The Shield 5: God - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) June 17, 2025

The Bible refers to all sorts of shields that offer protection. However, the most significant of them is the One who made the various shields available in the first place - God. Without Him, Salvation, Favor, Faith, and Wisdom would be useless to Christians. And so we all must understand that God is the ultimate defense we need in all situations. Nothing can get past Him to us when we choose to stand behind Him.

Genesis 15:1 - After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”

God told Abram that He was his shield. In so doing, He called Himself his protector. Remember that though imperfect, Abram (who God later renamed Abraham) had served God faithfully, walking in the fear of the Lord. So much so that when told to sacrifice the son upon whom God's great promise depended, he was ready to do as instructed. Thus displaying His complete commitment and submission to the Lord.

​And the promises of Abraham continue today for those who have been grafted onto the vine through Jesus Christ (Romans 11). We are told in Galatians 3:14 - He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. Having been redeemed and made righteous, those who walk in the fear of the Lord can trust that He will shield them. He will contend with the enemy - satan - who contends with them (Isaiah 49:25).

We are told in Hebrews 11:6 that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly seek Him, and one such reward is His protection. Also, we learn more in Psalm 91:4 - He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. This promise is for those who dwell "in the shelter of the Most High" (Psalm 91:1). Those who allow God to lead them in all things and let His word create the boundaries around their life are assured of this. He is the defense for His children who look to Him and call on Him.

It is imperative to know that God is not the shield for everybody. He will not arise as a shield for the wicked. He doesn't protect such people. Therefore, believers must be careful to live righteously to benefit from His protection. Doing otherwise limits Him from defending us because He must honor His word, and He has said He will not honor the petitions of the wicked in Proverbs 15:29, Psalm 34:16, and elsewhere. He also will not fulfil those prayers He has deemed detestable.

Each of us needs the ultimate protection money could never buy, and that is and will always be God Almighty. Having Him as our shield requires intentionality on our part. The Lord will continue to help us so we live according to His word and enjoy the great benefits of having Him as our shield, IJMN Amen.

To learn more, please read:

1. The Shield 1: Salvation

2. The Shield 2: Favor

3. The Shield 3: Faith

4. The Shield 4: Wisdom

5. God's Best is for His Children

6. Give God What He Wants To Get What You Want

7. The Role of Suffering

8. Did You Ask God First?

The Shield 4: Wisdom - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) June 13, 2025

We've spent the last two weeks looking at the different types of shields mentioned in the Bible. Some may wonder why. The simplest answer is because they are important. And we know they're important because they're mentioned in the Bible. Far too many of us are unaware of the specific tools available to Christians in their spiritual arsenal. Kingdom Keys that always make the difference.

Having considered the Shields of Salvation, Favor, and Faith, we examine the Shield of Wisdom today and learn its role in our Christian journey. This shield is mentioned in Ecclesiastes 7:12 - For wisdom is a protection even as money is a protection, But the [excellent] advantage of knowledge is that wisdom shields and preserves the lives of its possessors (AMP).

Imagine that! The Bible tells us that wisdom is more of a shield than money. This, despite the oft-recited adage in Ecclesiastes 10:19, which states, People prepare a meal for enjoyment, wine makes life joyful, and money is the answer to everything (NASB). Yes, money is important, but not more important than godly wisdom. And yet, more people chase money than they do the knowledge God gives. And that love for money leads people to places where their money cannot save them. Wisdom, however, could have been the protection that would have mattered in those circumstances.

Queen Esther illustrates how wisdom can protect an entire people group. Her predecessor's lack of wisdom opened the door for her rise. And when the genocide of her people, the Israelites, was imminent, she fasted (alongside her community) for three days. She emerged from her time at the feet of God as the most powerful person not just in the Persian kingdom, but in the world. She walked with so much favor that her husband offered her half of his kingdom without her asking for anything. In the end, he ensured her request to save her people was fulfilled, and their oppressor's evil plan was foiled. Money and wealth played no role in her ability to save lives. It was God's wisdom that made the difference.

Then there's Daniel. He was a captive when he arrived in Babylon after his nation had been defeated. And yet, it was the knowledge God gave him that ensured he rose to prominence in Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom. He went on to serve at least five different kings. Not because he had money or fame but because he had access to the wisdom of the Lord, and it was clear that God's hand was upon him. That wisdom shielded him from the many wicked schemes of his enemies, which included being thrown into the lions' den. Instead of being torn to shreds, the lions remained calm and had their fill when Daniel's accusers took his place. This is what the Shield of Wisdom can do for someone who understands that worldly wisdom will eventually fail, but the knowledge God gives cannot falter.

Just as Esther, Daniel, and many others tapped into the stream of God's wisdom, so can we as those who believe in Jesus, His Son. And even more so because we have a deposit of God's Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). It is through Him that God's children access wisdom and wield it as a shield that silences satan, making it impotent. After all, we know the devil lacks wisdom. If you are yet to give your life to Christ and thus have not received the Holy Spirit, today is the day to make that choice (see the post below for more on this). Do so and receive the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). Frankly, wisdom is one of the many benefits available for those who submit to Jesus and His Father. With it comes the protection everyone needs, especially the way things are going in this world.

And for those who already walk in humility with the Lord as believers, it is time to seek God's wisdom on everything that concerns you. That is the only way to avoid the pitfalls of life designed to lead you astray and open you up to the sudden disaster that befalls the wicked (Proverbs 3:25-26). May the good Lord help us all, IJN Amen.

To learn more, please read:

1. The Shield 1: Salvation

2. The Shield 2: Favor

3. The Shield 3: Faith

4. Intercessors: Esther

5. Intercessors: Daniel

6. Hidden Identity

7. Did You Ask God First?

8. The Vashti Line

9. satan's Lack Of Wisdom

Topic: Shields

1. The Shield 1: Salvation

2. The Shield 2: Favor

3. The Shield 3: Faith

4. The Shield 4: Wisdom

5. The Shield 5: God