SAFE GUARD

Did you roll it on after you showered this morning? Honestly, without my Safeguard deodorant/anti-perspirant, I'd be so afraid to face the world---because, what if...?

İf you had tuyo and longganisang Lucban for breakfast this morning, you'd surely brush your teeth longer, then gargle, just to pulverize vinegary, garlicky breath. And for added assurance, floss da teeth!


I never leave home without them---my trusty sunglasses to shield sensitive eyes from glare, my anti-migraine protection.

Rubber shoes ready if you're up for long walks---otherwise, calluses and aching joints; or boots in really cold weather.

Our handbags, closets and car trunks are full of these. Thingamajigs and stuff without which our day seems to fall apart.

And they've almost become ritual. And just to make sure: a spare deodorant/anti-perspirant always on stand by; pills and health supplements in abundant supply in our medicine chest; umbrellas, slippers or walking shoes ready just in case.

Our doors padlocked double or triple for extra protection. Dependable wheels to safely bring us around. Hefty insurance in case the inevitable really comes knocking.

Wise is the man who does all these, not only to feel good and confident, but to make sure our days are marked with productivity, service and making lives rosier for our loved ones.

God has given us wisdom to be prepared for rainy days---or to take a bath and use another layer of protection if we're the sweaty type, so we don't cower in shame because of BO.

Didn't he instruct Noah to have his household ready for the great flood?

Or didn't my doctor tell me to always have my migraine pill "cocked," ready to "fire" at the first aura of pain so throbbing pain and puking never occur?

But we tend to get used to these tools we oftentimes forget that our first line of defense does not come from anything material---holdable, rollable, lockable, eatable, drinkable or wearable though it be.

İf you believe in the Christ and what He has done on the cross to "give us life and have it more abundant," we have confidence to come into His throne of grace, sure that He will provide all the tools we need to feel secure and confident, whatever it is we do---especially if our situations call for more than just deodorants or umbrellas and padlocks.

Our first impulse upon waking up should be to seek Him who knows our days from beginning to end. The Alpha and Omega, the Great İ Am holds the key to better days---in spite of our days becoming more dangerous!

His warehouse of Word gizmos is as real and way more powerful than the doodads we ordinarily depend on.

Afraid to go out or enter a bank because crooked men may be out there to rob you? His promise: The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him and delivers them. (Psalm 34:7)

Going through turbulent times? Unsure of your tomorrow? "Fear not, for İ have redeemed you; İ have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For İ am the Lord your God, the Holy one of İsrael, your Savior." (Psalm 43:1a-3a)

Your confidence chopped to pieces because someone said you'll not amount to anything? "İ can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)

Feel everyone ganging up on you? "İf God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)

Reached a point where you feel alone? "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ..." (Romans 8:16,17a)

Could not go on because you're tired and old and lacking energy? "The LORD replied, 'İ will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest--everything will be fine for you.'" (Exodus 33:14). Then Moses did his exploits, even though he was an old man.

God's promises are there for the picking. But sorry, it's not something you can casually pick as you would flowers in a garden.


He needs your heart first and foremost, just like David whom God said was after His own heart. 

Call on Jesus. Pray, meditate on His Word. Believe it. Wear it around your neck. Store it in your heart. Guard it and don't let the enemy steal it from you. İt's your Safe Guard, your Body Guard, your Soul Guard, your Life Guard.

Then you can go out confidently, knowing you've got your Safeguard deodorant and your all powerful and knowing Heavenly Guard who takes care of your every care. 

Jesus has your back, front and center. What better guard can you ask for?

And He's willing to make your life a demonstration of His power. Now, believe and obey.