You're an Overcomer

Isn’t it funny how memories show up in the mind at the oddest moments? I was thinking of our trip out west several years ago. We went across Arizona to the Grand Canyon and on to New Mexico with a group of biker friends. It was one of the hardest trips I’ve ever been on. But the scenery was out of this world. I would take nothing for the time we spent, even after Danny and I traveled across Oklahoma by ourselves coming home. Each and every sight and sound is built up in my memory bank. The high altitudes and the magnificent curves, while enjoyable for everyone along, actually made for some unbelievable hardship for me personally. Even so, there were great times along the way and I would go again in a heartbeat. 

That trip came on the heels of a wonderful service Danny and I attended where the speaker came to me and spoke over my life, “You are an overcomer. You may not quite know it yet…” 

As I was thinking about that trip just yesterday, God spoke to my heart. We think that being an overcomer means that we just simply enjoy life and aren’t affected by anything. We don’t get fearful, we don’t wonder if we can make it, we don’t regret the trip we have to take. Almost like taking the easy road. But really an overcomer is one who has gone through the worst, kept going, even at times crawling but making it all the way through. Anyone can start, anyone can enjoy a good time. But an overcomer keeps the course no matter what.

We in Arkansas are overcoming people. We are seeing this by the things that our state has gone through in the recent horrific weather. When hard roads come of any kind, whatever it brings, God’s people keep going. Devastation may hit the child of God but they are not of this world. Troubles may stay on the ground for long hours but God’s people are always, always, always with Him, no matter what. 

Oh beloved, God knows the devastation you are involved in. He knows that you’ve been trying to stay the course and keep keeping on. He wants you to know that you don’t have to have the strength on your own. You are not the keeper of your life, your home, your family, your business, or your ministry. God is. He ordained you to be an overcomer, to survive great odds, to overcome disasters of your faith that seek to sideline you. You may be feeling that you just want to quit, but now is not the time. You may be looking for a safer path, an easier ride or a chance to stop altogether. But God is calling you to continue with Him. You may continue alone but you can keep going. You may feel ostracized, immobilized or terrorized. But God says you are blessed, favored and strong in the power of His might. The road itself may be hard, but the destination will bring peace and rest. 

God loves you always and forever. And He is for you, coaching you, waving you on, picking you up and carrying you through it when you can’t get up on your own. Rejoice in His loving care and trust His providence and look for the enjoyable moments of life. You are indeed an overcomer. You will see this more and more as you go through your life.

2 Corinthians 4:8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.

2 Corinthians 6:4 In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind.

John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

Romans 8:37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

Storms of Life Can’t Knock the Real Power Out

by rebekahbeene

It was another stormy night in Arkansas. Having been through a cold and rainy winter, we’ve all been looking forward to spring. But Arkansas springs bring storms and those are not fun. Some places in the state were under tornado warnings off and on all night. I was awake several times checking the weather map. We were awakened to thunder and lightning and even a power outage. But it’s morning andwe have made it through again.

God speaks to my heart: Storms in your life are inevitable. But you don’t have to let them knock the power out of you. I AM with you in the peaceful sunny days and I AM with you when the storms are raging. Storms may knock you to your knees, but always know that when you are praying is when you are at your strongest. No mere words said to hope the talisman protects you. No, you are calling on Me and I AM the Great I AM. I AM the One Who calms the storm and answers your prayers. Your power for living is greatest when your natural power is weakest. You are more than the storms in your life. You are invincible and every time you pray the powers of the storm and the powers of hell are rendered useless. You may be in a storm today but because you come to Me with your needs during the storm and let Me speak to your storm, you can know that your future will be sunny and your damage will be null.

Oh beloved, are you hiding in a corner? Do you hear the rage of life storming over your head? Arise and know that you don’t have to be in fear. No storm lasts forever and no child of God has to fear. You may feel powerless but you are not. You may think it has all gone dark but you are walking in the light. You may be concerned of the damage being done, but as long as you take your storms to Jesus and face them with faith, the winds and the howling and the trouble has to stop. You can rejoice even in the midst of it all because by faith you know that God is working it all out for your good and His glory. Don’t stare at the weather, beloved, and don’t let what the natural eye sees knock you to the ground. Don’t worry about the bad reports and the damage around you. Instead rejoice in the midst, thank God for your opportunity to release your faith and be blessed as you know you will see the morning and the Son will shine again.

God loves you so much that He didn’t just create you to live by your wits. He gave you life to live close to Him, in His power and by His Spirit. He’s for you so even when the storm is raging, you can have peace and faith to endure it all and be more than a conqueror.

