[x_custom_headline type=”left” level=”h4″ looks_like=”h4″]Those who boldly minister the gospel of Jesus Christ in an uncompromised manner are always attacked by those who are either demon inspired or by religious zealots. Preachers receiving death threats because of the power of God in their ministry isn’t something limited to the early church. Sadly, it happens in our day and age fairly regularly, as well.[/x_custom_headline]
If your pastor, or another minister that you are aware of has developed a high level of security about them, it is simply because they are very, very wise people. Why should a minister’s life and ministry be cut short by a wicked person bent on their destruction, when steps could have been taken to prevent it? And why should a local congregation be in danger when procedures can be implemented to protect God’s people at church?
Those individuals who seem to have the most disparaging remarks about a pastor or minister’s security procedures, are either biblical ignoramuses or simpletons. And in many cases, these same complainers have a car alarm, a home security system, and a pistol named Betsy in the night stand beside their bed, to help protect what belongs to them!
Look closely at this verse below for further insight.
[x_blockquote cite=”Proverbs 21:31 KJV” type=”left”]“The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.”[/x_blockquote]
Yes of course, safety is of the Lord. But that doesn’t mean that we are not supposed to prepare the horses for battle.
As I stated previously, we cannot ignore our part regarding safety and protection and think that everything is still going to turn out okay. We have personal responsibilities that cannot be avoided.
You may not realize it, but even Jesus had a couple of His disciples packing weapons. It’s true! And not only did He know about it, He is the one who told them to do it!
I know you may want to skip completely over things like this, but Jesus told His disciples that if they didn’t have a sword, to sell some of their clothes or other belongings and go buy one. If you don’t believe me, then look at the passage of scripture below.
[x_blockquote cite=”Luke 22:35-38 KJV” type=”left”]“35 And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. 36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. 37 For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end. 38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.”[/x_blockquote]
Now lest you think that I am espousing gun towers at our churches, please rest assured that I am not. Nor do I think we should return to the days of the Wild West and all carry six shooters.
The point I am making is that there are some simple steps you can take in the natural where security is concerned that keeps us living safely in these last days.
You cannot dismiss natural security measures as a form of carnality, nor is it a lack of faith. The fact of the matter is, the more prepared you are, the more you will be sending a strong message to the wicked people that you are not defenseless, and therefore you are not easy prey.
So far I have written about natural measure of security. But there are some spiritual things you must not neglect either.
[x_blockquote cite=”Psalm 91:1 KJV” type=”left”]“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”[/x_blockquote]
The secret place is not a hotel. We can’t just check in and check out anytime we desire, and still expect that the blessing of divine protection will always be there for us. According to the first verse of psalm 91, we are to dwell in the separated and consecrated condition of holy living, which is exactly what the “secret place” is.
The word “dwell” means to remain or to reside. There are far too many transient members of the Body of Christ. One minute they are up, the next they are down. One minute they are in, the next they are out. And because of this haphazard Christian lifestyle, we see many believers forfeiting the Lord’s own security measures.
If we would dwell in the separated and consecrated condition of the Most High, we would also abide under the Almighty’s shadow. The word “shadow” in this verse means protection or defense or shield. Holy living keeps you securely behind the protective shield of Almighty God. Positioned there, the enemy cannot touch you.
For more about how to live out of the reach of Satan’s destruction, please order my book, “Protective Custody: Living in Safety in the Last Days,” by clicking here.
