouragement ~ Listen to the Silence

by Nan Jones

The gnarled vine, thick as a young tree, ribboned its way to the trellis. Disease was showing in some of the broken places. Grapes born in previous years had cluttered the vine and then died before reaching maturity. The fruit was inedible. Lots of leaves had given the appearance of vitality and purpose, but the fruit was pointless.


Last February my son and neighbor took shears to the ancient vine. They cut and pruned and tossed gorgeous grapevine down the hill.

They broke my heart.

I loved the grapevine and its tenacity to keep on keeping on.

And now it lay in a broken mess, stripped to the bare bones.

As spring arrived, I had my doubts. Trees budded. Grass greened. Flowers burst with color. But my grapevine clung to the trellis. Bare. Silent.

I thought of my own season of pruning. Unemployment. Fibromyalgia. False accusations destroying ministry. I thought of how I lay sheared, clinging to the cross. Bare. Silent. I wondered if my life would ever produce abundant fruit for God's Kingdom again.

My doubts troubled me like my beautiful grapevine lying silent against the trellis.

March came and went.
April came and went.
May is almost over and now...now...shiny, new leaves of chartreuse and dusty rose are popping out along the graceful tendrils of the vine. Beneath clusters of leaves are teeny clusters of newborn grapes basking in the sunlight, breathing the abundant air that circulates around them. They appear strong. Healthy. Determined.

I'm reminded of Isaiah 61:10-11,

"I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul will exult in my God; 
for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, 
He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, 
as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, 
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

"For as [surely as] the earth brings forth its shoots, 
and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring forth, 
so [surely] the Lord God will cause 
rightness and justice and praise to spring forth 
before all the nations 
[through the self-fulfilling power of His word]" (AMP). 

As surely as the earth brings forth its shoots and the grapevine releases new growth, the Lord, through the power of His Word, will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth in my life, regardless of the present silence. He is faithful. He is good. His Word that goes forth will not return void.

And what He does for me, He will do for you, for the Lord our God is no respecter of persons. 

You are His special treasure, His fruit-bearer. He will take away the excess to create stronger and more vibrant fruit because you have been faithful in your devotion to Him.

Listen to the silence. In the silence of waiting He speaks. 

**************************************************
Tweetables to Encourage Others

Are you in a season of waiting? @NanJonesAuthor encourages you to listen to the silence. (Click to Tweet)

Listen to the silence. In the silence of waiting He speaks. (Click to Tweet)




*********************************************************
If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory  page for an opportunity to worship with Shawn McDonald as he sing, "Here I Am."

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Scriptures of Encouragement ~ Where Love Grows

by Nan Jones

Pops of canary yellow scattered across the yard. The dandelions were random in location, cheerful in demeanor. Just over the knoll an older dandelion sprouted a tall stalk topped by a globe of wispy, white seeds.

Photo Credit: wildblessings.com
A breeze kicked up. The air became filled with dozens of potential dandelions riding on the wings of the wind. They danced, twirled, and floated to new destinations across the yard, across the street. Some sailed all the way to our neighbor's yard. Where each seed landed, a dandelion grew.

Such is the scattering of God's love.

Where each seed of compassion lands, Love grows. New life begins. Hope is restored, joy revisited.

Does my life scatter God's love? Am I conscious of planting seeds of Life in the hearts of others, intentionally being a sower of the Word?

"By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. 
And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 
But whoever has this world's goods, 
and sees his brother in need,
 and shuts up his heart from him, 
how does the love of God abide in him? 
My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, 
but in deed and in truth. 
And by this we know that we are of the truth, 
and shall assure our hearts before Him." 
~ 1 John 3:16-19

The tenacity of the dandelion speaks to me.

If only I can learn to yield to the Spirit of God as the tiny wispy seeds yield to the wind. 

*************************************************
Tweetables to Encourage Others

Do you want to make a difference? @NanJonesAuthor offers insight. (Click to Tweet)

Such is the scattering of God's love. (Click to Tweet)



*********************************************************
If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory page. I'm featuring 8 year old singer, Rhema Marvanne singing, "Note to God." This is a powerful song! You will be blessed by the voice that comes out of this tiny wisp of a girl.



