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Showing posts from March, 2021

Commit Your Way to the LORD

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Be still before the LORD; wait patiently for Him and entrust yourself to Him; Do not fret (whine, agonize) because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. — Psalm 37:7 (AMP) Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. (Psalm 37:5 NLT) The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. (Psalm 37:23 NLT) Day by day the Lord watches the good deeds of the godly, and he prepares for them his forever-reward. Even in a time of disaster he will watch over them, and they will always have more than enough no matter what happens. (Psalm 37:18-19 TPT) If you truly want to dwell forever in God’s presence, forsake evil and do what is right in his eyes. (Psalm 37:27 TPT) …the Lord will be the Savior of all who love him. Even in their time of trouble, God will live in them as strength. (Psalm 37:39 TPT)

Our Redeemer Lives!

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Yet as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last, He will take His stand on the earth. — Job 19:25 (NASB) Psalm 78:35 (VOICE) says, after all they had endured, they remembered that God, the Most High, was their Rock, their Redeemer. No matter what you go through, always remember that the Most High God is our Rock and our Redeemer. Nothing is too difficult for Him. This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow.” (Isaiah 48:17 NLT) …“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you [from captivity]; I have called you by name; you are Mine!” (Isaiah 43:1b AMP)

He Gives Grace

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For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. — 2 Timothy 1:9 (NLT)  From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. (John 1:16 NLT) By grace we have been saved through faith; and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God; (See Ephesians 2:8) Jesus is the greatest gift of all. Receive Him today. For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. (Psalm 84:11 NASB)  The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.  — 2 Peter 3:9 (NASB) 

The Way

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Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” — John 14:6 (NASB) Jesus is the only way to the Father. He is the truth that makes us free, the living Word of God. He is the resurrection and the life (See John 11:25) …to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the right [the authority, the privilege] to become children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name— (John 1:12 AMP) It is through him that we live and function and have our identity; (Acts 17:28a TPT) May we follow Jesus, every moment of the day. “ Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”  — Matthew 7:13-14 (NASB)

Let Your Light Shine

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This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all.  — 1 John 1:5 (NLT) The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. — John 1:4-5 (NLT) No matter how dark this world gets, it can never extinguish the Light of God. In Matthew 5:14-15 (NASB1995), Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.” “So don’t hide your light! Let it shine brightly before others, so that your commendable works will shine as light upon them, and then they will give their praise to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 TPT) In John 9:5 (TPT), Jesus said, “As long as I am with you my life is the light that pierces the world’s darkness.” Amen and amen!

Chosen & Cherished

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Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. — Ephesians 1:4 (NLT) What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor. (Psalm 8:4-5 NKJV) Every single moment you are thinking of me! How precious and wonderful to consider that you cherish me constantly in your every thought! O God, your desires toward me are more than the grains of sand on every shore! When I awake each morning, you’re still with me. (Psalm 139:17-18 TPT) Wherever I go, your hand will guide me; your strength will empower me. (Psalm 139:10 TPT) Beloved believers, our heavenly Father accepted you and chose you to be a member of His family and an ambassador for the Kingdom of God. We are chosen and cherished. Choose Him today and always be mindful of Him. Let us go forth in His strength and fulfill the plan and purpose He has for us...

Remain True

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except Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him and to his children I will give the land on which he has walked, because he has followed the LORD completely [and remained true to Him].’  — Deuteronomy 1:36 (AMP) May we follow the LORD completely. It is difficult to move forward with the Lord, with one foot in the world and one foot in the Kingdom of God. A double-minded person is unstable in all his ways. (See James 1:8) Let us be committed to consistently walk in the ways and will of our Mighty God and not compromise by succumbing to the ways of this world. Remain true to Him, by keeping Jesus at the front and center of your life.

