Today I was blessed to be led to Psalms 22. Although I have completed my study of the Lord as My Shepherd (as noted by previous blogs), I find that God has intertwined the message of Christ as our Shepherd throughout his Word, offering multiple opportunities for each of us to reflect on His Son's sacrifice for our sake. In my blog today, I desire to share my reflections on aspects of Psalms 22.
In this passage, David is writing. I learned that although David is reflecting on his life, he is also a type and figure of Christ and this entire passage is a direct reflection of the pain and suffering Christ endure for all of us on the cross.
As I read I saw the words,
"My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?",
"But I am a worm, and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people; All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads:"
"I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint."
"My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongu sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death."
"...they have pierced my hads and my feet."
"I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me."
"They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing."
I see Christ nailed to a cross (rugged tree)--for my sake. I am brought to tears thinking of the sin and shame he took on, for me--for all of us, so that we would not have to bear it. He even endured his father, or as this passage of scripture says, the Holy One not answering his cries in the darkest moment of his life. But yet, he trusted Him.
What a testimony! A sacrifice for my sin, but yet an example for trusting God through it ALL. Never doubting that he has left. Even calling upon the soul to praise Him, revere Him and proclaim Him just as valiantly through suffering. Wow! What an example our Christ was. What an example King David was. What a calling we are expected to rise to and follow.
I am not sure about you, but, at times I find this very difficult. But, in reviewing and studying this passage, I am motivated to stand in God's strength to praise, revere and proclaim him through it all. Not for my own sake, but because of what Christ endured for me so that I could live to glorify God.
Thank you Lord for your revelation today. Thank you for sending you Son Jesus who beared the pain for us all and yet trusted in you and praised you too. Thank you God for David who wrote this beautiful psalm years before the event detailing Christ's sufferings as if he were at the foot of the cross. Help us all to stand in your strength through trials and tribulations to be able to praise, revere and proclaim your Name to others despite of our situations. I glorify you for who you are and thank you for trials. You are to be praised. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Monday, September 5, 2011
Follow The Leader (Part II): Yea Though I Walk Through The Valley
Psalms 23: 3b,4 states:
He leadeth me in the paths of rightousness, for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
Today my study led me to reflect on and visualize this scripture. In my mind's eye I saw a shepherd before all of his sheep guiding them safely through a path. A path, that even though there is the 'shadow of death' which can be interpreted to mean extreme distress, danger and even death- there...is...NO...fear. Wow how defining that is for me!
All my life I have said and read this scripture and only thought that it meant a 'shadow' of death not really death! How silly of me to even think that...but I did! Nevertheless, even when my "path" will lead to death, even there, I will [should not under any circumstances] fear no evil: for thou [He] is with me;'. Today, I fully received this promise in my spirit. A promise, which for many years I have known and believed, but today, I received! Such a Word to assure my faith! A word from God that helps me to know that along the path of life and even death, the paths of Christians lead only to 'righteousness' which is interpreted as victory, prosperity, deliverance both in this life AND beyond!
Death to many is a scary thought--even many Christians. As Christians we do believe that when we die we will go to heaven to be with the Lord, but some do not even entertain discussing the "what-ifs" in life or how we are prepared and/or confident about our life after death.
In following The Leader, this passage assures us that we can have peace of mind knowing that not at one point will Christ leave you! He's with you! He is with us as we walk through the valley; He is with us through distress and extreme danger; and, He is with us all the way through death. Hallelujah! Friends, there is no need to fear! However life leads us Jesus...IS...OUR SHEPHERD. He only leads our lives to victory--in this life and beyond. It is a win/win for believers!
As I conclude today's post, I remind you of my previous post, that identified our role (mankind's role) as sheep in this life. Having the instinct of sheep we are trained from birth to follow a leader or to have a need to be led. That leader can be good or bad. As scripture has outlined, there are both bad and good leaders. Bad ones will lead to our death and destruction--both on this earth and beyond. The GOOD Shepherd (of which there is only one- Jesus Christ), will lead to life on this earth and beyond. I plead with you to choose the Good Shepherd today. Even the distresses of current life are bearable knowing He is with you. Furthermore, when death raises its head to carry each of us from this life, IN HIM, we can know that the GOOD Shepherd leads us to a victorious life in the hereafter.
