“I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.” – Psalm 18:1-3

Protection is one of those things you don’t think you need until you have it, and then often you realize you’d rather not live without it. Maybe it is even hard to admit that last part, just ask my kids. Watching my kids grow and get older, they are becoming not only more adventurous but also more independent. They no longer cling to me for protection as they take their first few steps. They no longer hide from approaching crowds of people that they do not know, and the first day of school isn’t so intimidating anymore. While they are happy to be “free,” I am saddened that I am no longer the protector of and from all things. My protection over them is changing. Although it may not look like it used to, I nevertheless desire to protect them as best as I can because I love them; and I’ve lived through enough hurt to know it does not necessarily feel good.

All of this teaches me about the character and nature of our great God. He is our protector. David directs our attention to the reality that God is our refuge. This term literally means a safe and secure shelter. Our God is safe.  This means He is trustworthy, and what He protects will never be vulnerable or exposed. Our God has provided the safe security of a salvation so true, so enduring, that from now until eternity, He is worthy of our trust. Because of all of this, David says our response is worship! Nehemiah is leading the people of God to accomplish a physically grueling task; and if the weight of the job isn’t enough, here comes some dissenters and those who have an opposing agenda. However, Nehemiah knew that their God was their strength and their fortress and able to save them from their enemies. Why? Because God proved it before, and He will do it again!

I can’t wait to worship the LORD with you, Church, and dig into Nehemiah Chapter 4! Also, be sure to listen to the worship set as you prepare for worship this Sunday.

Nate Lott
Myerstown Campus Pastor

SUNDAY AM PLAN
9:00 AM  – Worship Service Online & On Campus (Lancaster Campus)
9:15 AM – Worship Service On Campus (Myerstown Campus)
11:00 AM – Worship Service Online & On Campus (Lancaster Campus)

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SUNDAY RESOURCES
Everything you need for Sunday is available on the Mission Church App under Sunday Resources or on our website.