THE LORD IS MY FORTRESS ROSS SMITH

THE LORD IS MY FORTRESS

Unaccustomed as we are in this privileged land to the effects of war and the preparations necessary for safety and security our concepts of a “FORTRESS” are rather truncated. There is a cliché that says “An Englishman’s home is his castle”, inferring that he is secure within his environment.

What does my mind conjour up when I contemplate a FORTRESS? Is it some barricaded enclosure, is it a cave which I can defend, is it some Government establishment that I can expect to take care of me in times of distress?

As Christians, who believe in the infallibility of God’s Word, we need to understand and appropriate the provisions of The Word that it so extensively and eloquently describes. So firstly let us see how the Hebrews viewed this term.

Strong’s #4692: matsowr (pronounced maw-tsore’)

Or matsuwr {maw-tsoor’}; from 6696; something hemming in, i.e. (objectively) a mound (of besiegers), (abstractly) a siege, (figuratively) distress; or (subjectively) a fastness:–besieged, bulwark, defence, fenced, fortress, siege, strong (hold), tower.

 SOME DEFINITIONS OF A FORTRESS

A fortified place, especially a large, permanent military stronghold that often includes a town. Castles, towers and fortifications: bailey, battlements, belfry.

FOR’TRESS, (noun) – Any fortified place; a fort; a castle; a strong hold; a place of defense or security. The English have a strong fortress on the rock of Gibraltar, or that rock is a fortress. Defense; safety; security;

FOR’TRESS, v.t. To furnish with fortresses; to guard; to fortify.

FOR’TRESSED, a. Defended by a fortress; protected; secured.

Isaiah 33:15-16 He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly, who despises gain from fraud and from oppression, who shakes his hand free from the taking of bribes, who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed and shuts his eyes to avoid looking upon evil. [Such a man] will dwell on the heights; HIS PLACE OF DEFENSE WILL BE THE FORTRESSES OF ROCKS; his bread will be given him; water for him will be sure.

We need to put these verse into perspective, so we have to backtrack to the previous verse 14, which says “Who among us can dwell with that devouring fire? Who among us can dwell with those everlasting burnings?”

Then the next 2 verses provide the perspective, those classified in v14 as the “WHO” are now identified in 15 and 16 by the place where he lives, IN A FORTRESS and not only will he be secure and provisioned, he will see things from Fathers point of view, “dwelling in the heights” and it is this domicile that all the selfish behaviour patterns are relegated to “down there”. All the pettinesses of daily life, and despite the whirlpool of duties and changing circumstances, we will be able to sit in the centre of the eye of the cyclone, in the burning fire, and find perfect peace.

Many years ago on a visit to India I was privileged to see “THE RED FORT”, a magnificent structure, constructed in 1648 by the fifth Emperor as the palace of his fortified capital. The Red Fort is named for its massive enclosing walls of red sandstone. It has thick red sandstone walls, bulging with turrets and bastions is one of the largest and oldest monument in Delhi India. The Fort rises above a wide dry moat in the northeast corner of the original city of Old Delhi. Its walls extend for 2.5 kms and vary in height from 18 metres on the river side up to 33 metres on the city side. A most impressive edifice.

THE RED FORT, DELHI INDIA

But it was overrun by the British in 1803 and today as you view the huge corridors there are niches all along the walls where there were opulent decorations of precious stones ornamenting what was supposed to be a safe retreat, A FORTRESS

RUMELI, TURKEY

THE PURPOSE OF A FORTRESS.The Purpose & Function of

The Original functions were to:

• To act as a royal power base
• To provide a base where armed men, provisions and horses could be housed
• To overawe and frighten the indigenous population
• To provide a retreat for the Royal family in times of civil disorder
• To protect from invasion

Babylon was one of the most famous cities of the ancient world, especially as a result of the building program of Nebuchadnezzar, who expanded the walls and built the Ishtar Gate.