My Prayer today: Father, I pray for every soul today--both believers in you and non-believers. I pray that each will choose to fully trust you as Lord, Savior, Good Shepherd, and Redeemer. Help us all to realize that when we choose you, you are present with us through this life and beyond--with our life in the hereafter being with you--forever, in heaven above! Help us to know that the words of your Bible are true and you cannot lie (Numbers 23:19). For you have promised to be with us, and... YOU WILL! You are a good God and furthermore a Great God. Your name is to be praised forever as we trust you to lead our lives. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen.
He leadeth me in the paths of rightousness, for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
Today my study led me to reflect on and visualize this scripture. In my mind's eye I saw a shepherd before all of his sheep guiding them safely through a path. A path, that even though there is the 'shadow of death' which can be interpreted to mean extreme distress, danger and even death- there...is...NO...fear. Wow how defining that is for me!
All my life I have said and read this scripture and only thought that it meant a 'shadow' of death not really death! How silly of me to even think that...but I did! Nevertheless, even when my "path" will lead to death, even there, I will [should not under any circumstances] fear no evil: for thou [He] is with me;'. Today, I fully received this promise in my spirit. A promise, which for many years I have known and believed, but today, I received! Such a Word to assure my faith! A word from God that helps me to know that along the path of life and even death, the paths of Christians lead only to 'righteousness' which is interpreted as victory, prosperity, deliverance both in this life AND beyond!
Death to many is a scary thought--even many Christians. As Christians we do believe that when we die we will go to heaven to be with the Lord, but some do not even entertain discussing the "what-ifs" in life or how we are prepared and/or confident about our life after death.
In following The Leader, this passage assures us that we can have peace of mind knowing that not at one point will Christ leave you! He's with you! He is with us as we walk through the valley; He is with us through distress and extreme danger; and, He is with us all the way through death. Hallelujah! Friends, there is no need to fear! However life leads us Jesus...IS...OUR SHEPHERD. He only leads our lives to victory--in this life and beyond. It is a win/win for believers!
As I conclude today's post, I remind you of my previous post, that identified our role (mankind's role) as sheep in this life. Having the instinct of sheep we are trained from birth to follow a leader or to have a need to be led. That leader can be good or bad. As scripture has outlined, there are both bad and good leaders. Bad ones will lead to our death and destruction--both on this earth and beyond. The GOOD Shepherd (of which there is only one- Jesus Christ), will lead to life on this earth and beyond. I plead with you to choose the Good Shepherd today. Even the distresses of current life are bearable knowing He is with you. Furthermore, when death raises its head to carry each of us from this life, IN HIM, we can know that the GOOD Shepherd leads us to a victorious life in the hereafter.
My Prayer today: Father, I pray for every soul today--both believers in you and non-believers. I pray that each will choose to fully trust you as Lord, Savior, Good Shepherd, and Redeemer. Help us all to realize that when we choose you, you are present with us through this life and beyond--with our life in the hereafter being with you--forever, in heaven above! Help us to know that the words of your Bible are true and you cannot lie (Numbers 23:19). For you have promised to be with us, and... YOU WILL! You are a good God and furthermore a Great God. Your name is to be praised forever as we trust you to lead our lives. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Follow THE Leader
Okay, folks! WOW!
As I shared yesterday, I am beginning my study of God as my shepherd- Yaweh Roi. I am using the following (non-secular) website, to build my knowledge about sheep http://www.sheep101.info/201/behavior.html. Today I have continued my reading of this website and my reflections on the content as it relates to God's Word.
In my reading today, I read the following:
[Sheep] Follow the leader
When one sheep moves, the rest will follow, even if it is not a good idea. The flocking and following instinct of sheep is so strong that it caused the death of 400 sheep in 2006 in eastern Turkey. The sheep plunged to their death after one of the sheep tried to cross a 15-meter deep ravine, and the rest of the flock followed.
Even from birth, lambs are taught to follow the older members of the flock. Ewes encourage their lambs to follow. The dominant members of the flock usually lead, followed by the submissive ones. If there is a ram in the flock, he usually leads.
The WOW factor in my reading was God's revelation through this scripture in John 10:11 which says:
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for his sheep.
