Trust

Yoke of Trust

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Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gently and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light (Matthew 11:29-30, ESV).

We are familiar with Jesus’ comforting words, and I can imagine we all desire to lighten our burdens and find rest for our souls. As an educator who works with nurses from a variety of patient settings, I hear the nursing burdens: Not enough staff to care for patients; more and more patients who are sicker and sicker; units closing, which displaces or deletes nursing positions; and management changes. In my long career in nursing, these issues have always existed, and most of the nurses I know are accustomed to adapting to each crisis that comes by. 

We also care for patients, manage staff, and educate students whose burdens are heavy and difficult. How can we make the care that the Lord has entrusted to us lighter? Let’s break down Jesus’ promise and find a way to lighten our burdens.

First, we need to recognize that Jesus didn’t say, IF you have burdens. The assumption is we WILL have burdens. One of the barriers to releasing our heavy burdens is the unrealistic idea that our lives should be worry-free and complication-free. It sounds crazy to say it out loud, yet when a problem comes along, we are dismayed. Whether it is an illness, work-related stress, or a family crisis, these are all human experiences. This is true for our patients as well. There will be extended illnesses, surgery complications, and unforeseen diagnoses. Even though the Gospels have multiple accounts of Jesus healing people, there were even more people who weren’t healed. Yet, Jesus brought the Good News to them, which is Himself.

This brings us to our second point of Jesus’ teaching—“Come to Me!” Life’s burdens cannot be lighter if we don’t hand them over to Jesus. Handing them over to Jesus is more than just praying for healing, seeking His wisdom, and trusting Him. It is daily, and many times, frequently saying, “Jesus, I trust in You!” For example, when the fear of complications attempts to overwhelm a patient’s peace, we can direct them to trust in Jesus and let go of the outcome. I know, sounds frightening! Yet, this is how Jesus will make the burdens lighter, giving the present AND the future of our burdens to Him.

If you are feeling burdened by work, personal, family, or life in general, then you are carrying the load, and Jesus is not. Right now, what burden do you have? Write them down. How do they feel? Are they heavy, uncomfortable, stressful, or worrisome? Then you are carrying them. Or maybe there is a patient, student, or staff member whose burden is keeping them anxious and depressed. Help them as well come to Jesus and exchange the yoke of burden for the yoke of trust.

Week #6: 24/7 Protection

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Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. (Psalm 91:5-6)

The previous devotions we have explored how the Lord demonstrates security as a fortress, rescuer and as our wise guardian. We even discussed how our faith walk can be disrupted by doubts, fears, insecurities, and disturb your sleep.

In the next section of verses, the psalmist used symbolic language to define the vastness of dread and destruction that can come into our lives. The writer understood that we live on a planet with chaos and death. We are helpless against dangerous volcanoes, vicious earthquakes, and damaging tsunamis and share communities with evil men and women who purposefully cause pain and suffering. And these are just a few of the terrors and dread that encompasses our life.

When we read all that the Lord protects us from, we may be tempted to assume nothing bad will happen to us.  Instead, we are assured that nothing is beyond the reach of God (Psalm 139:7-12). No sin or evil will prevent the faithful hand of our Lord guiding us through the calamities. There may come a time in each of our lives when we quake in fear, run in panic, and hide in terror. The Most High and Almighty will be there with us. We have a 24/7 security system.  The Lord ensures international and eternal coverage through the “terrors at night”,  the “arrows in the day” and amidst the “disasters at midday.” This coverage is mediated and delivered through the promises of our glorious Savior, ensuring that even death should not cause us to worry (1 Corinthians 15:26, 55; Romans 6:8).

Write out and memorize: Psalm 91:6

Reflect: What causes you the most fear? How can the passage in Romans be an antidote for your personal fear(s)?

Prayer: Oh, LORD Most High, what then shall we say to these devastations we encounter? If You are for us, who is against us? Will anyone or anything, seen or unseen, separate me from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, “For Your sake we are being put to death all day long;We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”But in all these things I am an overwhelmingly conqueror through Christ who love me. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nordepth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate me from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus my Lord. Amen (Romans 8:31,35-39).

*Excerpts were taken from the devotion with the same name 24/7 Protection in CARES: Reflections for Nurses.