Proverbs 10:25 When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away, but the godly have a lasting foundation. 

Mark 4:39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.

Habakkuk 3:19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.

2 Corinthians 6:7 We faithfully preach the truth. God’s power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense.

Ephesians 6:18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

I Peter 5:6-7 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time He will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.

What Storm Are you Going Through?

Our hearts are grieving for the people who live in the Philippines. One of our friends has a daughter and family who have built an orphanage there. Fortunately their area was virtually untouched by the typhoon. That in itself was a miracle. 

But photos are coming in and the devastation is great. The winds were marked at what may prove to be highest recorded in the history of record keeping. The ferocity of the winds can be told in the damage that is left now that the storm has passed. Homes are wrecked. Neighborhoods are gone. Even the loss of life is extreme and the count is expected to increase.

When a storm of this magnitude comes ashore there’s not a thing one can do to prevent it from doing its damage. The best thing that anyone can do is leave for higher ground and safer areas. In the United States coastal residents do well to leave for inland towns. But on islands in the ocean it’s hard to find a safe haven to remain until the storm passes by.

We pray for the people of the Philippines as they attempt to overcome the devastation and look for their property and their loved ones. And we pray for the rescuers and charity workers who go into the country to help in any way they can. We ask God to help for He is a help in time of need. 

There are all kinds of storms that threaten the believer.   For us, we’d like to prepare ahead and avoid the storms entirely. But we don’t know what’s beyond the horizon. Today may be calm and sunny. Tomorrow we might wake up with heartache and pain. We who are born again are not mysteriously immune to troubles, trials, sorrow, or agony. When we are in the throes of the storm we know it. Our hearts can feel crushed, our lives can seem insignificant, our whole lives can seem to be storm tossed and under the power of the winds and waves of destruction. We feel isolated, humiliated, barricaded and open to the elements. If we’re not careful we will let the storm itself become our mantra and let anger, resentment, sorrow, misery and cynicism take over our lives. We can feel powerless, defeated, depressed and paralyzed in our hurts and fears. Whether we brought the storm on by our own mess ups or we had it thrown at us by another, the pain is the same. We are destined to be the victim unless someone steps in to help.

When devastation threatens your heart, where do you find port in the storm? How do you survive? Where do you go? How do you live again after the storms, after the winds and after the floods? Is there anything you can do to survive? Is there anywhere you can go to live after the wreckage is surveyed and the storm is passed?

God speaks to my heart: My precious child. When you are in a storm, the storm of your life, I AM there. Not only am I there, I am in charge. Even when your mind feels disoriented and your heart feels like it will never beat again, I AM. I cannot promise you that storms will never come, but I do promise that I will be with you. I cannot keep you free of the weather patterns of life but I will show you how to live in spite of the storm. I am the one who will give you hope and victory even when all about you looks lost. You can trust Me because I love you. And because I love you I will see you through every storm that ever enters your life. When others come against you, I will be your bulwark. When the winds of adversity weaken the strength of your resolve, I AM your strength. When you feel alone and abandoned, I am your Ever Present Savior.  My Word is My bond. Before the storms you may feel my presence but after the storm you will know Me better, for I AM that I AM. No other God made of wood, metal or stone can keep you safe in the storms of life, but I AM the God who saves you, the God who watches over you the God who renews, refreshes and redeems you. I will keep you in all your ways as you hold onto Me.  

Oh beloved, I know it’s hard for some of you right now. The storm has been raging for so long that some of you are barely hanging on. I would never tell you that the storms of life are easy, for I have weathered storms myself. I know they hurt and they are so very hard to weather. But I know the Lord and He is able. What you are experiencing now will not last forever. Hold on to His unchangeable nature. Hold on to His unquenchable love. Hold on to His wonderful promises. For in due time the storm will pass. We are not victims, but victors. We are not overwhelmed but overcomers. Trust Him now, while the storm is raging, trust Him now while the darkness floods your heart. Trust Him now when you have nothing to hold onto. He is faithful and He will see you through. Some things in your life might be counted as loss, but you will never lose your faith and God will never let you go.

God always loves you and He’s always for you and that, beloved, will get you through and give you hope and cause you to stand on the Rock no matter what.

Isaiah 43:11 I, even I, am the Lord, And there is no savior besides Me.

Isaiah 25:4 For You have been a defense for the helpless, A defense for the needy in his distress, A refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat; For the breath of the ruthless Is like a rain storm against a wall.

Matthew 7:25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.

Psalm 20:1 May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob set you securely on high!