Ishtar Gate.

In Old Testament days, especially before the Romans brought peace to Palestine, a refuge or fortress was a very real need. Unwalled villages were clustered around walled stronghold cities, where residents in the region would flee in times of war. High towers and ramparts could be defended against a force many times their size. That is why sometimes the Word calls it a “High Tower”. It is viewed as an impregnable fortress, difficult or impossible to attack, challenge, or refute with success

Psalm 9:9 The Lord also will be a refuge and a high tower for the oppressed, a refuge and a stronghold in times of trouble (high cost, destitution, and desperation).

CASCADE OF CHANGE ROSS SMITH

CASCADE OF CHANGE                                                                                                                ROSS SMITH 3/05/13

It seems to me I can cope with the instructions and the demands which are probably designed to test my sincerity, of which I have no doubt, but Father also has to prove that I really mean business. The lessons being learned in relation to ISAIAH 58, and to subjects such as “PREPARATION PRESENTATION ETC”, “CASUAL AND CAUSAL”, “PRUNING”, “RITUAL AND HABITUAL”, “PREJUDICE”, all seem to have one central thrust and that is that Father wants to have a DEMONSTRATION of His sovereignty to the world at large and He is looking for people, for a church, HIS CHURCH, to step up to the mark and evidence the characteristics catalogued in God’s Word.

For this reason the necessity for SUBSTANTIAL CHANGE becomes a priority in our lives, in every respect, whether it be our character and self interest, our relationships, our work, even our ministry, no longer is it acceptable to map out a sermon even when the title may be inspired, but the whole message has to be brought alive with the demonstration of God at work, in us, then in those we hyphenate with.

For some time I have recognised that the Lord will start with a simple project for me to address, an unacceptable characteristic in my life, and once I have shown that I am willing to make that change then He ups the ante. It is His Grace that I am not “eliminated” and His long suffering that gives me another chance to bring into effect the truths that come tumbling out of the Word of God each time it is opened, that is, if we are willing to open our hearts and minds to the light of the Word. Then He will introduce more and greater areas to bring to order, but by then I should be able to handle the CASCADE OF CHANGE.

Let me make some observations, particularly in relation to ISAIAH 58. Verse 6 is very confronting, because the subject of “BANDS AND BONDS” is a study in itself. We may need to go back and review the notes in this respect as they are being updated regularly. Just as explanation, the bands and bonds are the “straps” that hold the yoke in place, so we have to undo the straps first, that is, we have to avoid the excursions into the areas that encourage us to perpetuate the misdemeanors we engage in that constitute the YOKE, particularly with our TONGUE, the weapon we use most regularly and devastatingly.

James 3:2-5 For we all often stumble and fall and offend in many things. And IF ANYONE DOES NOT OFFEND IN SPEECH [never says the wrong things], he is a fully developed character and a perfect man, able to control his whole body and to curb his entire nature. If we set bits in the horses’ mouths to make them obey us, we can turn their whole bodies about. Likewise, look at the ships: though they are so great and are driven by rough winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the impulse of the helmsman determines. Even so the tongue is a little member, and it can boast of great things. See how much wood or how great a forest a tiny spark can set ablaze!

This reference does not indicate that we are speaking untruths, cursing, spreading rumours, it is suggesting that our communication has to be concise, restricted, pure, instructive, encouraging, nourishing and all the rest of the characteristics I admire and sometimes see in more mature folk!

It is only then that we can take the yoke off AND DESTROY IT, not just remove it, BUT DESTROY IT. This means that we never need be entangled again with the distractions that have isolated us from the privileged position that Father God has offered us, and we have neglected, because we were content to a large degree with what we have and the objective seemed too far removed. Now the magnifying glass has been placed in our view, the path seems to have narrowed a little, isn’t that an oxymoron, but just wait until he puts the microscope in front of us, searching out every little nook and cranny so that we do not have any aberration that would distort the view of His plan.

