He's a Good Shepherd

Here I go again with more inspiration from "the tales of Bryson". My youngest grandson’s life is consumed with the great outdoors and his animals, so of course, his live-stock causes my mind's "ticker tape" to keep rolling!

His priority is his animals' care and he loves it when I help him feed them at the corral or when he moves his goats and donkeys over to the pasture area that has plenty of “greens” for them to consume during the day. It’s a hoot to watch the goats, even with so much grass around to eat – that they still stand on their hind legs to get to the tastiest treats from the trees.

Those animals know their master. When he calls – even the donkeys, go running to him. Of course they do, they live the high life. Even neighboring families will stop by the fences and bring food to them. They are so well cared for and so well-protected. At evening time, Bryson brings them back from the pasture to the corral because predators can show up over there at nighttime. They are pampered and well fed, even if they don’t go over to the green pastures. They are protected and out of danger. Their shepherd, Bryson, is good and loves them all.

My scripture readings lately have referenced the Shepherd and His sheep, so with the inspirations of these chickens, longhorn, goats and donkeys, plus these scriptures, I can’t help but want to hang as close as I can to MY Shepherd.

Those of us who know our Good Shepherd – are like those animals in Bryson's loving care. When we are hanging close to our Shepherd – we can rest in knowing – even in storms – He is right there with us -- tenderly loving and guiding us.

But, then what about the sheep and other animals who have no shepherd and are in places that are open-prey to ravenous creatures and deadly storms? How do they come into the fold?
It's so simple -- surrender to the care of THE Good Shepherd Who lovingly welcomes them into His watchful care. Jesus does. He shares something central to a life of peace and contentment. He says, "I am the Good Shepherd." (John 10:11) Like a shepherd, He leads, feeds, protects and saves His sheep. How can He be so unrelenting in love for us?

And the answer has always been the same -- simple, yet profound -- God IS love. It is Who He is. He can't stop loving us. We are His children, and we are the sheep of His pasture.

As, one of those well-fed, cared for, protected and pampered sheep, I delightfully proclaim: "The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for He is with me. His rod and His staff -- they comfort me. He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies. He anoints my head with oil. My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalms 23.

And, He welcomes you to be loved and cared for in His green pastures, too!

Living the Life, We Were Born to Live

Remember the line by Mother Abbess to Maria in the epic movie “The Sound of Music" – “Maria, these walls were not meant to shut out problems. You have to face them. You have to live the life you were born to live.” Such words of wisdom: “We must live the life we were born to live.”

In the grand scheme of things, we probably are living the lives we were born to live if we’re staying determined, positive, fear-less, strong, trusting God and being the best version of ourselves that we can be. Maybe you are one of those who studied, trained and acquired their degrees and professional licenses to serve as doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel who are living those lives and are giving your gifts back to God and to us. Maybe you’re living the life you were born to live if you’re a truck driver, an essential service worker, or are in so many other businesses that are serving in tremendous ways to help those who need you so much.

Maybe you are a parent who is working from home and are facilitating home schooling while doing your work. You, too are living the life you were born to live – right in the middle of all of this – if you believe that you have been “called”.

I posted a great “Dad” video of the Senior Engineer of my son’s company last week. He spent time and energy, certainly beyond his business talents, to have all-out fun with his three children – using a simple water bottle and balls. His children were active participants in this “World of a Dad in Playland”. Right here in a time when he must work from home, this Dad found time to adventure with his children. And, quite frankly, I tend to think “THAT is the life he was born to live.” The life that is right here, right now, embracing the moments, making memories, creating family ties and bonds, and sharing it with the world – when the world needs to see something far greater than negative news reports and folks who are bemoaning their situation instead of “living the life they were destined to live.”

Yesterday, I was reminded of Who our Good Shepherd is in Psalm 23:1-7 “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and your staff – they comfort me……” We have definitely been through the valley of the shadow of death as we daily hear new death tolls, but at the same time, we’re also living on the mountaintop of healing as we watch the recoveries’ numbers go up! Praise God!