Seek First

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But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you. — Matthew 6:33 (NASB) Let us aim at doing things God’s way and strive to reflect His character. In all your ways acknowledge Him, first and foremost. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17 NLT) His message was this: “At last the fulfillment of the age has come! It is time for God’s kingdom to be experienced in its fullness! Turn your lives back to God and put your trust in the hope-filled gospel!” — Mark 1:15 (TPT)

Pass the Test

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My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up in you the power of endurance. — James 1:2-3 (TPT) In the midst of distress and difficulties, stand strong in faith. If your faith remains strong, even while surrounded by life’s difficulties, you will continue to experience the untold blessings of God! True happiness comes as you pass the test with faith, and receive the victorious crown of life promised to every lover of God! (James 1:12 TPT)

Our Proper Response

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Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies? To surrender yourselves to God to be his sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights his heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of worship. — Romans 12:1 (TPT) Our proper response to the mercies of God, is to submit and surrender all to Him. So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. (Romans 12:1 MSG) And continue to walk surrendered to the extravagant love of Christ, for he surrendered his life as a sacrifice for us. His great love for us was pleasing to God, like an aroma of adoration—a sweet healing fragrance. — Ephesians 5:2 (TPT)

Be Renewed

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Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. — Colossians 3:9-10 (NLT) …put off your old self [completely discard your former nature], which is being corrupted through deceitful desires, and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude], (Ephesians 4:22-23 AMP). Putting on our new nature starts with what we allow our minds to dwell on. What is on our minds, eventually gets into our hearts and reveals itself in our speech and actions. Romans 12:2 (TPT) says, stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes. May your renewed mind be fixed on and submitted to God’s...

Delight in the LORD

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Keep trusting in the Lord and do what is right in his eyes. Fix your heart on the promises of God, and you will dwell in the land, feasting on his faithfulness. Find your delight and true pleasure in Yahweh, and he will give you what you desire the most. — Psalm 37:3-4 (TPT) Whenever my busy thoughts were out of control, the soothing comfort of your presence calmed me down and overwhelmed me with delight. (Psalm 94:19 TPT)  May we delight ourselves in the Presence of our great God. He will never leave us nor forsake us. In His Presence we experience true joy and pleasures forever. “What delight comes to you when you wait upon the Lord! For you will find what you long for.” — Matthew 5:4  (TPT)

Choose to Follow

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but we preach the crucified Messiah. The Jews stumble over him and the rest of the world sees him as foolishness. But for those who have been chosen to follow him, both Jews and Greeks, he is God’s mighty power, God’s true wisdom, and our Messiah. — 1 Corinthians 1:23-24 (TPT) Jesus was given as a light to the nations, to open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the dungeon and those who dwell in darkness from the prison. (See Isaiah 42:6-7) …He is able also to save forever (completely, perfectly, for eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede and intervene on their behalf [with God]. (Hebrews 7:25 AMP) Jesus is light, and love and our only hope. Choose to follow Him. Jesus asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter spoke up, saying, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God!” — Mark 8:29 (TPT)

Be Spirit-Led

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And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations. — Ezekiel 36:26-27 (NLT) May our hearts be tender and responsive to the Holy Spirit, Who dwells within us. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons and daughters of God. (Romans 8:14 NASB) So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide every aspect of your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. (See Galatians 5:16 NLT & Galatians 5:25 TPT) ...when you yield to the life of the Spirit, you will no longer be living under the law, but soaring above it! — Galatians 5:18 (TPT)

Rejoice & Give Thanks

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Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unceasing and persistent in prayer; in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (AMP) Come, let’s sing for joy to the LORD, let’s shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let’s come before His presence with a song of thanksgiving, let’s shout joyfully to Him in songs with instruments. (Psalm 95:1-2 NASB) This is the day which the LORD has made; Let’s rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24 NASB)

Worthy of the Calling

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So I, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to you to live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called [that is, to live a life that exhibits godly character, moral courage, personal integrity, and mature behavior—a life that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation], — Ephesians 4:1 (AMP) Let us strive to live lives worthy of the calling we have received from God. With tender humility and quiet patience, always demonstrate gentleness and generous love toward one another, especially toward those who may try your patience. Be faithful to guard the sweet harmony of the Holy Spirit among you in the bonds of peace, being one body and one spirit, as you were all called into the same glorious hope of divine destiny. (Ephesians 4:2-4 TPT) I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. — Ephesians 1:18 (NLT)

Walk with Him

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“ Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. ” — Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG) When we walk and work with Jesus, we learn to live freely and lightly, continually casting our cares upon Him. As we live in this world, and stay intentional on accomplishing His purposes, we experience unspeakable joy and give glory to the Kingdom of God. Let us join our lives to Christ.

