"The Secret II"

Preached by Rev. Ed Brouwer at The Gathering Place, Osoyoos

Pulpit Series Volume 19 Issue 29 September 27, 2009

"God, you're my refuge. I trust in you and I'm safe!" That's right—he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you— under them you're perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm. Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows in the day, Not disease that prowls through the darkness, not disaster that erupts at high noon. Even though others succumb all around, drop like flies right and left, no harm will even graze you. You'll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance, watch the wicked turn into corpses. Yes, because God's your refuge, the High God your very own home, Evil can't get close to you, harm can't get through the door. He ordered his angels to guard you wherever you go. If you stumble, they'll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling. You'll walk unharmed among lions and snakes, and kick young lions and serpents from the path. "If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says God, "I'll get you out of any trouble. I'll give you the best of care if you'll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times; I'll rescue you, then throw you a party. I'll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!" Psalm 91 (MSG)

The crown of life is for the over comer. Not those who sit in ease and comfort in the pew.

We must be in the place where God can depend upon us to keep going until we see victory, never giving in and knowing no defeat, always making our stand by a living faith and gaining the victory. Faith is the victory.

England once had a war with France. Some prisoners were taken; among them, a drummer boy. Napoleon ordered him to sound a retreat. He said "No!" He had never learned one.

God does not want you to retreat before the enemy. He hopes you’ll learn the song of victory and overcome! Praise the Lord!

There are two kinds of shouts: a shout that is made, and a shout that makes you.

There is a place where you take hold of God, but there is a better place where God takes hold of you.

Psalm 91:1 He that dwells in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Do YOU know the presence of God? It is a surety, with no wavering, no unbelief, no unrest there.

Fear the Lord My great desire is to see you all becoming strong in the Lord by dwelling in the secret place.

Two kinds of fear. One fear involves being afraid of God. Unbelievers are there, but the believer should fear grieving God by disobeying Him.

Fellowship with God, peace, and power -- this is God's will for us, so don't fear that it isn't. It is our inheritance. Christ purchased it for us. Through Him we have the covering of God’s presence!

Moses knew something about that. He feared God and said to Him, If Your presence is not going with me, don’t take us there. Exodus 33:15

Oh, to dwell in the secret place, His presence!

What’ll this presence do? It will dare us to believe all God says!

It will help us to lay hold of the promises and reveals to us the immeasurable wonders of God.

I will say of the Lord, he is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust Psalm 91:2

Who will say it? He that abides! He who abides in the Lord knows he can trust in the Lord to protect him from harm.

Free From The Law of Sin and Death All is swept away while one is dwelling in the presence of the Almighty; in the covering of God. Even the best of humanity, when from the devil, is not good, and cannot remain in God's presence. Jesus was manifested to destroy ALL the works of the devil I John 3:8

For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh Romans 8:3

God has much in store for you; you are far from being out of His thoughts.

God's Word: Antidote to Evil

There was a time when the children of Israel hung their harps on the willows in defeat.

Sometimes the believer does the same. The song of joy leaves his heart. It doesn't have to happen.

You must be aware that there is a great weakness in the land: It is a lack of knowledge. People hew out cisterns that can hold no water, instead of filling themselves with the Word of God.

You see, There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear. I John 4:18

God has embodied Himself in the Word. The Word spells destruction to all evil, because God is in the Word, and He is greater than all evil. Therefore, he that dwells in love is master of evil situations. He that dwells in GOD, in His presence and in His Word, is master of evil situations. We have no fear! We are over every sickness! Ours is a perfect redemption!

Concerning the healing Christ secured for us in redemption, some ask, "Does it last? Does the healing stand good?" Yes!

Many years ago, God delivered me from drugs and alcohol. God healed me when I was 21. I am as free today as I was then…. Now, devil, take THAT!

Some turn from God's plan because of fear. Others throw over God's wonderful plan because of a feelings. The Bible is filled with many precious promises that God has planned for us.

Real faith is established, never changing, and with it you'll get all God has for you.

Established Faith? How do you get established faith?

Abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Walk in the presence of God. Pay any price to abide under that covering.

If Jesus has become the Author and the Finisher of your faith, then through faith in Him, you came to the Father,

For with the heart man believes to righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made to salvation: Romans 10:10

Oh, do you know His Name?

If you do, God will set you on high Psalm 91:14 And you can ask what you will -- communion with Jesus, fellowship divine -- and it shall be given to you!

It comes through knowledge of Jesus' Name, not just by whispering it now and then.

Call upon the Lord and he will answer you Psalm 91:15.

Feed upon His Word. To those who do, God has said, With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation Psalm 91:16