Sunday, May 18, 2014

Where Is God? Sunday Glimpses

by Nan Jones

Lord, You are more precious than silver, more costly than gold. Nothing I desire compares with You, for You are my Lord, my Redeemer and friend. You are my Prince of Peace, my Mighty God and the joy of my heart. Thank You for Your love. Thank You for sheltering me in the storm. I know that I can run to You and be safe from the enemy that assails me. You are wonderful, Lord. I pray for my friends who, like me, battle the demon of anxiety, and feelings of being overwhelmed. Please remind them, as You have me, that You are greater than anything they may face. When we are weak and frail and exhausted, You, O Lord, are strong. You are strong in us and for us. You give us joy for sorrow, peace for despair, and courage for fear. Thank You Lord. I ask that You show Yourself mighty on their behalf. Open doors that no man can shut. Move mountains for my friends  - mountains that stand in their way as they try to obey You in all things. Fill them with the peace that passes all understanding. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus' Name I pray, amen.

*********************************************************
Tweetables to Encourage Others

Are you looking for God in your chaos? @NanJonesAuthor offers you a glimpse of Him. (Click to Tweet)

Nothing I desire compares with You, for You are my Lord, my Redeemer, & friend. (Click to Tweet)

*********************************************************
Please don't carry your burdens alone. I'd be honored to pray with you. You may contact me at nan@jubilantlight.com

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Scriptures of Encouragement ~ Who Is This King of Glory?

by Nan Jones

I coasted down the steep slope of Chestnut Hill Road. Wind whipped through the open windows and tousled my hair, cooling my sweating brow. The sky blanketed the earth in periwinkle blue, cradling the birds that zipped from tree to tree...a perfect spring day. But.


My mind was consumed with thoughts about everything. Thoughts about nothing. Feeling overwhelmed, I turned on the radio. Loud. 

Rolling off the lips of the singer were these words, "Who is this King of Glory?"

Indeed.

I felt the Lord gently grab my heart and jerk it to attention, "Who is this King of Glory?"

It's You, Lord.

Then, relax, My child. Relax.

This song by Third Day has been around for years, but it spoke fresh to my spirit, giving me strength for the journey. I pray its words will bless you as well.


KING OF GLORY

Who is this King of Glory that pursues me with His love
     And haunts me with each hearing of His softly spoken words?
My conscience, a reminder of forgiveness that I need,
     Who is this King of Glory who offers it to me?

Who is this King of Angels, O blessed Prince of Peace
     Revealing things of heaven and all its mysteries?
My spirit's ever longing for His grace in which to stand,
     Who is this King of Glory, Son of God and son of man?

His Name is Jesus, precious Jesus!
     The Lord Almighty, the King of my heart,
The King of Glory.

Who is this King of Glory with strength and majesty
     And wisdom beyond measure, the gracious King of kings?
The Lord of earth and heaven, the Creator of all things,
     Who is this King of Glory, He's everything to me.

His Name is Jesus, precious Jesus!
     The Lord Almighty, the King of my heart,
The King of Glory.

Pretty good, huh?

Don'tcha just love it when the Lord grabs your heart and squeezes it with Love?

Yeah...me, too.

"Lift up your heads, O you gates! 
And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! 
And the King of Glory shall come in. 
Who is this King of Glory? 
The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle."
 ~ Psalm 24:7,8




*****************************************************
If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory  page. I'm featuring Third Day singing, "King of Glory" at a live concert in Atlanta, Georgia. Good stuff!


Tuesday, May 13, 2014

SCriptures of Encouragement ~ Sticky Threads

by Nan Jones

The moth fluttered against the screen, frantic motion taking her nowhere. The trap had been set with keen precision. The spider hid in the shadow of a crevice waiting to make its move.

And move, it did.


Spindly legs raced across sticky spokes of web. He paused, then pounced. The moth wrestled, avoiding the deadly bite, but entangling herself deeper into the spider's tenacious snare. 

I stood from my place of observation. The spider froze. The moth quaked. 

Picking up a stick, I moved toward the deadly entrapment and slid the stick gingerly beneath the moth, offering her footing. I waited patiently while keeping an eye on the spider. Her feet found the stick and her body relaxed. A long, sticky thread of web wrapped around the moth's lower body preventing her flight. She tugged and pulled, but could not free herself. Slowly I raised the stick, steadying the moth, and broke through the strength of the web. The spider scurried back into the shadows of the crevice.

The moth allowed me to tenderly pry her body free from the sticky strands that kept her bound.