Heb 12:2 (Part A) Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it (US) …. comments mine )TO MATURITY AND PERFECTION].

1 Thessalonians 3:10 [And we] continue to pray especially and with most intense earnestness night and day that we may see you face to face and MEND AND MAKE GOOD WHATEVER MAY BE IMPERFECT AND LACKING IN YOUR FAITH.

I see THE CASCADE OF CHANGE at work in particular instances, but it requires the first step from us to initiate the CASCADE. The only person I can change is ME, there is no point in me waiting for the change I want to occur in someone else before I will respond. This holds true in how we relate to one another and it is only as the Holy Spirit challenges us in the areas He is now addressing so meticulously. The next 2 scriptures show how the simple act of love CASCADES into forgiveness, not on a one to one basis, not “if you will I will” but covers A MULTITUDE or as PROVERBS puts it ALL TRANSGRESSIONS

1 Peter 4:8 Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers A MULTITUDE of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others].

Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up contentions, but love COVERS ALL TRANSGRESSIONS.

Some many years ago Linda Jeanneret was inspired to rewrite the lesson of 1^st Corinthians 13, and I insert it for your ongoing education and application.

1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-8

I will be tolerant…… giving you generous respect

I will be patient with you

I will be kind to you

I will not be envious of you, your achievements, what you have

I will not become jealous

I will not boast of, or exhibit, an exaggerated opinion of my own importance or ability

I will not be conceited or proud or act arrogantly

I will not be rude or act unmannerly towards you

I will not act unbecomingly

I will not insist on my own rights or insist on my own ways, for I will not be selfish

I will not be touchy, fretful or upset

I will not resent anything you do or say

I will take no account and pay no attention to anything you do against me

I will not support you or condone or hold with you in any unrighteous or unjust speaking or doing, but I will rejoice and encourage you when you choose the truth and live uprightly

I will overlook and forgive and cover with silence any and everyone of your shortcomings

I will have faith and believe in you

I will pray, hope for, expect and anticipate the very best for you in all circumstances

I will not waiver in my support for you

I will not let you down…..   you can count on me

 

I THINK THIS WAS ALSO CALLED “DELIVERANCE FROM SELF. If we can adopt this as a spiritual principle can we imagine the results that would occur? The Lord works on our behalf when we are obedient and there is A CASCADE OF CHANGE both in others and in us. Just the first step we take towards Him will begin the process and fulfill the above.

Proverbs 25:21–22 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; For in doing so, you will heap coals of fire upon his head, ( often the opposite to what I want to do!!!…. comments mine) and the Lord will reward you. (By cascading our growth/change – comments mine)

 CHANGE REQUIRES BOTH EFFORT AND FAITH

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that HE IS THE REWARDER OF THOSE WHO EARNESTLY AND DILIGENTLY SEEK HIM [out].

There are numerous instances in scripture of the miraculous changes that occurred in such a variegated pattern, so we should not try and confine the CASCADE OF CHANGE just to the areas we see, or try not to see, but to live in expectation of a transformation that will enable us to be called “His Church”. Some examples

1. Changing the water into wine, both volume and quality        )
2. The loaves and the fishes                        ditto                            )
3. The fishermen’s nets breaking               ditto                            ) There is a message in all these examples.
4. The barrel of meal and cruse of oil       ditto                            )
5. The grain of wheat that dies and then multiplies.                  )

Matthew 3:8 Bring forth fruit that is consistent with repentance [LET YOUR LIVES PROVE YOUR CHANGE OF HEART];

This is where the DEMONSTRATION becomes a reality, we only have to repent, that is “change our ways” and the CASCADE OF CHANGE will be lived out as proof of our submission to Fathers pleas.