The Chief Cornerstone

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Therefore this is what the Lord God says: “Behold, I am laying a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. The one who believes in it will not be disturbed. — Isaiah 28:16 (NASB) A stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This came about from the LORD; It is marvelous in our eyes. (Psalm 118:22-23 NASB) Jesus the Christ, is the very stone that holds together the entire foundation. Keep your trust, hope and confidence in Him and you will not be disturbed when the storms come. Build your life on Him because He is fully tested and proven to be faithful and secure. You are rising like the perfectly fitted stones of the temple; and your lives have been built up together upon the foundation laid by the apostles and prophets, and best of all, you are connected to the Head Cornerstone of the building, the Anointed One, Jesus Christ himself! — Ephesians 2:20 (TPT)

Take Refuge

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“You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character], because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation].” — Isaiah 26:3 (AMP) Let us dedicate our hearts and minds to the LORD. “Trust [confidently] in the LORD forever [He is your fortress, your shield, your banner], for the LORD God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages].” (Isaiah 26:4 AMP) The LORD is our safe, and strong fortress. Take refuge in Him. He is a shield all around us (See Psalm 3:3). The LORD is Jehovah-Nissi, our banner of victory. He delivers and He saves! Hallelujah and amen!

Choose the Right Path

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Truth’s shining light guides me in my choices and decisions; the revelation of your Word makes my pathway clear. — Psalm 119:105 (TPT) May the Word of God guide your choices and daily decisions. Forever, His Word is settled in heaven, standing firm and unchangeable. (See Psalm 119:89 AMP) The LORD will guide you along the best pathway for your life. He will advise you and watch over you. You’re only truly happy when you walk in total integrity, walking in the light of God’s Word. What joy overwhelms everyone who keeps the ways of God, those who seek him as their heart’s passion! They’ll never do what’s wrong but will always choose the paths of the Lord. (Psalm 119:1-3 TPT) Break open your Word within me until revelation-light shines out! Those with open hearts are given insight into your plans. (Psalm 119:130 TPT) Give me an understanding heart so that I can passionately know and obey your truth. (Psalm 119:34 TPT)

Move On!

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“When we were at Mount Sinai, the LORD our God said to us, ‘You have stayed at this mountain long enough. It is time to break camp and move on.’” — Deuteronomy 1:6-7a  (NLT) Sometimes we are like the Israelites and want to settle in a place that is less than God’s best, or we want to go back instead of moving forward, because the way ahead seems difficult or even impossible. If you are facing a mountain of any kind, doubt, financial lack, disease, etc. remember, the LORD your God goes ahead of you. He will fight for you and He is faithful to fulfill every promise. In Deuteronomy 1:8 (NLT) the LORD says, “ Look, I am giving all this land to you! Go in and occupy it, for it is the land the LORD swore to give to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and to all their descendants. ’” Move on and occupy the land the LORD has for you.

It Passes

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When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more, but the righteous has an everlasting foundation. — Proverbs 10:25 (NASB) ...we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NASB) The storms of life may come, but they also come to pass. However, we have an everlasting foundation that withstands the winds of adversity. In John 16:33 (MSG), Jesus said: “ I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world. ” Trust Jesus and abide in the deep peace that He provides. Do not yield to fear, for I am always near. Never turn your gaze from me, for I am your faithful God. I will infuse you with my strength and help you in every situation. I will hold you firmly with my victorious right hand. — Isaiah 41:10 (TPT)

Accept His Invitation

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We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan. — Romans 8:28 (VOICE) Accept His invitation. Love the LORD, our God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. (See  Deuteronomy 6:5 NASB) And live in alignment with His Word. Believe that you will see the goodness of the LORD, in the land of the living. (Psalm 27:13) The purpose and plan of the LORD will prevail, in His perfect timing. “ For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. ” (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT)

Be Willing

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I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you [who are willing to learn] with My eye upon you. — Psalm 32:8 (AMP) The LORD will guide you along the best pathway for your life. He will teach you and tell you the way to go and how to get there. Be willing to learn and follow His counsel.  I hear the Lord saying, “I will stay close to you, instructing and guiding you along the pathway for your life. I will advise you along the way and lead you forth with my eyes as your guide. So don’t make it difficult; don’t be stubborn when I take you where you’ve not been before. Don’t make me tug you and pull you along. Just come with me!” (Psalm 32:8-9 TPT)