Thanks be to God he is the kind of God who will not allow me to be 'plunged to my death'! I never realized how key a 'good' shepherd vs. a 'bad' shepherd were to us as children of God! As I reviewed the passage again God spoke this scripture to me in John 10:4
And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
Knowing that sheep are taught at a very early age to follow the leader and furthermore the most dominant leader of the group we must recognize that as people we are like sheep. Instinctively, we have a need to follow a leader! WOW! As a person who knows Christ your instinct should be to follow him--you're a sheep!! Who knew?? For those who do not have a relationship with Christ, I was reminded of this scripture in:
Isaiah 53:6 says, "All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned everyone to his own way."
And again, in Jeremiah 50:6 it says, "My people hath been lost sheep: Their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains."
The key to these scriptures is...Who have you chosen to be your leader/Shepherd? And, where are you allowing your leader to lead you? Folks, there are bad shepherds and good shepherds. Who is your shepherd?
Jesus, emphasizes that he is the 'good' shepherd. He will not allow us to be led astray. As his sheep we will follow his voice and do not have to worry about sheep being led to our death and destruction because He loves us so and has already given His life for his sheep, and through His death we receive our life!
Psalms 23:3 says, "He restoreth [gives back] my soul [my mind, life, emotions, etc.,]: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
It is for His name's sake that he's a good shepherd. He does not allow us to be led astray because it is so that through our restoration of life and His guidance He receives glory and honor! Amen!
Romans 8:36-37 says, "As it is written, for thy sake we are killed all the day long: we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."
Wow! We don't have to let our instinctive nature to follow as sheep, lead us astray to death, destruction and demise. NO! Rather, we can trust in Jesus as our Savior who died for His sheep so that they could live and follow Him! Hallelujah!
My prayer today is: Thank you God for sending Jesus, Our Savior, the good shepherd--the One who never will lead us astray and furthermore makes us conquerors over all of lifes tribulations, fiery darts and hardships. I pray for every non-believer that You will reveal yourself to them as a GOOD shepherd so that they will not be lost and led astray. You love us, and we know that because you died for us and gave your life in our place. Thank you Jesus! And, thank you God! Amen.
Be blessed!
As I shared yesterday, I am beginning my study of God as my shepherd- Yaweh Roi. I am using the following (non-secular) website, to build my knowledge about sheep http://www.sheep101.info/201/behavior.html. Today I have continued my reading of this website and my reflections on the content as it relates to God's Word.
In my reading today, I read the following:
[Sheep] Follow the leader
When one sheep moves, the rest will follow, even if it is not a good idea. The flocking and following instinct of sheep is so strong that it caused the death of 400 sheep in 2006 in eastern Turkey. The sheep plunged to their death after one of the sheep tried to cross a 15-meter deep ravine, and the rest of the flock followed.
Even from birth, lambs are taught to follow the older members of the flock. Ewes encourage their lambs to follow. The dominant members of the flock usually lead, followed by the submissive ones. If there is a ram in the flock, he usually leads.
The WOW factor in my reading was God's revelation through this scripture in John 10:11 which says:
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for his sheep.
Thanks be to God he is the kind of God who will not allow me to be 'plunged to my death'! I never realized how key a 'good' shepherd vs. a 'bad' shepherd were to us as children of God! As I reviewed the passage again God spoke this scripture to me in John 10:4
And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
Knowing that sheep are taught at a very early age to follow the leader and furthermore the most dominant leader of the group we must recognize that as people we are like sheep. Instinctively, we have a need to follow a leader! WOW! As a person who knows Christ your instinct should be to follow him--you're a sheep!! Who knew?? For those who do not have a relationship with Christ, I was reminded of this scripture in:
Isaiah 53:6 says, "All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned everyone to his own way."
And again, in Jeremiah 50:6 it says, "My people hath been lost sheep: Their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains."
The key to these scriptures is...Who have you chosen to be your leader/Shepherd? And, where are you allowing your leader to lead you? Folks, there are bad shepherds and good shepherds. Who is your shepherd?
Jesus, emphasizes that he is the 'good' shepherd. He will not allow us to be led astray. As his sheep we will follow his voice and do not have to worry about sheep being led to our death and destruction because He loves us so and has already given His life for his sheep, and through His death we receive our life!
Psalms 23:3 says, "He restoreth [gives back] my soul [my mind, life, emotions, etc.,]: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
It is for His name's sake that he's a good shepherd. He does not allow us to be led astray because it is so that through our restoration of life and His guidance He receives glory and honor! Amen!
Romans 8:36-37 says, "As it is written, for thy sake we are killed all the day long: we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."