Week #2 My God in Whom I Trust

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I will say to the Lord, My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. (Psalm 91:2)

            A military wall or high strong fence is a means of protection. It prevents enemies or vicious animals from coming inside the protected area. Those inside the protected area are secure from whatever is on the other side of the wall or fence. If the wall or fence has holes or is weak, the people inside the protected area are vulnerable. We know in our minds that the Lord is a refuge and fortress.  Yet, at times we have doubts. Or, we allow fear to break into our fortress. These can be our own natural tendencies or fleshly worries, concerns or stresses.

One way we can remind ourselves of the strength of the Lord, is to say it out loud. “I will say to the Lord, my refuge and my fortress…” (Ps 91:2)

            There is strength and guidance when we speak to the Lord and recognize his protection. It is not as if the Lord provides a sudden barrier, like in action movies. The writer of the psalm or song used 4 different titles for the Lord: Most High, Almighty, the Lord, and God–these names represent the power of our Creator God and the endearing Love of our Covenant God. God’s name and character is the fortress and our refuge.

            Through our spoken words, our heart grabs onto that which our mind already knows—The Almighty, the Most High is our sanctuary. Notice the confidence of the writer.., I will say to my My God in whom I trust” And as we say to our nursing students, you build confidence by saying it, doing it and believing in the confidence. We don’t wait to feel secure or “positive”. We say it out loud knowing the power rests in the God to bring it forth (Isaiah 55:11; March 11:22-24). Like the Psalmist, proclaim with confidence, “I will say to the Lord, My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. ”

  • Write out and memorize: Psalm 91:1 & 2
  • Reflect: Spend time this week exploring ways you need the Lord’s refuge and fortress. They can be physically (from the coronavirus) and spiritually (fear, stress, etc.). Then, confidently proclaim “My refuge and My fortress, my God, in whom I trust” over every concern you listed.
  • Pray/Praise: Almighty, Most High God, we have found refuge in You as a strong encouragement to hold fast to and a hope set before us through your Son, Jesus. He is our hope, an anchor for our soul that is sure and steadfast. Amen. (Hebrews 6:18-19)
  • Song: A Mighty Fortress is our God

Week #1 The Shelter of the Most High

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He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

(Psalm 91:1)

I published a series exploring Psalm 91 after the death of my sister. The Lord led me to Psalm 91 as a lifeline to Him. His strength, comfort and hope held me up during my grief and despair. Even today, 7 years later with a seemingly life-time of challenges behind me, the Lord continues to follow through with his promise: When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble (Psalm 91:15).

Join me in exploring the promises found in Psalm 91. I have updated each devotion for today’s crisis, along with relevant reading and reflections.

Psalm 91 is a song of trust and hope that guides us in understanding our God and the protection He provides. It is not a guarantee that nothing bad will happen to you and me, nor to our families and friends. Instead, as one Bible scholar states it is promise of “no fear and no fall”. This spiritual covering is a protection from the elements outside or beyond the Lord’s hand. We do not have to be afraid of what comes our way in this life, nor the next. As the coronavirus pandemic causes illness and death to our family and friends, sends us into social isolation and stretches our personal reserves to the max, we can rest in confidence. God is still in control! The Lord was not surprised by the COVID-19, nor the impact to our society.

            Our God is the Almighty, the Supreme Being and Ruler of everything on earth and in heaven (1 Chronicles 29:11-13). And we have a choice to dwell with Him. This is not just a onetime choice at salvation, but a daily surrender to the Most High. This choice brings the assurance of abiding with the Lord (1 John 4:15). Yes, pain and suffering may befall us, but we rest in the confidence that our Lord is in control and we can rest in the shadow of His presence. We make that choice for right now–this moment and for tomorrow’s known and unknown moments.  We choose where we want to dwell and abide.

            Normally, in my devotions, I don’t ask personal questions about your relationship with Jesus. With the current global crisis, I think it is important to ask questions about faith. Do you know Jesus Christ?” “Are you a follower of Jesus Christ?”

In order to abide in the shadow of the Almighty and dwell under the protective shelter of the Most High we need Jesus (John 14:6). He provides the way to the Almighty. Only through the one and only Son of God, do we have assurances of the Almighty. Click on the link if you have questions and want to know more. https://peacewithgod.net/.

Included with the series is supplemental activities so you can eat, digest and live on the nutrients of our daily bread.

Go Deeper

Read: Psalm 91

Reflect: In your prayer journal write out the entire Psalm 91.