Like the moth, I allowed the Lord to tenderly pry me free from the sticky strands wrapped around my spirit. Strands of anxiety and fear. Strands of worry and doubt. They held me captive for many years until the Father raised a stick that held my Savior and broke the web of deception that entombed me.

"For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently." 
~ 1 Corinthians 10:13, AMP

Isn't God amazing? The faithfulness of His tender love astounds me.

Is your spirit bound by hurts? Fears? Addictions? Is Satan's web of deception telling you there is no way out - that you are unworthy of God's love? Satan will wait for the moment - the one weakened with vulnerability - to pounce and ensnare you with his lies. 

But God.

But God is greater than any lie that may entangle you. For every need you have, God has an answer - a way out. Is it despair? God gives you peace. Is it worry? God gives you hope. Is it an addiction? God gives you self-control and fulfillment.

He stands ever-ready, ever-faithful to free you from the sticky threads shooting from Satan's web of deception. 

Please feel free to share your story of freedom, how God has or is setting you free from Satan's web. I know it will encourage others.

Sweet blessings to you, 
Nan


Tweetables to Encourage Others 

Is your spirit bound by hurts? Fears? Addictions? In STICKY THREADS @NanJonesAuthor offers help. (Click to Tweet)

God stands ever-ready, ever-faithful to free you from the sticky threads of Satan's web of deception. (Click to Tweet)




*********************************************************
If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory page. I'm featuring an oldie goldie that always puts a smile in my heart. It's Chris Tomlin singing, " Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)" Now, isn't that some great background music while you check the rest of your email? Uh-huh...I thought so, too.

Sunday, May 11, 2014

Where Is God? Sunday Glimpses

by Nan Jones

Photo Credit: photography-on-the.net
We love You, Lord. We rejoice in the power of Your Name. We sing in the grace that rains down upon our difficult days, and the grace like morning dew that refreshes our every moment. Open our eyes to see You surrounding us as a fortress, cocooning us, keeping us safe against the works of the enemy. I ask that You awaken the hearts of my friends who face discouragement today. Fill them with hope anew, knowing that You are with them and You are for them. Stir up faith. Joy. Laughter. Laughter born of tears is sweet, sweet music for the soul. Lord, thank You Your love that knows no bounds. Soften our hearts to receive that rich love. You are precious, Lord. We give You praise.

Tweetables to Encourage Others

Where Is God? SUNDAY GLIMPSES (Click to Tweet)

Laughter born of tears is sweet, sweet music for the soul. (Click to Tweet)

*********************************************************
Please do not carry your burdens alone. I'd be honored to pray with you. You may contact me at nan@jubilantlight.com

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Scriptures of Encouragement ~ Enduring Faith

by Nan Jones  @NanJonesAuthor

1872. Anson D. F. Randolph & Co. THE SHADOW OF THE ROCK.

I found this small book of poetry in an antique store several years ago. It's been a long time since I've  opened it, unfortunately, because although diminutive in size, it's content is gloriously powerful. I'm sharing one of its poems with you today. It's interesting to me that the Lord spoke to me clearly about this poem - this poem I haven't read in years. I believe that one of my readers (or hopefully many) need the blessing it will provide for your spirit and perhaps your home.



VISITATION OF THE SICK
Author Unknown

Peace to this house! O Thou Whose way
Was on the waves, Whose voice did stay
The wild wind's rage, come, Lord, and say,
Peace to this house!

Thou, Who in pity for the weak
Didst quit Thy heavenly Throne to seek
And save the lost, come, Lord, and speak
Peace to this house!

Thou, Who dost all our sorrows know
And when our tears of anguish flow
Dost feel compassion, come, bestow
Peace on this house!

Thou, Who in agony didst pray,
"Take, Father, take this cup away,"
And then wast strengthened, come and say,
Peace to this house!

O Conqueror by suffering!
O mighty Victor! glorious King!
From out of pain and sorrow bring
Peace to this house!

Thou, Who triumphant from the dead
Thine Hands didst o'er the Apostles spread,
And say, "Peace to you," come, and shed
Peace on this house!

Thou, Who didst on the clouds ascend
And then the Holy Spirit send,
Send Him to comfort, and defend
All in this house!

Lord in the Sacramental food
Of Thine own Body and Thy Blood,
Peace that is felt, not understood,
Give to this house!

Save, save us sinking in the deep,
Give ease from pain and quiet sleep,
And under Thy wing's shelter keep
All in this house!