Romans 8:37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.

When the Storms of Life Are Raging

 

 

Tuesday's Blog - 

The weather changed over the week-end. It was sultry and hot and dry. Suddenly it became damp, chilly and cool. I was at a women’s retreat and we saw the clouds rolling in. They were black and low and stormy. Lots of quick adjustments were made. No longer sure they could grill the burgers and for a moment they weren’t sure what to do. But plan B came forth. Although the pool at the park was heated, the swimmers no longer wanted to dive in. One of the ladies wanted to take a walk but others declined to join in, concerned that the rain would catch them unprotected. I even ran to my cabin and brought my car to the meeting room just in case.

The clouds rolled on in and the wind kicked up and it turned cool, but the storm failed to materialize. We all spent a lot of time preparing for what we were sure would happen. But it didn’t. We could have grilled, swam, walked and more.

We are creatures of comfort, habit and fear. Creatures of comfort in that we want things to be just right, all the time. I sure do. You do too don’t you? Creatures of habit in that we like to do things the way we have always done them. Change? Not easy is it? Creatures of fear. This is a hard one. We admit to being afraid at times but a creature of fear? Yes. The storm clouds loom and some of us are instantly in the cellar. We don’t want to watch the signs, we don’t want to wait and see, we just want to run.

God speaks to my heart: Oh beloved. You are my creation. You’re no mere creature. You’re not the sum of your habits, your comforts or your fears. I AM the redeemer of all that. I AM the Lord of the weather in the skies and the clouds of doubt that are looming on your horizon. I AM the God Who will give you a fresh outlook on it all if you will trust Me. Put your focus on the storm clouds that “threaten” your comfort zone and you’ll be paralyzed. Put your focus on the changes and you’ll be unable to move forward with new habits to pursue. Put your focus on the fear and your faith cannot grow. But put your focus on Me and on My Word and I will change everything. Your sight will become clearer and you will be able to look beyond the storm clouds to the future with peace, love and joy.

God loves you and He’s for you, so that when you put your focus on Him all things are possible as you walk into His future with faith!

Luke 9:57 As they were walking along, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.”

Mark 4:39 -40 When Jesus woke up, He rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then He asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.

When the Storms of Life are Raging...

Storms have again visited our state. For days we had deluges of rain. By the 4th day we all felt that we might never see the sun again. But yesterday morning the clouds parted and the sun returned. It always amazes me that after every storm things look so much cleaner and the trees look so much greener. The rain washes away the pollen and dust that settles in the flora of our earth as well as cle...aring the sky. No blue is bluer than the sky after a storm.



There are all kinds of storms that come into our lives. Some we are warned about. The siren of God’s Word speaks loud and clear. We grab for a hold to God’s firm foundation as we hope and pray. Other times storms come through without warning, like a flash. We find ourselves in over our heads and not so sure that we will make it. We invite neither the warned storm nor the surprise storm, yet we all have to go through them.



We get comfortable living with the cobwebs and dust. We want to have things go smoothly and seek for the easy road. We often choose ease over promise, good over best and fun over true fellowship. Fair weather friends multiply in the sunshine. It’s when things get dark and strength is needed that people leave, promises drop and friendliness wanes. We trust God in the bright light of day, but when the clouds darken the sky and our view of God is obscured we find ourselves foundering and hoping we survive.



Our lives are a lot like the sky after a storm. Because we must call on God! Easy times may let us talk about Him, but hardship makes us cling to Him. We find in a storm that those things that we thought were secure are wobbly, but just as we’re about to tumble we grab God’s hand and find He’s always there – whether in sunshine or storm. The wonderful thing about life after a storm is the cobwebs of life are washed away, the dust in our hearts is swept out and our view is crystal clear again. We’re back to where we should be – God and us – first and always. Just Jesus? people say. Absolutely. For unless we can cling to Him with our whole heart we’re not really clinging to Him at all. Would a boatman use a fly swatter to row? Would a crippled person use willow limbs to walk with? Would a traveler go with monopoly money? Everything has its place, but we must cling to God for everything so that if we have nothing, He’s enough.



Oh beloved, you don’t have to fear! The same Lord who lets you enjoy every day pleasantries is the same God who will walk with you through the storm. You may have heard the sirens and hunkered down in prayer only to find things looking oh so awful. You could have been caught completely by surprise, yet He has gone before you into the dark. He’s no fair weather God; He’s the Lord of Heaven and Earth. He’s the One who spoke and the winds stood still. As you cry out to Jesus, you don’t have to wonder – you are heard. For He always hears His children and He always makes a way.