Be Strong

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Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. — Ephesians 6:10 (NASB) How can we stand strong throughout the storms of life? Only by abiding in the Lord. In Matthew 11:29 (NIV), Jesus invites us to take His yoke upon ourselves and learn from Him. This is an invitation to work together with Him as one. Accept His invitation to work in you and through you. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building (1 Corinthians 3:9 NASB) I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. — Galatians 2:20 (NASB)

Chase After God

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Who can possibly ascend the mountain of the Eternal? Who can stand before Him in sacred spaces? Only those whose hands have been washed and hearts made pure, men and women who are not given to lies or deception. The Eternal will stand close to them with blessing and mercy at hand, and the God who redeems will right what has been wrong. These are the people who chase after Him; [like Jacob, they look for the face of God]. [pause] — Psalm 24:3-6 (VOICE) Many people chase after the temporary things of this world, money, fame, power, etc. But let us chase after the eternal God. He is El Elyon, the God Most High. He is the only One Who can satisfy the deep longing of our souls. Chase after Elohim, the all-powerful Creator of the universe. He is the everlasting God and He watches over you.

Bless the LORD

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Because Your favor is better than life, My lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul is satisfied as with fat and fatness, and my mouth offers praises with joyful lips. — Psalm 63:3-5 (NASB) O True God, You are my God, the One whom I trust. I seek You with every fiber of my being. In this dry and weary land with no water in sight, my soul is dry and longs for You. My body aches for You, for Your presence. (Psalm 63:1 VOICE) You have been my constant helper; therefore, I sing for joy under the protection of Your wings. My soul clings to You; Your right hand reaches down and holds me up. (Psalm 63:7-8 VOICE) Bless the LORD at all times, because His lovingkindness is better than life. Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who cr...

He Gives Grace

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Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time, casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully] . — 1 Peter 5:6-7 (AMP) It is prideful to even think we are more capable to handle our challenges, than our heavenly Father. He is Elohim, the all-powerful One. He knows all, and sees all and He watches over us. His ways are higher and better than our ways. We can rely on Him, in all situations. Cast all your cares on Him. Let us clothe ourselves in humility, and seek the One from Whom our help comes. God is opposed to the proud, but He gives grace to the humble.

Continue to Journey

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Now that you have welcomed the Anointed One, Jesus the Lord, into your lives, continue to journey with Him and allow Him to shape your lives. Let your roots grow down deeply in Him, and let Him build you up on a firm foundation. Be strong in the faith, just as you were taught, and always spill over with thankfulness. — Colossians 2:6-7 (VOICE) May we continually follow the Lord, and always be pliable in His mighty hands, so He can shape us into the beautiful masterpiece, He designed each one of us to be. But now, LORD, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter, and all of us are the work of Your hand. (Isaiah 64:8)

It's Your Choice

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Though the fig tree does not blossom and there is no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive fails and the fields produce no food, though the flock is cut off from the fold and there are no cattle in the stalls, yet I will [choose to] rejoice in the LORD; I will [choose to] shout in exultation in the [victorious] God of my salvation! — Habakkuk 3:17-18 (AMP) Don’t hinge your emotions to the fluctuating circumstances of this world. Instead, set your affections and your hope on the LORD, our mighty God. He does not change. Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts… (Colossians 3:15a AMP). Make a choice to rejoice in the LORD, our Provider. He is faithful and true, and the Source of all we need.

He Guards & He Guides

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I look up to the mountains and hills, longing for God’s help. But then I realize that our true help and protection come only from the Lord, our Creator who made the heavens and the earth. He will guard and guide me, never letting me stumble or fall. God is my keeper; he will never forget nor ignore me. — Psalm 121:1-2 (TPT) God is our guard, take refuge in Him. The Lord is also our guide, always follow the leading of His Holy Spirit. The Lord is our true Source of help. He’s protecting you from all danger both day and night. He will keep you from every form of evil or calamity as he continually watches over you. You will be guarded by God himself. You will be safe when you leave your home and safely you will return. He will protect you now,  and he’ll protect you forevermore! (Psalm 121:6-8 TPT)