Pray/Praise:

So David blessed the Lord in the sight of all the assembly; and David said, “Blessed are You, O Lord God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone. Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and praise Your glorious name. (1 Chronicles 29:10-13)

Memorize: He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will abide in the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1)

Link to Psalm 91 Scripture Song “My God in Whom I will Trust” (Esther Mui)

NCFI Cares: “Move”

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I (Martha) want to share the experience I had before traveling to PACEA Regional Conference in Taiwan from June from 2 to 11.

I am reminded of the word for the song:

Only to believe, only to believe

Everything is possible, only to believe

That God gives victory, only to believe

Moses had many problems also before doing what God wanted him to do. He told God about his problems and God´s answer was:

The_Crossing_fo_The_Red_Sea by Poussin ” Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward. Lift up your staff and stretch out hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground” (Exodus 14:15-16).

Moses was called by God to lead the people of Israel. Moses wasn’t always firm in his faith and many times he doubted. God had to encourage him to get up, to move and direct Moses in what he should do. I don´t know if that has been your experience, but this was my experience. God spoke to Moses very loudly, “Why do you cry to me? Move and tell the people to go.” I imagine a very big and strong God pushing a small man into a situation too big and too difficult.

If God had spoken to me like this, I would have been paralyzed and it would have made everything worse. When I thought about attending the Taiwan Conference God said “Move”, but he did it gently. My first problem came in deciding about the resources for the trip. God sent me a letter through Steve confirming available resources. My second problem was my very old mother who was not in good health.  My older brother came through and agreed to care of her. God kept saying “Move” The third problem was the Visa, but when I explained the work of the NCFI to the Consul of Taiwan, she said, “Today, it is a very necessary to put Christian values back into the profession.”

God showed me that when He wants to guide me through the impossible, he removes all obstacles and performs a miracle. God told me “Move”. He took my hand and walked with me along the way. He knows my fears, my weaknesses and my need for more softness than Moses needed. God also showed me that we must move because He is moving. He doesn´t leave us alone. He does the miracle silently. We are members of the NCFI community and must keep moving. And we must do what God wants us to do. We must continue to bring the vision to all Christian nurses to move. Nurses must move to bring the souls of our patients to Christ; and move to bring the souls of our colleagues to Christ.

This was my experience. Different than Moses’ experience, but the same God. The God who says “Move” through His spoken promises, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance. The Lord will bring you today…The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still”. (Exodus 14:13-14)

 

by Martha Fernandez Moyano, International Board Member, Argentina

 

NCFI Cares: Hope that Shines

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As I write this, the world news includes devastating volcano in Japan, militant wars in Syria, student protests in Hong Kong, and if that isn’t enough an ever spreading Ebola virus. It is hard not to get worried or anxious about these and other troublesome current events. Yet, fear is exactly what steals our hope and sends us in a panic. Fear or worry comes from ourselves and the Enemy (Romans 8:15; 2 Timothy 1:7). Instead, the Lord gives us strength, courage and peace (1 John 4:8). “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

No matter what is happening in our community, nation, or across the globe, God is in charge. His hand is still on the calendar and he knows exactly what is occurring (Isa 14:27; Psalm 33:11; Prov 19:21). In fact, our work for the kingdom, nor his plan never changes. It may currently look different and take place in unsafe areas, but our purpose is the same—to be the hands and heart of Jesus to our patients and colleagues.

Let’s continue to outwardly express our confidant joy in hope maintaining a steadfastness in faith while continually persisting in prayer for one another (Romans 12:12). So that, our firm faith can be a hopeful light to others during these scary times.

Grace & Peace,

Carrie

NCFI Cares: Protecting Our Redemption

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Psalm 91:7-8 Though a thousand may fall
beside you, and a multitude on your right side, it will not
reach you. Certainly you will
see it with your very own eyes –you will see the wicked paid back.
The Psalmist continues
his description of the immeasurable protection of our Magnificent Lord. The use
of “thousand, ten thousand or multitude” implies an infinite number of ways the
Lord intercedes for us. Our greatest danger is from Satan, who prowls around
seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Our salvation and faithfulness is of
supreme importance to the Lord. In Luke 22:31-32, Jesus prays specifically for
Peter to return to his faith after being sifted like wheat. Also, in John
17:15, Jesus prays to the Father to keep the disciples and us from the evil
one.
Working in tandem with the evil of Satan is the Lord’s judgment. How this
occurs is more than we can fathom; for God’s judgments and conduct is beyond
our understanding (Romans 11:33-34/Isaiah 55:9). It also is part of the
redemptive plan (Revelation).
W.A. VanGermeren, Professor of Old Testament writes, “Seeing God’s salvation
with the eye of faith will further encourage the godly, whom the Lord has
promised his protection and blessing. The godly will witness the righteousness,
justice, and fidelity of the Lord as well as the punishment of the wicked. No
power in heaven or earth is greater than that of Yahweh, the Divine
Warrior!” 
So in the middle of a song of praise and protection, we are
encouraged that redemption from the Lord is faithful to secure us while
condemning the wicked.

