Are you under God’s umbrella or out there with the curse being battered around?
If you’re not enjoying your Christianity, you’re not doing it right. We, of all people on the earth, should be the most joyful, confident, energetic people. But I challenge you to find Christians that exemplify these characteristics. Certainly not in most denominational churches and hardly in many non-denominational churches. Why is that?
It’s probably because they never got the memo that God isn’t mad at them and He’s not even in a bad mood. He’s our loving Father who is out for our good only. The fact that we’re on our way to Heaven and not hell should at least put a smile on our faces. Unfortunately, many Christians look like they’ve been baptized in lemon juice!
I remember way back as a young Christian, walking down the street to the store and someone passed me and told me to smile! I was somewhat taken back because I thought my joy was evident on my face. Guess not. It was a wake-up call for me to take inventory and be aware of how I was perceived by others.
Many times the only gospel others will read is us! So it behooves us to actually let the love of the Lord shine through us. We’re the salt of the earth and we have a responsibility to let our light shine for all to see the goodness of the Lord.
Now, getting back to the umbrella. If we stay under the Lord’s protection, we will save ourselves many heartaches because the only thing out there – out from under the Lord’s umbrella– is the curse and for sure we don’t want that in our lives. So how do we do this?
John 15:5 (KJV) 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
John 15:7 (KJV) 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
Deuteronomy 28:1-2 (AMP) 1 IF YOU will listen diligently to the voice of the Lord your God, being watchful to do all His commandments which I command you this day, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.
2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you if you heed the voice of the Lord your God.
Psalm 91:1-4 (KJV)
1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
The blessings are for those who abide in the Lord and do what He says to do – not make up your own rules. To abide means to take up residency, not just visit occasionally, as some do.
Notice the word buckler. A buckler is like a shield that wraps all around you to protect you. That’s what the truth of God’s Word does. It wraps around you to give you all the answers you need. BUT, in order for that to happen, you must first know the Word, not just be mildly acquainted with it! Study to show yourself approved unto God! Study, hear, confess, and do the Word and you’ll stay under the Lord’s umbrella.
Sometimes we get out from under the Lord’s protection due to our own ignorance and sin. Any kind of sin opens the door to the devil’s territory and his opportunity to clobber us. We need to walk in love, not strife, anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, etc.
As I’ve said before, you can have as much or as little of God as you want. The choice is yours! Choose the Lord and His ways and live in victory!
Matthew 6:33 (KJV) 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Matthew 6:33 (AMP) 33 But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.
Galatians 6:7 (KJV) 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Galatians 6:7 (AMP) 7 Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap.
Matthew 5:13-16 (KJV) 13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Romans 2:4 (KJV) 4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
— Pamela
Pamela Moyle Ministries 