I NEED TO RETURN NOW TO ISAIAH 58, AND LET ME NUMBER THE CHANGES

Isa 58:8-14 Then shall (1) your light break forth like the morning, and (2) your healing (your restoration and the power of a new life) shall spring forth speedily; (3) your righteousness (your rightness, your justice, and your right relationship with God) shall go before you [conducting you to peace and prosperity], and the (4) glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.   Then (5) you shall call, and the Lord will answer; (6) you shall cry, and He will say, Here I am. If you take away from your midst yokes of oppression [wherever you find them], the finger pointed in scorn [toward the oppressed or the godly], and every form of false, harsh, unjust, and wicked speaking, And if you pour out that with which you sustain your own life for the hungry and satisfy the need of the afflicted, (7) then shall your light rise in darkness, and (8) your obscurity and gloom become like the noonday. And the Lord (9) shall guide you continually and (10) satisfy you in drought and in dry places and (11) make strong your bones (NO MORE OSTEOPORSIS… comments mine). And (12) you shall be like a watered garden and (13) like a spring of water whose waters fail not. And (14) your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall (15) raise up the foundations of [buildings that have laid waste for] many generations; and (16) you shall be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of Streets to Dwell In. If you turn away your foot from [traveling unduly on] the Sabbath, from doing your own pleasure on My holy day, and call the Sabbath a [spiritual] delight, the holy day of the Lord honorable, and honor Him and it, not going your own way or seeking or finding your own pleasure or speaking with your own [idle] words, Then will you delight yourself in the Lord, and (17) I will make you to ride on the high places of the earth, and (18) I will feed you with the heritage [promised for you] of Jacob your father; FOR THE MOUTH OF THE LORD HAS SPOKEN IT.

What a compendium of results, SEE HOW IT CASCADES Somewhere soon I will address all these results to see what sort of person I will look like, the unique vessel that Father has in mind and whom the Psalmist describes so eloquently

Psalm 139:13-18 For You did form my inward parts; You did knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will confess and praise You for You are fearful and wonderful and for the awful wonder of my birth! Wonderful are Your works, and that my inner self knows right well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was being formed in secret [and] INTRICATELY AND CURIOUSLY WROUGHT [AS IF EMBROIDERED WITH VARIOUS COLORS] in the depths of the earth [a region of darkness and mystery]. Your eyes saw my unformed substance, and in Your book ALL THE DAYS [OF MY LIFE] WERE WRITTEN BEFORE EVER THEY TOOK SHAPE, WHEN AS YET THERE WAS NONE OF THEM. How precious and weighty also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I could count them, they would be more in number than the sand. When I awoke, [could I count to the end] ( COULD I IMAGINE THE CASCADE OF CHANGE? …. comments mine)I would still be with You.

King James Version of verse 14 ….. I will praise thee; for I am FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

The challenge is TO START SMALL, a journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step, big things from little things grow. The older we get the more reticent we are to change, but our youth is renewed as the eagle, and when this occurs, “Let no one despise your youth”.

Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall CHANGE AND RENEW THEIR STRENGTH AND POWER; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; THEY SHALL RUN AND NOT BE WEARY, THEY SHALL WALK AND NOT FAINT OR BECOME TIRED.

Can we be sure that this process will take place, how can we depend on experiencing this CHANGE? This is because the initiator, the One Who is stirring within us CHANGES NOT and when we see Him we will be like Him

Malachi  3:6 For I am the Lord, I DO NOT CHANGE; that is why you, O sons of Jacob, are NOT consumed.

Here’s a comforting thought!!!

1 Peter 5:10 And after you have suffered a little while, (put up with the process, endure the changes required ….. comments mine) the God of all grace [Who imparts all blessing and favor], Who has called you to His [own] eternal glory in Christ Jesus, WILL HIMSELF COMPLETE AND MAKE YOU WHAT YOU OUGHT TO BE, ESTABLISH AND GROUND YOU SECURELY, AND STRENGTHEN, AND SETTLE YOU.

 WHAT A CHANGE THAT IS GOING TO BE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

oOo