Heartthoughts: Security!

We were engrossed in the pastor's sermon this morning when suddenly the sound of screeching filled the sanctuary with emergency lights flashing! A mechanized voice was repeating robotically, "Emergency Alert! Everyone vacate the building! The disabled will exit first!"

What in the world? We could detect no emergency as everyone was looking around uncertainly. In a few minutes a man appeared in the doorway with the welcome news that it was a false alarm! Still, there was no electricity. The pastor was trying to finish his sermon without sound amplification, and we strained to hear him, although he had come down from the platform to be closer to the congregation. Suddenly his voice was normal. The power had come back on and the wireless microphone he wore was working.

Later, exiting the church following the service, we saw two firemen standing near the door. Evidently the Fire Department was alerted when our alarm went off. Thank God for technology even if it does malfunction once in awhile!

The announcement was a little alarming (no pun intended) at first, because one never knows what will happen these days in public gatherings. Many churches have resorted to having security in place for the congregants' safety.

I am glad for passages in the Bible such as Psalm 91 which reads:

(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 I will trust.
(3) Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
(4) He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
(5) Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
(6) Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor from the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
(7) A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
(8) Only with thine eyes shall thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
(9) Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation.
(10)There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh they dwelling.
(11)For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
(12)They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
(13)Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
(14)Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
(15)He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.
(16)With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation.