Shelter in Place

Stages of crisis

Stages of crisis

· Preach through each stage as a teachable moment.

· Shock, shortage, shelter

· Shock, shortage, shelter

Key Scripture

(NLT)

Psalm 91:1–2 NLT

1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.

1 Those who live (dwell) in the shelter (secret place) of the Most High will find rest (abide, remain stable and fixed) in the shadow (defense) of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].

2 This I declare about the Lord: (I will say to (of) the LORD) He alone is my refuge (and my fortress), my place of safety; he is my God, and I (lean, rely and completely) trust him.

Definition

· “Shelter in place” – usually used for hurricanes

· Staycation. Work from home. Telecommute.

· Batten down the hatches

Insulation vs Isolation

Illustration – Greenbrier government bunker

· keep functioning – moves while holding us up – financial support, etc.

What is a Shelter?

· A position or the state of being protected

· Something that covers and affords protection

Synonyms:

· Harbor, haven, refuge, retreats, sanctuary

· Types of shelters – bomb shelter, storm shelter for tornados,

· Describe shelter- keeps the bad out, keeps the good in – sometimes underground, especially prepared in advance for times of trouble – strong, thick, fortified, reinforced, hardened, built to withstand whatever may come, even the worst case scenario, holds vital supplies like food water, medicine. Has beds to sleep in His live. Impervious to elements. Shuts up tightly.

· Stronghold on God. God has a strong hold on you!

God’s Shelter Protects Us

(NLT)

Psalm 91:4 NLT

4 He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

4 He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you (find refuge) with his wings (that you trust). His faithful promises are your armor and protection (rampart).

(NKJV) – His truth shall be your shield and buckler.

(NLT)

Psalm 91:6–7 NLT

6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. 7 Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.

6 Do not dread the disease (pestilence) that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster (disaster, plague, sudden death) that strikes (surprises, destroys, lays waste) at midday.

7 Though a thousand (may) fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you (it will not come near you).

· Because you are part of God’s house, He will not let disaster touch your house – your spouse, kids, family!

· Covenant protection

(NLT)

Psalm 91:9–10 NLT

9 If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, 10 no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.

9 If you make the Lord your refuge (dwelling place), if you make the Most High your shelter,

10 no evil will conquer you; no plague (disaster, plague, calamity) will come near your home.

Shelter of God’s NAME

· God’s Name is a Tower of Power

(NLT)

Proverbs 18:10 NLT

10 The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.

10 The name of the Lord is a strong fortress (tower); the godly (righteous) run to him and are safe (above evil and strong).

(NLT)

13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Shelter of God’s COVENANT

David’s song of thanks for God’s rescue from enemies and Saul

(NLT)

2 Samuel 22:3 NLT

3 my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence.

3 my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence.

​Shelter of God’s PEACE

(NLT)

Philippians 4:6–7 NLT

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Shelter of God’s LOVE

(NLT)

John 17:15 NLT

15 I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.

15 I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe (protect them) from the evil one.

Shelter of God’s POWER

(ESV)

1 Peter 1:5 ESV

5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Examples of Protection

Noah – sheltered from flood – in an ark

Moses – sheltered from death – in an ark (basket)

Israel – sheltered from darkness – Light in Goshen

· Sheltered from “drowning” in their circumstances – parted the Red Sea –

· sheltered from their enemies – sent God’s Angel to fight their enemies for them.

· sheltered from the “elements” (virus, financial crisis) – cloud, fire

OT Shelter of Tabernacles – point to Jesus

· Only Messianic holiday left to fulfill in the NT – feast of Tabernacles (rapture?)

Visit vs Abide in God’s Shelter

(ESV)

John 8:31 ESV

31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,

31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,

(NLT) if you remain faithful to my teachings.

· Abide means live, not visit

· Don’t use God as a fire escape, vending machine. It hurts parents to be used by their kids

Definition

· to bear patiently

· to endure without yielding

· to wait for

· to conform to

· to continue in a place

· to remain stable or fixed in a state

Synonyms

· Dwell, remain, stay, hang around

Abide in the Shelter of God’s Prayer Closet

Now is the time to begin Self-quarantine in your prayer closet

Men

· Men have the hardest time with intimacy with God

· David was a man after God’s own heart – war and psalms, sang

· Use down time – start a daily routine. Develop interest and hunger

· My testimony –

o hardest times cause you to run to, lean on, God like never.

o You have no one else. Just you and God. There are times only God can help you.

o Man is limited even though well intentioned.

· Crisis situations force you to God.

o But glad afterward.

o Seems awkward at first, but like any relationship it develops.

o Practice at home alone then with you family.

o Follow your pastors lead

o Real men praise God!

Closing

Live (abide) in God’s Shelter of Love

· Storm shelters are designed to be temporary. But we can live in God’s shelter.

· Let Him cover you and provide for you.

· You will see a side of God rise up that will make you appreciate and live Him more than ever.

· Jesus is our superhero to rescue us.

Maintain the Spiritual Momentum

· do not make the mistake of going back to business as usual once crisis blows over.

· Jailhouse conversion – interest in God lasts only as long as the crisis.

· People pray during airline turbulence.

o Story of airline pilot’s calm son on strong plane ride.