Bottom line – are we being willing, obedient sheep who are allowing our Lord, our Shepherd, to lead and guide us into these “pastures” in our homes or hospitals or services as His devoted followers? He must have something in mind for us. Our Shepherd always looks out for His sheep and has placed us in a state of dependence – right where sheep typically live. No wonder “I shall not want” were words King David used in penning that beautiful and poetic psalm. In trusting Him and His “lead”, we'll be living the lives were born to live.

The Steps of a Good Man Are Ordered by the Lord

I send an early morning text message to my children every day. Yesterday, I texted my son: “'The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and He delights in his way.” Psalm 37:23. I went on to say: "I love this scripture because it describes you and how God delights in the steps that you take daily. I am so thankful for you and the leadership you give to your company, your family and so many others. I sure do love you and I’m so thankful for you.”

Psalm 37 was written by King David in the twilight of his life. He was writing from his experience of knowing and walking with God. He was looking back at his life of great victories and great failures. I've heard it said that we never learn much about ourselves during our times of victory, but who we are and what we're really made of are in those times of failure when we're forced to look deep in our hearts.

In that scripture, I realized that the emphasis is on the GOOD man (or woman). When we give our heart to the Lord, we embark on a journey of a specific plan that God has willed for each one of His children. We didn’t come into the family of God to wander aimlessly in life, but to do and be what He has planned for us.

I love the analogy of Christ as our Good Shepherd and we are supposed to be His GOOD sheep. He desires to take care of us and protect us, but remember that little renegade sheep that left the fold and wanted to do his own thing? The Good Shepherd didn't let him stray too far. More than anything, He wants us to be His GOOD sheep so that we are out of harm's way -- the enemy's way!

That is the picture of such great love that God has for us. Why wouldn't we desire to be a "good sheep", rather, a "good man or woman” who stays in right standing with his Father, his Good Shepherd, and whose faith is solely placed in He Who will go the nth degree to protect, love, and even die for Him?

Lord, may we bring you great joy and pleasure and may You delight in the ways we go daily so we can count on our steps and our ways being directed and ordered by You. Amen.

Goodness and Mercy in the Storm

Goodness and Mercy in the Storm
I love to share about God’s goodness and mercy that follows us all the days of our lives (Psalm 23:6) but then comes along another storm or battle that rocks and reels our world again. So many people in the Florida Panhandle are facing “life AFTER the devastation from Hurricane Michael”. The National Weather Service reported it to have been the third-strongest storm ever to strike the U.S., calling it a catastrophic and unprecedented event.

It's a cinch to speak "goodness and mercy" from my place of comfort, security, and safety this morning. I could go on my merry way and not give a second thought to those precious people who are suffering and are reeling from this disaster. But I can’t. How could I be so callous to not consider those whose homes are destroyed or at the very least are dealing with damages that will take a long time to restore. Our awareness of hurting people should be even stronger in times like this as well as the urgency to pray for their peace, comfort, and resilience. We should also be praying for first responders, emergency relief organizations and those who are providing love and support in tangible ways.

I don't take my comfort for granted because I’ve been through some mighty serious storms in life, and in weather. In fact, I could be right here in the comfort of my home and still be reeling from storms that could be in and around me. I could be completely lost and hopeless -- longing for inner peace and rest in my soul. How grateful I am that I found that God's goodness and mercy did follow me in those times because I found that safe place in the person of Jesus Christ, and what a difference it has made in the many storms I’ve encountered.

There will always be storms in our lives. It’s predictable whether they are from the forces of natural disasters or those from the pain of broken relationships, disappointments, discomfort from illness or loss of loved ones. In all those storms, no matter what comes our way, there is only one Constant that can carry us through each and every storm. We can be hope-filled conquerors because our trust is in God, our Good Shepherd Who promised His goodness and mercy to be with us.

Maybe life seems overwhelming from the storms you may be in today. I've been there and each time I found my answers, my peace and my comfort in the One who is our Good Shepherd. I realize those overwhelming circumstances drew me to the Source of answers, the stable foundation, and my shelter in the storm. I urge you to go there for your place of refuge today. I pray that Jesus' words to the disciples as they were reeling in fear and despair are His words to calm you today: "Peace, be still". In the meantime, let's PRAISE HIM in the storm! And, may His goodness and mercy follow you all the days of your life.

