Inspirational Messages
October 17 thru October 23, 2021
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Relying On God’s Strength
Psalm 46:1-7
Dr. Venus L. Butler
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1God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. 4There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. 6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Psalm 46:1-7 NIV
Psalm 46 is a celebration of the security of Jerusalem as the city of God. As a song concerning the “City of God,” it remained for Israel a song of hope celebrating the certain triumph of God’s kingdom.
The “sons of Korah,” the authors of Psalm 46, were the descendents of Moses’ cousin Korah. During the time of David they became the great leaders in choral and orchestral music in the tabernacle. This “psalm of Zion” which was popularized by Martin Luther (an Augustinian monk and professor of theology) in his hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” celebrates the presence of God in all aspects of life – both the good and the bad. It relates how we can always rely on God’s strength.
Consider your favorite hymn or song that celebrates the presence of God in all aspects of life.
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1God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Psalm 46:1-3 NIV
Psalm 46 proclaims that God is our refuge and there are several definitions presented for this term ‘refuge,’ i.e., a condition of being safe, a shelter, hope, trust, protection, support, help, and a secure place in which to confide. This Psalm declares that God is our refuge in times of trouble. God is ready to help us in the present moment and we can place our trust in God. There is no need to fear, no matter what happens around us or on the earth. These are very powerful words to consider today, especially during these troubled times.
The psalmist finds security and peace in knowing that God watches over God’s people. This emphasizes God’s protection. God is always ready to be our refuge. This notes God’s availability. We should not fear, since God is with us through all of life’s circumstances. This implies God’s dependability. In this Psalm we find the assurance of God’s protection, availability and dependability.
Consider how God has been your refuge during times of trouble.
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Tuesday, October 19, 2021 |
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4There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. 6Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Psalm 45:4-7 NIV
Jerusalem did not have a river, therefore the word “river” serves as a metaphor for the continual outpouring of the sustaining and refreshing blessings of God. God’s presence was in the temple of the Lord in this city. The fact of God’s presence is the source of Jerusalem’s security. The city is resting in perfect peace and tranquility, “the city of God,” was threatened, indeed, by the nations, but undismayed by them; the people calmly trusted in the protection of the God who is “in the midst of her.”
Consider how you are aware of the reality that God is with you.
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Wednesday, October 20, 2021 |
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1God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Psalm 46:1-3
As we go through the various challenges of life – life takes on a different meaning, especially when facing a life threatening health issue, such as a diagnosis of breast cancer. Those who are survivors will tell you that each new day of life is truly a gift and a blessing from God. Most survivors have no hesitancy in sharing their story – the “Good News” of being grateful to God to be dwelling in the land of the living! We believe that our life has been spared by God and we must help someone who is going through this journey, especially breast cancer. According to U.S. Breast Cancer Statistics, about 1 in 8 women (13%) will develop breast cancer over her lifetime. A man’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is 1 in 833. There is the misconception that men cannot be diagnosed as having breast cancer. Although the numbers are higher for women, both men and women should be examined on an annual basis.
Consider how challenging circumstances can lead you to a greater appreciation of life.
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Thursday, October 21, 2021 |
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1God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1 NIV
As of January 2021, there are more than 3.8 million women with a history of breast cancer in the U.S. This includes women currently being treated and women who have finished treatment. Also, it’s important to note that 85% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer.
As the psalmist proclaimed God is our refuge and strength; an ever present help in times of trouble. I praise God that I can say that I am a 5 year breast cancer survivor. I thank God for my sisters on the journey, those women of Second Baptist Church who shared their stories with me. I thank God for all who surrounded me with words of encouragement and prayer.
We seek and find refuge in God. We can go to God in prayer and we can seek refuge in God’s word. In prayer we find the refuge of comfort as we commune with the one who loves us. The refuge that we find in God’s word is everything we need for our lives through God’s promises. The peace which is far beyond human understanding, will keep our hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.
Consider how you have discovered that God is your refuge and strength through prayer and/or God’s word.
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1God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Psalm 46:1-3
Yes, we can rely on God’s strength! When we think back to the beginning of this year – some of us are thankful for God’s help and intervention in bringing about a change in the administration of this country; as we celebrated new leadership – as we received the roll out of the COVID Vaccine – as the number of COVID deaths, hospitalizations, and positive cases began to decline. Some of us interpreted these things as “God to the rescue!” For we believe that all of our help and all of our strength comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth!
When we call upon the name of the Lord, the Lord will hear our prayer. Jesus said, do not worry about your life, for God knows what you need before you ask. Our hope lies in Jesus, for without him, we would be lost. God in Christ gives us hope because he has given us new life; he has given us the gift of salvation and eternal life. Because of his life, ministry, crucifixion, death, resurrection and ascension – if we die in Christ – we shall live eternally. We don’t have to fear cancer, we don’t have to fear sickness, and we don’t have to fear this COVID pandemic because we are all “just passing through.” But, in the meantime, as we rely on God’s strength – God wants us to live!
Consider how you can rely on God’s strength to help you face your fears.
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Saturday, October 23, 2021 |
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1God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1 NIV
To all breast cancer survivors – continue to celebrate the gift of life. To all of my brothers and sisters, continue to celebrate and thank God for everyday of life!
As we rely on God’s strength to make it day by day – God will continue to be our refuge.
Yes, things can happen in our lives that are totally unexpected and it may change the course of our intended plans. Then we have to pivot and make adjustments to adapt to these changes; such as a diagnosis of cancer, stroke, heart attack, loss of employment, a reduction in income, death of a loved one, changes within the family structure, or COVID 19. Just remember, through it all God in Christ Jesus remains the same, yesterday, today, and forever; and provides what we need to endure.
If you need more love –God will provide it! If you need guidance or direction – God will provide it! If you need more strength –God will provide it! If you need more power – God will provide it!
Whatever you need in life, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. You don’t have to go through this life alone. The Spirit of God in Christ is with you and God sends people to walk beside you – to help you along the way.
Consider how you can continue to celebrate the gift of life!
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Dimensional
By P. A. Mendelsohn
GP: Time for your mammogram.
You’ve forgotten to care for yourself.
Too busy.
Stop. Do it.
First Dimension.
Radiologist: See that?
Like bubble gum on a shoe
Dragged across your sultry bosom
Loved no more.
At war with your complacency.
Second Dimension.
Surgeon: I got it all.
No need to thank me.
It's my job.
Next.
Really, it's gone. Just a little radiation.
More prevention. With a lasting shadow
Across your lung to remember us by.
See you next year.
Third Dimension.
Spirit.
You are loved.
You are safe.
You are cradled in your fear
You are held in your shadow.
You are never, never alone.
You are ours. We are yours.
Just ask. Listen. Breathe. Repeat.
Fourth Dimension.
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2412 Griffith Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90011
Phone: (213) 748-0318
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