02/10/2011 - RUN, DO NOT WALK!

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The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

Proverbs 18:10

In order to protect His people from the evil assaults, God created a spiritual Fortress, which is available to anyone who wants to take refuge in it. Undoubtedly, while we are here on earth we will be tempted by the devil because this evil being has not been taken out of circulation. Therefore, we must look for shelter in this place of maximum security created by the Almighty because, otherwise, we will be hit by the arrows that the enemy sends against us.

We had better find out more about the Name of Jesus, who is our strong tower; after all, he who runs to it will never be disturbed by the actions of Satan. Seeking shelter in this tower means placing your faith in the Name which is above all names with the assurance that when you issue a command it will not fail. Whoever believes in the Savior but is being attacked by the enemy must resist by using this powerful Name to rebuke the devil, and at the same time he must stand firm believing in the fact that he will not be defeated.

We know that, biblically speaking, righteous is the one whose support is the Word of God and accepts what it teaches with faith and determination. Actually, this person simply does not walk but runs to the strong Tower. If, when attacked by Satan, you do not hasten to confront evil – by taking refuge in the Name of the Lord – you are not being righteous. However, the Bible declares that we must resist the devil (James 4:7), and he who does not do it is actually despising the divine counseling and cannot be called righteous.

It is in times of trial that we know who belongs to the Lord and who does not. He who does not follow God’s commandments works slowly or does not even meditate on the guidance contained in the Word. Some even remember IT, but oddly enough, they are not interested in rebuking evil or seeking the Almighty in prayer in order to receive divine guidance. All those who work for our heavenly Father should remember that they

are servants who, by the way, are never given the power to choose what to do, but rather to obey.

He who is a doer of the Word of God is different from those who act wickedly because he gives the Lord due attention by praying and seeking His direction. So when the enemy tries to attack him, he is ready to take his place in Christ and overcome. The prince of darkness and his demons cannot reach him because the righteous finds refuge in Him (Psalm 59:16).

On the other hand, the position of those who do not abide by the divine ordinances is uncomfortable and fragile: even if they pray constantly asking for protection, all kinds of evil reach them and make them suffer. Some even say that they do not understand why God does not help and bless them. They live outside the blessings and do not realize how much harm they cause to their family, friends as well as to themselves.

My prayer is that you may follow the commandments of the Lord and take refuge in the Strong Tower!

In Christ with love,

R. R. Soares