Wow! We don't have to let our instinctive nature to follow as sheep, lead us astray to death, destruction and demise. NO! Rather, we can trust in Jesus as our Savior who died for His sheep so that they could live and follow Him! Hallelujah!
My prayer today is: Thank you God for sending Jesus, Our Savior, the good shepherd--the One who never will lead us astray and furthermore makes us conquerors over all of lifes tribulations, fiery darts and hardships. I pray for every non-believer that You will reveal yourself to them as a GOOD shepherd so that they will not be lost and led astray. You love us, and we know that because you died for us and gave your life in our place. Thank you Jesus! And, thank you God! Amen.
Be blessed!
Friday, September 2, 2011
God As My Shepherd - The Flock As My Support
Today I am beginning my study of God as my shepherd. The official name for this is Yahweh Roi (pronounced yah-WEH row-EE). This means that when I pray to the God who is my Yahweh Roi I am praying to the One who watches over me day and night, feeding me and leading me safely on the path of righteousness [rightness and upstanding with Him-Ps. 23:3 AMP].
My study today led me to look further into Sheep behavior 101. I found so much! In beginning this blog I will capture my musings as I study and reflect on the Word of God along with insights that God is giving me each day to enrich and guide me in the path of righteousness.
Okay, the first thing! On http://www.sheep101.info/201/behavior.html I found several listings of general sheep behavior. Being an educator by trade, and raised in the city, I have NO knowledge of what a shepherd does. So, I found it funny that I am suppose to be a sheep and I am not even aware of the behaviors and characteristics that are suppose to define me as a "sheep" --one that is following Jesus Christ! So, I thought it necessary to look a little deeper.
The first thing I learned is about 'flocking behavior'. I discovered that this behavior is instinctive to sheep; Sheep run from what frightens them to the safety of the band of other sheep. This provides the only protection to sheep from predators--banning together in large groups! Therefore, there is safety in numbers. When sheep are together it is harder for a sheep to be picked off or out of the group for attack. It is easier for a predator to go after sheep that stray.
So, my musing for today is:
In short, I learned that as a sheep my safety is found in bonding with other believers and under the leadership and protection of the Great Shepherd, Jesus. I should truly never forsake the assembling of myself with other believers. I realize, as I feed my spirit it will yield to the Spirit of God and He will increase His instinct in me to want to be with 'other sheep.' In the banning together with other believers we have support and 'group' strength. And, under the guidance of The Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior he protects the entire flock! For me, this revelation was so comforting and reassuring. I thank God for His insight today and look forward to his continuing to develop this insight in my life today.
My study today led me to look further into Sheep behavior 101. I found so much! In beginning this blog I will capture my musings as I study and reflect on the Word of God along with insights that God is giving me each day to enrich and guide me in the path of righteousness.
Okay, the first thing! On http://www.sheep101.info/201/behavior.html I found several listings of general sheep behavior. Being an educator by trade, and raised in the city, I have NO knowledge of what a shepherd does. So, I found it funny that I am suppose to be a sheep and I am not even aware of the behaviors and characteristics that are suppose to define me as a "sheep" --one that is following Jesus Christ! So, I thought it necessary to look a little deeper.
The first thing I learned is about 'flocking behavior'. I discovered that this behavior is instinctive to sheep; Sheep run from what frightens them to the safety of the band of other sheep. This provides the only protection to sheep from predators--banning together in large groups! Therefore, there is safety in numbers. When sheep are together it is harder for a sheep to be picked off or out of the group for attack. It is easier for a predator to go after sheep that stray.
So, my musing for today is:
- If we are the sheep, the desire and the need to be with others and especially other believers should be instinctive. Certainly, once we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior our need to be with other believers is instinctive because of the Holy Spirit's presence in our life. Therefore, His presence, as we allow him to grow in our lives draws us to want and even NEED to be with other believers.
In short, I learned that as a sheep my safety is found in bonding with other believers and under the leadership and protection of the Great Shepherd, Jesus. I should truly never forsake the assembling of myself with other believers. I realize, as I feed my spirit it will yield to the Spirit of God and He will increase His instinct in me to want to be with 'other sheep.' In the banning together with other believers we have support and 'group' strength. And, under the guidance of The Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior he protects the entire flock! For me, this revelation was so comforting and reassuring. I thank God for His insight today and look forward to his continuing to develop this insight in my life today.
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