A Magnolia's Heart Beats

In "Other" Words Tuesdays is hosted by Loni at Writing Canvas today. Please visit her and see what she and the others had to say on this topic.

This is one of my favorite verses in the Psalms. The protection of God from evil and plague, or harm and disaster, is one I find very comforting and reassuring. It reminds me of His sincere love for me, that He is active and concerned in every aspect of my life. Not only in blessing me, but in keeping evil from me.

Shamar is the Hebrew word for the word "keep" in this Scripture. Shamar means:

1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed
a) (Qal)
1) to keep, have charge of
2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life
a) watch, watchman (participle)
3) to watch for, wait for
4) to watch, observe
5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory)
6) to keep (within bounds), restrain
7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow)
8) to keep, preserve, protect
9) to keep, reserve
b) (Niphal)
1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware
2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain
3) to be kept, be guarded
c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed
d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from

What a wonderful assurance that God has sent His angels with the charge to keep, guard, observe, take care of, and pay heed to our hearts.

There is spiritual warfare going on all around us that we may not even be aware of at the time.

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." ~ Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)

In reading about evils and plagues mentioned in the Bible, I have found myself very thankful that our loving and merciful God sends His angels to do a lot of the fighting for us. They surely fight far more for us than we realize! Only a loving and merciful God would send His messengers to do that for us. While we are not to worship angels, I am thankful for them and the victories they win for God on a daily basis.

May He be glorified as we cling to His promise in Psalm 91:10-11!

I know the subject of Halloween is on many of our hearts this week. Do we or don't we trick-or-treat? Do we or don't we go to Harvest Parties at church? Do we or don't we have parties at home?

While we won't be having our usual party (God has done some convicting of my heart and I have had to spend some time in deep prayer about this subject), this year Kristyn & Corey are coming up and bringing Liam & Nolan. While Corey goes out with Nolan and Kristyn's oldest brother Wayne trick-or-treating (Nolan is going to be a character from Between the Lions on PBS), Steve and Kristyn will ooh and ahh over the little Snow White's and Barney's and pass out candy to trick-or-treaters while I am inside cuddling with Baby Liam. There will be hot dogs and chips and dip afterward for supper and maybe some of theose cookies with icing on them that I am oh, so fond of...and that will wrap up Halloween for us. I'm hoping to call it an early night!

One verse I'm holding near this year...

"Abstain from all appearance of evil." ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:22 (KJV)

The Greek word for appearance is eidos, which means:

1) the external or outward appearance, form figure, shape
2) form, kind

Whatever your custom on Halloween night, I do hope you have a safe and fun night. Know that no evil will befall you and that God has angels surrounding you and protecting you, keeping you safe because of the love of the Lord.

We will be doing the same!

Be sure to visit Loni at Writing Canvas and see what she and the others have to say on In "Other" Words Tuesdays.