Have you ever tried to convince a child to clean his or her room - and had them ask incredulously, "Why?"

You tell them it's so they can find their things when they need them. They tell you, "I know where all my stuff is."

You tell them it's so that it looks nice for company. They tell you, "I always keep my door shut."

You tell them a clean room will make them feel better about themselves. They tell you, "I feel great about myself!"

Finally, you say, "Clean it anyway."

They say, "Why?"

You say, "Because I SAID so!"

Yeah, well...ultimately, that's why God wants you and me to obey Him - not only because of all the incentives and blessings He attaches to His commands...but just because He's the One asking us to do it.

You won't want to miss a week of our October series: "Because You Say So."

It's going to be a fascinating ride!

...which brings us to this message: "PROTECTION."

Come on in out of the rain. The wind has blown inside out that little umbrella you've been holding. You're getting soaked.

Step under God's huge umbrella of...PROTECTION.