Compiled by: Georgeanne Falstrom, Intern
PARISH LAY MINISTRY ACADEMY
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Saturday, March 4, 2006
(Daily readings: Ps 30,32,42,43; Exe 39:21-29; Phil 4:10-20; Jn 17:20-26)

MY SHIELD AND PROTECTION
by: Jon Allred

Scripture: 10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last you have renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me, but lacked the opportunity to show it. 11 I don't say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content--whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 13 I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. 14 Still, you did well by sharing with me in my hardship. 15 And you, Philippians, know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent gifts for my need several times. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that is increasing to your account. 18 But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you provided--a fragrant offering, a welcome sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen… Phil 4:10-20

It is a great source of comfort to know the Lord in such a way that no matter what happens on earth, I will not sway from my beliefs, for I am gifted with a shield of protective love.

Inside that shield is something no man could have ever provided. It is a sense of wholeness that assures me when fire rages all around, when waters are rising at the threshold, when the earth beneath my feet begins to crumble.

Inside that shield is a feast of magnificent proportions where every meal sustains me with nourishment, fellowship, laughter, and the sounds of children. Every meal is one where all who attend love each other, and look after the needs of each other, without regard for our own.

Inside that shield is the word brought to us by a voice of compassion who delivers this message with Grace. This voice is a friend, a teacher, one who sees the Lord and craves to share the beauty of the Kingdom he sees.

Meditation: Inside that shield is the Love I know God has for me. That unconditional love that he teaches me to carry into the world, holding Him high, seeing His light, sharing His bounty with all.