"Peace to this house," come, Lord, and say
Come to us, Lord, and with us stay,
Oh, give, and never take away
Peace from this house!

And when at last our fainting breath
On trembling lips scarce quivereth,
Oh, bring us through the gate of Death,
Lord, to Thine House!

To Thine own House in Paradise,
To Thine own House above the skies,
To live the life that never dies,
Lord, in Thine House!

Isn't that good? I believe the words of this poem bless me as much as the knowledge that it was written in 1872. Think about the legacy of our faith. Enduring. Persisting. Ever True.

May you feel the Presence of the Lord today as He ministers peace to your home and life.

"Peace I leave with you, 
My peace I give to you; 
not as the world gives do I give to you. 
Let not your heart be troubled, 
neither let it be afraid." 


Father, You are so very faithful. The magnitude of Who You are astounds me. I pray for my friends who may be looking for peace today - the peace that only You can give. Flood their homes with Your peace. Flood their hearts with the knowledge that You will never leave them nor forsake them. You are with us always, even to the ends of the earth. Bless my friends today, Lord, with personal, tangible, miracles that only You can provide. You are our Provider. Our Healer. Our Deliverer, and Friend. Bless You, Father. We love You and we give You praise.
***********************************************
If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory  page, especially if you love old-time Southern Gospel. I'm featuring Bill Gaither's Billy Graham Homecoming singing "It Is Well With My Soul."

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Scriptures of Encouragement ~ Liquid Deception

by Nan Jones  @NanJonesAuthor

Booze was Sam's* best friend. It cuddled him when life hurt too much. The liquid deception calmed him when fears raced like a freight train through his mind. But Booze betrayed Sam and took a toll on his body.


Photo Credit: indianapublicmedia.org
Two months ago Sam slumped over in his well-worn recliner and suffered a massive stroke. Death knocked hard, stretching its vicious tendrils around him attempting to pull him farther and farther from God.

But death lost. Sam survived the stroke.

It's interesting that when death becomes a reality - a certainty - that suddenly our quest for God is awakened. Something happens in our spirit when the sting of death enters a tug-of-war with the love of God fighting to give His child one more chance, one more opportunity to say yes to Him.

That's what happened to Sam.

Sam had visited church some. He knew there was a void in his life, but he felt  unworthy of God's love. The deception that flowed from the bottle also flowed from the lying lips of Satan and whispered self-hate, failure, worthless man into Sam's vulnerable ears. But now. Now, Sam had tasted of God's love. In the moments of unconsciousness he sensed the Spirit of God calling to him, fighting for him. Loving him.

A few weeks after the stroke, Sam prayed the sinner's prayer with my husband. Not because he was a bad man. Not because he was a worthless drunk. He prayed the sinner's prayer because he is worthy. He is worthy of a Savior who has bridged the gap between Sam and Almighty God. Sam heard the Lord calling, "Come to Me, Sam. Let me love you and give you a new life. Let me cleanse you of your painful past and repair the broken places."

Sam shuffled into church Sunday morning. He was a tad bent over, not much, but enough to notice. His arms extended awkwardly, working to keep his balance. His skin was slightly gray with yellow undertones. Clearly, he is a sick man.

But Sam's eyes twinkled, full of Light, with the countenance of the Lord.

Sunday's service ended with the congregation standing and singing Amazing Grace. Sam grasped the pew against my back and pulled himself to a standing position. He stood quietly. Listening. Perhaps pondering. It's difficult for him to sing and breathe at the same time. We ended the song with a resounding, "Praise God, Praise God, Praise God..." 

That's when I heard him.

In my right ear came the most beautiful voice I think I've ever heard. Oh, it was gravelly and interrupted with short breaths, but there in a moment of high praise to our Father, Sam lifted his voice to the Lord, thanking Him for what He's done in his broken life.

It's a moment I'll never forget.

"And you will say in that day,
    'I thank you, God.
You were angry
    but your anger wasn’t forever.
You withdrew your anger
    and moved in and comforted me.
 Yes, indeed—God is my salvation.
    I trust, I won’t be afraid.
God—yes God!—is my strength and song,
    best of all, my salvation!'
 Joyfully you’ll pull up buckets of water
    from the wells of salvation.
And as you do it, you’ll say,
    'Give thanks to God.
Call out his name.
    Ask him anything!
Shout to the nations, tell them what he’s done,
    spread the news of his great reputation!'"
~ Isaiah 12:1-4, MSG

* Name changed
*********************************************************
Tweetables to Encourage Others

Ever wonder what salvation looks like? @NanJonesAuthor shares an awesome testimony. (Click to Tweet)

Deception flowing from the bottle flowed from the lying lips of Satan, "worthless man..." (Click to Tweet)



*********************************************************
If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory  page. I'm featuring Kristyn Getty singing, "Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God." Powerful. Soothing. Peaceful.


