My Stronghold; My Deliverer; My Refuge

My Stronghold; My Deliverer; My Refuge 
By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

“Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.  He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, in whom I take refuge.” (Psalm 144:1-2)        
       We often become so busy with the battles of life that we lose sight of our priorities.  The first priority for each of us must be to love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength.  (Matthew 22:37.) Our heavenly Father is the one who strengthens us to meet the demands of life and encourages us to overcome the disappointments.  We are engaged in a war, but our God is our deliverer.  He is God alone.  The one who protects, delivers and shelters.  The more we love Him, the more we will desire refuge in Him.  
He is the self-existent one, the creator and sustainer, the Alpha and the Omega.  When we come to know Him for Who He is, we willingly take refuge in Him and leave the cares and frustrations of the world in His capable hands.  
Before the beginning, He was; He is now; He will forever be.   In a world searching for consistency, He is constant.  When we abide in Him, we do not rest in fear, doubt and unbelief.  We rest in love because He is love.  (I John  4:8).  Think of it!!  The dynamic power that created and maintains the universe is the power of love.  It is no wonder that the morning stars sang and the angels shouted for joy as the Lord called the universe into existence. (Job 38:7)
His love, which is manifested in His desire to recreate us into His image and His willingness to bless us with the blessings of heaven, is our stronghold, our deliverance, our refuge. "Praise be to the Lord, my Rock."  Amen.

(I will be teaching a study of "The Harbinger" starting February 28 at Rhema Fellowship, 206 6th Ave. in Torrington,WY at 7:00 p.m. It will be a 13 week study. Purchase a copy of the book and the Companion study guide and join us.)