We're His Pampered Sheep

When my youngest grandson steps out his front door each morning, you'll immediately hear the bleating of the goats, the hee haws of the donkeys and the mooing of the longhorn. Oh, news just came in -- it is also the clucking of his new brood of chickens. They know their “master” is getting ready to tend to their needs. I can't help but think about THE ONE who steps out His door into my life each day and is there for all my needs.

Three years ago, at the magnificent Tulip Festival in Keukenhof, Holland, I was drawn to a petting corral that held beautiful, well fed sheep. No question that they were pampered and treated as royalty because of the well-protected and confined area they lived in. There's no danger of harm there and they don't even need a shepherd. Those thoughts remind me of Psalm 23 and the more I read these words, the more insight the Lord gives me about our relationship.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

But, what about those sheep that are in a field, open-prey to ravenous animals and harm? They are the ones that truly need a shepherd to watch over and care for them. We are like those sheep. How comforting to know that wherever we are, our Good Shepherd keeps a watchful eye on us. Jesus shares something central to our life of faith. He says, "I am the Good Shepherd." John 10:11. Like a shepherd, He leads us, feeds us, protects us, and saves us. How could He have such audacious and unrelenting love for us?

I always need those assurances in the season that I am in. The more “mature” I get, the more I am learning to embrace the admonition that Jesus is my Good Shepherd. The verb definition of the word "shepherd" means to tend, guide, and instruct. Jesus does this and infinitely more. In times of transition, I desperately need to remember the characteristics of a good shepherd. I need to know that the weight of my circumstance doesn’t rest on my shoulders. After all, I am not God. Sometimes I forget that. Sometimes I think I know better. Sometimes I think my plans are the best plans. And sometimes I think I can fix everything. But, the answer has always been the same -- simple, yet profound "God IS love". It's who He is. He can't stop loving us. We are His children, and we are the sheep of His pasture. He loves us so much that He asked His Son to leave His heavenly home, take on a human body and lay down His life for us. And, now enthroned with His Father, Jesus still guides us to safety, restores our souls and our strength.

As, one of those well-fed, cared for, and protected "pampered" sheep, I stop the "I can do" mentality and delightfully rest in knowing "The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want."
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The Pursuit of God

Pursue: to follow, run after, chase someone or something to catch them

Pursuit: the action of pursuing someone or something.

Yesterday, my word of the day was RESTORE. In studying for this word for today, PURSUIT, two scriptures from Psalm 23 jumped out at me. David, the shepherd boy, before becoming King David, wrote Psalm 23 and in verse 2-3 he said “He (God) makes me lie down in green pastures to RESTORE my soul (my will, my mind and my emotions).” God is wanting us to take a break from PURSUING that promotion or that handsome guy or beautiful girl or that next best thing in technology or the bigger house or high tech car in order to be still and know God first. And in knowing God we will know that He desires us to PURSUE wisdom, understanding, and wholeness in spirit, soul and body. In Psalm 23:6, David makes a declaration of faith: “Surely Your goodness and mercy will PURSUE me (follow me) all the days of my life and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.”

RESTORATION and PURSUING seem to go hand and hand. David knew about PURSUING. He PURSUED the lion and the bear and was successful, because he had been in the quiet green pastures with His Shepherd. He could take on the distractions with fervor and defeat them. Remember the analogy Jesus gave about a shepherd who leaves his flock of ninety-nine sheep in order to PURSUE the one that is lost? That Shepherd is Jesus PURSUING you and me.

What if we PURSUED our Good Shepherd? If we did, the distractions and the opposing forces that come to defeat us, would be silenced and rendered "null and void". We would then sing with David "The Lord is MY Shepherd. There is NOTHING that I want." . How can I be effective in the PURSUIT of happiness, joy, peace, freedom from fear and anxiety, lest I be in a place of strength and relentless, fearless and audacious in faith, and wholeness in spirit and mind that can only come from knowing the Good Shepherd.