Rejoice that He loves you – rejoice that He’s for you – in this way you will make it no matter what your eyes may see – for your heart will fully trust in Him alone!



James 1:2-4 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.



Isaiah 25:4 For You have been a defense for the helpless, A defense for the needy in his distress, A refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat; For the breath of the ruthless Is like a rain storm against a wall.



Psalm 139:1—12 Even there Your hand will lead me, Your right hand will lay hold of me. If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, and the light around me will be night,” Even the darkness is not dark to You, and the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You.



Nahum 1:7 The LORD is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in Him.

When Storms Come Get Ready to Report!

As I watch the Weather Channel, I am amazed that those reporters will stand outside to report, even in the gales of hurricanes! As the storm approaches they begin to find it harder and harder to stand.  The wind and the rain beat against them with all the forces of nature. Hats are blown off and jackets are flapping. But those reporters, having been given the task of informing the public, make their stand. No matter what, they hold their ground through it all.   

They could walk away. They could focus on the storm and say it’s not worth it. They could become afraid of the bad weather.  They could get mad at the station manager for giving them that dangerous assignment.  Or, they could remember their calling and hold their ground. 

Are you thinking about walking away this morning? Where is your focus? On the storm? Are you focusing on your wants and your feelings?  Are you losing your footing and thinking that enough is enough? Whatever your feelings, whatever storm is raging in your life, God is with you!  No storm lasts forever, but God’s people do. 

Oh beloved when the storms of life are raging, stand with the Lord! Stand under His wings, kneel in the shadow of His Name and hold on for your life! When the storm subsides, not only will you be standing, you will have something wonderful to report to the people! God reigns! God’s Word is True! He will see you through. You will be reporting that the storm you went through could not overtake you, the flood you walked through could not drown you, the momentary light afflictions could not get you off your mark! Because God loves you and He’s for you, no matter your circumstances, no matter the weather, that’s all that really matters.

Isaiah 4:6 It will be a shelter from daytime heat and a hiding place from storms and rain.

Isaiah 25:4 But you are a tower of refuge to the poor, O Lord, a tower of refuge to the needy in distress. You are a refuge from the storm and a shelter from the heat. For the oppressive acts of ruthless people are like a storm beating against a wall

Ephesians 6:10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.

1 Chronicles 16:8  Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done.

In His Presence is Peace!

Fall is one of my favorite times of year. I love the reds, browns and golds of the season. I can observe the beautiful leaves as I drive onto our street, with the large oak trees lining the lawns, including ours. Each day I’ve noticed how the colors get more and more vivid. From the green hues of summer to pale yellows of early fall to the brightest autumn colors. Oak and sweet gum leaves are aflame with color.  The view is always so nice.

As I drove into our street yesterday afternoon I was surprised to notice a big change in the view. Ankle deep leaves now line the street while most of the trees are pretty bare. The season has changed again and it’s beginning to look like winter. The stark reality was colder and less welcoming. I remembered that my home was filled with light and warmth and color. I couldn’t wait to get inside and gaze at our lovely Christmas tree and rest.

Life can change in an instant, just like the seasons. One day you’re enjoying the beautiful view and all is well. The next day things can change. The outlook can go from pleasant and enjoyable to stark and cold in the blink of an eye. Outside there are troubles, dangers, temptations, and more. Hurts and anguish can totally replace the warmth of former days. Our reliance on the world around us becomes very apparent when it all goes south. That’s when we long for the warm fire of our home and the familiar smells and sights that bring us great comfort.

God spoke to my heart. The Christian life has seasons as well. When life goes into winter mode and we find nothing pleasant in the view and our hearts are cold from the troubles, we seek for solace somewhere. As soon as we go into the house of God, into His presence, we are relieved. Things outside of His presence may not change quickly or ever, but God’s presence is the only thing we really need to fulfill the longing of our hearts. His warmth is ever present, His truth is full of the colors of His personality and essence and we find that in basking in Him we are not only revived, we are strengthened for the next day.

Oh beloved, run to the Lord! Rest in His promises! Seek out His loving presence. He’s calling you to come in out of the weather and sit with Him. Relax in all that He is. He is greater than your troubled world, He is full of warmth. All you need, absolutely everything, is met in Him. It may be winter in your life, but in His presence it’s lovely!  Gaze into His Wonderful Face and rest in Him. His love will warm you all the days of your life and His comfort and care will cause you to forget your surroundings as you concentrate totally on Him.  He takes your ordinary problem filled days and makes them Holy as He consecrates your life to Himself! Thank Him today for He is your refuge and source of blessings always.