NCFI Cares: 24/7 Protection

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91:5-6 “You need not fear the terrors
of the night, the arrow that flies by day, the plague that comes in the
darkness,or the disease that comes at noon.”

            We have
been discovering strength found in the Lord’s names, Most High and Almighty. We
also have seen how the Lord demonstrates security as a fortress, rescuer and as
our wise guardian. Our verses this week reveal what the Lord protects us from.
The goal in delving into these verses is not to be specific and think of only
plagues or disease as part of our protection. The psalmist used symbolic
language to define the vastness of dread and destruction that can come into our
lives. The writer understood that we live on a planet with chaos and death. We
are helpless against dangerous volcanoes, vicious earthquakes, and damaging
tsunamis. We share communities with evil men and women who purposefully cause
us pain and suffering. And these are just a few of the terrors and dread that
encompasses our life.

            Yet…and
thankfully, yet we have the Lord’s 24/7 protection with an eternal, around the
clock vigilance. While reading these specific phrases “terrors of night”,
“diseases at noon” we see the magnitude of protection in the seen and unseen,
the natural and unnatural. A reminder of God’s care is found in Exodus.  Where we see the Lord use extraordinary
measures to protect and guide the Israelites through much fear and calamity; their testimony encourages our faith and trust. 

 

NCFI Cares: Rest in Truth

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Psalm 91:4 “He will shelter you with his wings; you will find safety under his wings. His faithfulness is like a shield or a protective wall.”

          Have you ever seen an adult bird tuck a baby bird under
their wings? The adult bird has the strength of being larger and mature; has
acquired life-learning wisdom; and is alert to the surrounding dangers. The
baby chick rests securely, for it is weak and vulnerable depending on its
parent for sustenance, and has no knowledge of anything beyond the warmth and
security of the parent. I always think that is true protection.

            In the
simple, yet intimate life of a bird, we are given another source of God’s
protection—his faithfulness. Some bibles use “truth” meaning stability,
firmness and reliability.  At first we
may be confused to think that the word “truth” is interchangeable with the word
“faithfulness.” Yet, isn’t that where the strength and security of our Lord
comes from, is truth. The divine instruction of the Bible and the authenticity
of Jesus Christ are truth and define the faithfulness of God.

            Romans 3:3
reminds us of the indescribable law at work with God’s faithfulness—it isn’t
dependent upon the believer. For whether we believe or not, God’s faithfulness
does not change. We are to be the baby bird. The difference for us is how we
rest…are we secure and content like a baby bird under its mother’s wings? Or
are we panicking constantly peeking between the feathers to make sure all is
okay?

NCFI Cares: My God in whom I trust

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A military wall or high strong fence is a means of protection. It prevents enemies or vicious animals from coming inside the protected area. Those inside the protected area are secure from whatever is on the other side of the wall or fence. If the wall or fence has holes or is weak, the people inside the protected area are vulnerable. We know in our minds that the Lord is a refuge and fortress. Yet at times we have doubt or we allow fear to break into our fortress. One way we can remind ourselves of the strength of the Lord, is to say it out loud. “I will say to the Lord, my refuge and my fortress…” (Ps 91:2)

            There is strength and guidance when we speak to the Lord and recognize his protection. It is not as if the Lord provides a sudden barrier, like in action movies. Nor, is it found in our nursing knowledge or skills. The writer of the psalm or song used 4 different titles for the Lord: Most High, Almighty, the Lord, and God–these names represent the power of our Creator God and the endearing Love of our Covenant God. God’s name and character is the fortress.

            Through our spoken words, our heart grabs onto that which our mind already knows—The Almighty, the Most High is our sanctuary. When our heart and mind recognize this priceless truth we can say with confidence…”My God in whom I trust”

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