When I’m out at the stables with my grandson, I notice how those animals PURSUE him. His are the hands that feed them. They trust him for their daily sustenance. They depend on him for their water, their protection from the predators that are out there, and they welcome him with their praises (hee haws by the donkeys, mooing by the longhorn, bleating by the goats and cozying up to him by the dog and cat). Sound familiar? It does if we know what it is to PURSUE God with all of our hearts, trusting in His loving care, and praising Him for breath and life.

"I am the Good Shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know Me.” John 10:14

Why Are We Poor Little Lambs Who Have Lost Our Way?

Remember singing "We're poor little lambs who have lost our way. Baa, baa, baa"? That little song represents many of us who wander off from their shepherd.
The cartoon here is funny but, the message is clear and VERY real to our lives. Jesus said, "My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:" John 10:27. Wonder if He had in mind how difficult "listening for His voice" would be in 2017, and especially at this time of the year? More than ever, we really need to hear His voice. We need His wisdom, comfort, guidance, peace, and direction. Of course, we long to hear His voice, but in the busy-ness, the clamor and the many activities and distractions of everyday life, we may often, be hard-pressed to find that quiet PLACE to hear the voice of our Shepherd. Even when we manage to find that place, "noise" -- our cell phones, emails (so many advertisements that beckon us to call now, buy now, order now), radios, computers, TV, etc. -- keep us distracted from hearing our Shepherd's voice.

It's time to find that place where His voice comes through loud and clear to us. He has that place -- and we can find it, but it's up to us, to disregard the distractions to "Be still -- to hear and know our God." I'm not referring to a far off island in the middle of no-where. It's possible to find that place, if only for a few minutes in our day, to "Come away with Him"!

What if everything we're needing -- the decisions we need to make, what job we should take; what school our kids should go to; what diet or fitness routine we should be on; what part of town we should live in, etc. All of these answers, and more, are found and answered by our Shepherd. If "The Lord is my Shepherd, He promised, I would never want." so maybe we need to "tune-in" to our Shepherd, and "tune-out" what's NOT!

Before the little shepherd boy David became King David, he wrote Psalm 23. He was where there were no distractions, other than the lion and the bear, but because he had been in the quiet green pastures with HIS Shepherd, he could take on the distractions with a fervor and defeat them. What if we hung out in the "green pastures" of our Good Shepherd? If we did, the distractions and the opposing forces that come to defeat us, would be silenced and rendered "null and void". We would sing with David "The Lord is MY Shepherd. There is NOTHING that I want."

The Good Shepherd Still Leads His Sheep

Last year this time, I was in Keukenhof, Holland at a beautiful Tulip Festival. At that festival they had a petting corral with lots of beautiful sheep, so well cared for and so well-protected in that confined area. In fact, you could easily call them "pampered" sheep. They live in green pastures and they are well fed and totally out of danger. They don't even need a shepherd.

But, what about those sheep that are in a field, open-prey to ravenous animals and harm? They are the ones that truly need a shepherd to watch over and care for them. We are like those sheep. How comforting to know that wherever we are, our Good Shepherd keeps a watchful eye on us. Jesus shares something central to our life of faith. He says, "I am the Good Shepherd." John 10:11. Like a shepherd, He leads us, feeds us, protects us, and saves us. How could He have such audacious and unrelenting love for us?

And the answer has always been the same -- simple, yet profound God IS love. It's who He is. He can't stop loving us. We are His children, and we are the sheep of His pasture. He loves us so much that He asked His Son to leave His heavenly home, take on a human body and lay down His life for us. And, now enthroned with His Father, Jesus still guides us to safety, restores our souls and our strength..

As, one of those well-fed, cared for, and protected and "pampered" sheep, I delightfully proclaim: "The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for He is with me. His rod and His staff -- they comfort me. He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies. He anoints my head with oil. My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalms 23.

Wouldn't you like to make that proclamation, too?