Psalm 43:3-5 Send out your light and your truth; let them guide me.  Let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the place where you live.  There I will go to the altar of God. To God—the source of all my joy. I will praise you with my harp, O God, my God!   Why am I discouraged?  Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God!  I will praise Him again— my Savior and my God!

2 Corinthians 1:3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.

Psalm 31:20 You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in your presence, far from accusing tongues.

Psalm 91:1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Are You looking only at Your Circumstances? Look to God!

We had a ride planned yesterday but early on there was thunder lightning and heavy rain. Probably the heaviest rain our county's seen in months. Mid morning the weather broke and we headed out for our destination. It remained cloudy and cool the entire day, which made for incredible riding. An August day in Arkansas with a high around 76 degrees is unheard of. We rode to Petit Jean, ate a late lunch and went to survey the bear caves. While there someone checked the radar on their phone which showed heavy rain coming in. Much discussion went on about hurrying to leave, putting on gear, making it home.  We knew that any moment it might start raining but some folks had never been to Petit Jean so we continued the plan, hoping to outrun the rain. There was frequent looking to the radar which still guaranteed a deluge.  Finally someone said, “If all we do is look at the radar we will miss the fun of all we’re doing right now while it’s not raining.” As it turned out it never rained on us despite the gloomy radar.

Life is a trip full of ups and downs and changing weather.  Often the road we travel has its potholes, steep hills and hairpin curves.  Just like the weather life’s circumstances can change in an instant. We may be having the time of our life and suddenly it’s all different.   We may spend much time looking to the future, knowing that a storm is brewing and we wish we could avoid it.

Oh beloved, if you continue to look only at your circumstances or what you think may be ahead, you will miss the beautiful life God has given you! Everything you will go through in life is sifted through fingers of Love. God knows the road ahead, He knows the weather and He knows your heart. He is more than able to care for you throughout life. He’s not only able to get you through, but because He is going ahead of you, you can enjoy today full of joy in Him without dread of the future. Run to Him this morning, quit looking at your circumstances and let Him show you the beauty of this day.  How much does He love you? Enough to give Himself up on your behalf. How much does He care for you? Enough to send His angels to guard  your entire life.  Jehovah Jireh, Our Provider, has grace for today and bright hope for tomorrow prepared just for you!

Philippians 4:6-7  Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 91:11  For He will order His angels to protect you wherever you go.

Proverbs 15:15  For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.

Isaiah 43:1 But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says,
“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.

Deuteronomy 31:8  Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Storms are Inevitable but We Can Survive!

It’s coming up a storm this morning. I haven’t seen rain yet, but off in the distance I’ve heard the approaching rumble of thunder.  Thunder is always a harbinger of weather.  I might have noticed it earlier but we had the air conditioner running and a fan as well. Lots of background noise makes for drowning out the alerts.  Now that the coffee pot has quit gurgling and Danny’s off to work I hear it approaching, each sound getting a little louder than the one before.  I’ve also looked at the radar to see if there are any storm reports or warnings yet. It helps to be prepared, especially in the early morning before daylight.  Somehow when Danny’s here I don’t mind a little storm, but by myself I’m not as brave. Because Danny remains calm I find great comfort in being with him while the storm rages.   

Oh beloved, maybe you have found yourself right in the middle of a storm. You wonder where it came from and why it’s here now. You might have seen the signs but the noise of life drowned out the warnings. Just as we cannot pick the storms that develop in nature, we don’t pick the storms that come into our lives. But just as in nature a storm is inevitable now and then, so too storms are inevitable in our lives. Unprepared we are like sitting ducks waiting to be picked off by the enemy. But prepared we can withstand storms and hold fast until they pass. Not only that, but we can come out of the storm stronger, fearless and more knowledgeable.  It’s hard to be brave alone, but when God is with us we can be valiant and overcome the storm.   Run to the safety of His Word this morning! Seek His Truth and abide in it. His Word is your storm shelter and His love will cover you completely so that when the storm has passed you and He together can rejoice that you overcame! He loves you and He’s for you so there’s nothing to fear!

Psalm 9:9  The LORD is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

Isaiah 25:4  But you are a tower of refuge to the poor, O LORD, a tower of refuge to the needy in distress. You are a refuge from the storm and a shelter from the heat...

Joel 3:16  The LORD’s voice will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth will shake. But the LORD will be a refuge for His people, a strong fortress for the people of Israel.

Proverbs 18:10  The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.

Psalm 18:2  The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.