D. Tony Winkler, Pastor New Vision Church of God P.o BX 1775 Escatawpa MS 39552 nvcg@juno.com God's Hiding Place! NVCG February 22, 1998 a.m. Psalms 91:1-2 1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. (KJV) Intro: When I was a boy I remember playing the game hide-n-go-seek and I had my favorite hiding place where know one else knew where I was. And sometimes I would invite a friend to hide with me because it was a sure hiding place that know one ever found me! Sometimes Christians get tired of fighting in our spiritual warfare that we are in daily and we have to find a "secret place" and that secret place is under God's shadow, "God's hiding place." What is so wonderful is you can dwell there and stay where He is. When your world seems to be crumbling around you there is a refuge and a hope in God that no matter how bad things get in your life God will always be there for you in your time of desperation. In your pilgrimage with the Lord you are going to feel like you are wondering in circles like the children of Israel and even face some of your worst nightmares but, God in all of His sovereignty wanted you to know there is a Hiding place where you can dwell. That word dwell means: "To settle in and make homestead" but anytime you try to claim homestead there are always "claim jumpers" trying to take what belongs to you. Claim your rightful place under God's shadow today! I. God will hide me from my enemy! Psalms 31:20 20 Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. (KJV) A. The Psalmist David was a man of war and as he knew very well that a place of protection in the middle of the battle was important, he penned these words that God would cover those in His presence that would trust Him! Psalms 31:19 19 Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men! (KJV) B. I know in the turmoil and persecution of this world that God's has laid up for me more than mere eyes can see, ears haven't heard, it has not even enter into our hearts God's goodness that has been prepared for those who will abide in His hiding place. 1 Corinthians 2:9 9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (KJV) C. You can run into God's presence anytime and can count on His provision, protection, and His ultimate plan. II. God will deliver us from the snare of the Fowler. Psalms 91:3 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the Fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. (KJV) A. The Fowler's snare was a trap set for birds because he would use wicked devices to catch his prey. OCCUPATIONS AND TRADES (A TO J) Fowler. One who hunts and captures birds. The Egyptians were especially known for their taste for bird meat. Ancient fowlers used all kinds of implements and devices such as decoys, traps, nets, bait, bows and arrows, slings, lures, setting dogs, and bird lime smeared on branches to catch their prey. The Mosaic Law forbade taking a mother bird and her young together; only the young were to be taken . Wicked, scheming enemies of the righteous are called fowlers . (from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary) (Copyright 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers) B. The enemy like the Fowler is scheming everyday against God's righteous seed to try and deploy onslaughts that will take down God's best. If you are not a threat to the devil don't be concerned about having to face attacks but, when you are tempted and tried in every way all the lures, baits, and nets the enemy has have been thrown your way, Remember God has a hiding place for you! Ps 23:5-6 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. (KJV) C. Your enemies may storm and rage but in God there is a dwelling place that the weary can rest and eat in the presence of our enemies. III. God will protect you like an eagle protects it's eaglets. Psalms 91:4 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. (KJV) A. Who would dare try and paw under the wings of an eagle to get her eaglets not man or beast with any sense! What devil in hell can pull you out from the presence of God ? None! Deut 32:11 11 As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: (KJV) B. Today if you are facing the worst days of your life or you just need a security not found anywhere else climb under the wing of God and he will lift you up! C. If you will abide in God's hiding place you don't have to fear night terrors, of arrows by day, or noonday destruction! Psalms 91:7 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. (KJV) ( Story of a child who gets in trouble in a store and runs to his father) Sermon By: Pastor D. Tony Winkler Pastor Tony@Deepsouthbbs.com