The JOY of the Lord is My Strength

Day 280 of Photo Inspirations -- The JOY of the Lord is my Strength
After a full, vigorous, packed-full-of-fun week with my sweet boys in Seattle,  I returned home and early the next morning I was headed for a 4-day fast-paced, action-filled women's retreat.  It was a retreat where women were refreshed and restored, however, for those of us on the Leadership Team -- it was a work-out, and it was worth the work-out to see so many, so blessed.

But, I came home....depleted of energy and, from where I had fallen a few weeks before on my hip and leg....I was aching and in pain. I was hobbling. My mind was being taunted by the enemy saying "You're going to be hobbling like that from here on out!"  I even started imagining what that might look like.

But, I love how the voice of my Good Shepherd speaks to me.  I turned on the TV on and saw Joyce Meyer with a little devil on her shoulder (something her team made for her to emphasize a point). She was telling the audience.  "We all know the enemy is a liar, but how many of us just let him continue to lie to us and even consider what he's saying?  We called this conference  'Mind, Moods & Attitudes' and tonight I'm going to teach on the mind!"  Then, the voice of Satan came from the sound system...."The mind?  You've got to be kidding!  Don't you think you teach too much on the battlefield of the mind?  People are sick of hearing about the mind!  And, that outfit you have on looks ridiculous!"  Initially, Joyce, in her dramatic way, showed how Satan was getting to her, but of course, in her hilarious style, finally did what we're supposed to do -- she put him in his place by speaking God's Word and told him to "SHUT UP!".  Then she knocked him off her shoulder.  She WON!

Immediately, I took that message to heart, because I had been taunted by the enemy telling me "You're tired.  You should slow down.  You're going to be hobbling the rest of your life!"  But, I did what Joyce did.  I shouted, "Shut up, Satan!  I am healed.  By The stripes of Jesus I am made whole. The JOY OF THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH!"  I got it.  My part is to stop the enemy's lies in their tracks.  My part is to start rejoicing in God's love and faithfulness.
 
Nehemiah 8:10 "The joy of the Lord is your strength."  Joy is the second characteristic of the Fruit of the Spirit and I took it personally.  I know that joy doesn't come from success, circumstances or a lack of adversity. It's a gift that comes from spending time with the One who created it.   My Lord and I had some one-on-one time, and "His strength, that is made perfect in MY weakness", consumed and strengthened me.

This opportunity to teach on the Fruit of the Spirit over these next few weeks is teaching ME -- loud and clear -- that God has given us the opportunity to WIN over the adversary in our everyday lives!  God has equipped us with everything we need to win....and win big time.  I'm so thankful for His profound love that wakes me up and sets me straight in the knick of time.

Excuse me......I need to go eat MORE fruit!!!

The Good Shepherd Leads His Sheep

Day 118 of Photo Inspirations -- The Good Shepherd Leads His Sheep
We saw these sheep in Keukenhof, Holland yesterday.  Beautiful sheep, well cared for in a confined area.  They're well-protected.  But, what about those sheep that are in a field, open-prey to ravenous animals and harm? That's why they need a shepherd to watch over and care for them.

How comforting to know that wherever we are, our Good Shepherd keeps a watchful eye on us.  Like a shepherd, Jesus shares something central to our life of faith.  He says, "I am the good shepherd."  John 10:11.  Like a shepherd, He leads us, feeds us, protects us, and saves us.  How could He have such unending and unrelenting love for us?

And the answer has always been the same -- simple, yet profound  God IS love.  It's who He is.  He can't stop loving us.  We are His children, and we are the sheep of His pasture.  He loves us so much that He asked His Son to leave His heavenly home, take on a human body and lay down His life for us.  And, now enthroned with His Father, Jesus still guides us to safety, restores our strength.

So, today, I proclaim, as one of His sheep....... "The Lord is my Shepherd.  I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures.  He leads me beside still waters  He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name sake.  Yea, tough I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for He is with me.  His rod and His staff -- they comfort me.  He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  He anoints mhy head with oil.  My cup runs over.  Surely goodness and merchy shall follow me all the days of myh life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."  Psalms 23.