Sunday, May 4, 2014

Where Is God? Sunday Glimpses

by Nan Jones @NanJonesAuthor


Lord, thank You for Your presence. I find peace there. Safety. Wisdom. And grace. Thank You for teaching me to call out Your name in time of need. When You hear my voice, I know that You turn and stand with arms open wide, waiting to embrace me with Your love. I see it so clearly, Lord. And for that I'm forever thankful. I lift up my friends to You and ask that You open the eyes of their hearts to see and know the same Truth. Oh, what comfort I receive when I think of Your love and Your presence! Comfort my friends - those who are hurting, those who feel overwhelmed by decisions and circumstances. No problem is so big that You are not bigger still. No pain is so deep that Your grace is not deeper still. Thank You, Lord. Thank You for who You are.

*********************************************************
Tweetables to Encourage Others

Are you looking for God? @NanJonesAuthor offers insight. (Click to Tweet)

Lord, thank You for Your presence. (Click to Tweet)

********************************************************
Please don't carry your burdens alone. I'd be honored to pray for you. You may contact me at nan@jubilantlight.com

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Scriptures of Encouragement ~ Who Would Dare?

by Nan Jones

An exhortation from the Lord for those of us who need to be reminded just how great our God is. He is amazing, yes? And compassionate. Merciful. Mighty. And very, very faithful to His children.

Photo Credit: www.desktopaper.com

Psalm 91 (Complete Jewish Bible)

"You who live in the shelter of 'Elyon,
who spend your nights in the shadow of Shaddai
who say to Adonai, 'My refuge! My fortress!
My God, in whom I trust!' - 
he will rescue you from the trap of the hunter
and from the plague of calamities;
he will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his truth is a shield and protection.

"You will not fear the terrors of night
or the arrow that flies by day,
or the plague that roams in the dark,
or the scourge that wreaks havoc at noon.
A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand;
but it won't come near you.
Only keep your eyes open,
and you will see how the wicked are punished.

"For you have made Adonai, the Most High,
who is my refuge, your dwelling-place.
No disaster will happen to you,
no calamity will come near your tent;
for he will order his angels to care for you
and guard you wherever you go.
They will carry you in their hands,
so that you won't trip on a stone.
You will tread down lions and snakes,
young lions and serpents you will trample underfoot.

God Speaks:
"'Because he loves Me, I will rescue him;
because he knows My name, I will protect him.
He will call on Me, and I will answer him.
I will be with him when he is in trouble.
I will extricate him and bring him honor.
I will satisfy him with long life
and show him My salvation.'"

'Elyon is the Hebrew name for The God Most High.

Shaddai means the All-Sufficient-One. He is the one who comforts and sustains us.

Adonai means LORD or Master.

When we choose to press in and walk closely with the Lord, not just meeting Him at the altar on our day of salvation, but actually dwelling with Him and in Him, then we can say to Him, "You are my refuge and my fortress!" We can trust and not be afraid. Acts 17:28 reads, "For it is in Him that we live, and move, and have our being." I believe this happens when we live Psalm 91 out loud.

And then the beauty of verses 14-16! Oh my, the reassurance found in these words as God speaks. Try inserting your own name, like this:

"Because [Nan] loves Me, I will rescue her; because she knows My name, I will protect her. [Nan] will call on Me, and I will answer her. I will be with [Nan] when she is in trouble. I will extricate her and bring her honor. I will satisfy [Nan] with long life and show her My salvation."

Selah.

God is for you. Who can dare to be against you?

******************************************************
Tweetables to Encourage Others

Who Would Dare? @NanJonesAuthor offers Psalm 91 from the Complete Jewish Bible. Good Stuff. (Click to Tweet)

What happens when we live Psalm 91 out loud? (Click to Tweet)



*********************************************************
If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory  page. I'm featuring Chris Tomlin singing "Faithful." Wow! What a powerful song.