Monday, July 17, 2017

Feed My Sheep

John‬ ‭21:17‬ ‭- He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.”
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After Jesus was resurrected, He appeared before the disciples and stayed with them awhile longer before being taken up to heaven to be seated at the right hand of God at His throne. Above Jesus had just commissioned Peter to be like a pastor, to tend to, watch over and continue, as Jesus had done, to feed the sheep the Word of God. 

Thinking about a conversation with a friend from the other day, the scripture reference above came to mind, which I blurted out. Peter, the impetuous disciple. I'm so glad there are examples of all different personalities in the Word. We are all different with a variety of gifts and talents. We are not to compare ourselves with others. In the body of Christ, His people are not the same. 

If we are born into the kingdom of God, our major emphasis is to serve Him and that includes helping to "feed" others in the Word. How we do it will vary. No two people will be, or even should be, like another. We are all created by God and have different talents. Doesn't make one better than another, especially if we are part of the body of Christ. As my friend had accidentally commented, Don't worry what thinkle peep!!! Listen:

But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty..." (1Corinthians‬ ‭12:20-23‬)

I am just me and I realized this past week from various sources that I am being used to encourage others, which God knows has just encouraged me...when I needed it most! He's so amazing. And I'm just thrilled to be a child of His, with a simplistic love for Him and simplistic knowledge and understanding of Him. I'm content in this realization. Praise Him! He is so faithful. If my words are simple, so be it. 

Along with this scripture I was reminded of the question by Jesus, "What is that to you?" in answer yet again to a question Peter had regarding the disciple John (whom Jesus loved...not that He didn't love the others also!). Jesus had just shown Peter the manner of his death and the question Peter asked was about the means of the disciple John's death. 

Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper... Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.” (John‬ ‭21:20-22‬)

This shows that we are not to worry about or compare ourselves to anyone else. I am going to personalize this. I am God's creation. He knows me better than I do. My job as a believer is not to follow anyone else, but to follow Jesus. When I do follow Him, He will direct my paths in the way that is best for me, not anyone else. We are all, as children of God, called to feed His sheep, and be a light in this dark world. 

I have been encouraged myself this week in small ways, culminating in this blog! I know what I must continue to do. It's what I've been doing for a long time yet wondered if it was time to stop. I have my answer. 

Thank You, my God. 

Matthew‬ ‭4:19‬ ‭- Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”




Wednesday, July 12, 2017

In The Wreckage



107:25-30 - For He commands and raises the stormy wind, which lifts up the waves of the sea. They mount up to the heavens, they go down again to the depths; their soul melts because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end. Then they cry out to the LORD in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm, so that it's waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; so He guides them to their desired haven.


When all goes well in the world or in lives there is a propensity to not have a need for God. There is no thought to what He has given or accomplished in lives, if that thought even exists. His voice, His call, His guidance and concern cannot be heard or felt over the noise of success and, all too often, distraction. All seems well; no need for God.

Then one day disaster strikes. Illness, death, job loss, dishonor, whatever might be causing turmoil. Who knows where this eventually takes a person. Drugs, alcohol, depression, thoughts of suicide, embarrassment? 

As I prayed this evening after reading the above scripture which yet again suggests that God brings down in order to raise up. The words that almost shouted at me as I uttered them out loud were in the wreckage of this world and in our lives. That's what it takessometimes for man to take notice of God. When there is nowhere else to go. When friends or family cannot help or console. When all seems lost. There is always One who cares. There is always One who is waiting for those who suffer to reach out and seek Him. 

I did this awhile back. It was a difficult time in my life. I did not know where to turn. I knew I couldn't give up. I knew there had to be a solution. I just didn't know how I could solve this problem. And eventually through someone, I "met" Christ. He knew I needed help. He knew it would be easy now to persuade me. And it was...so easy. And it was said that day that we cannot fix some problems on our own, but Jesus Christ can. 


In my church are many people who rely on God daily. Often through overcoming of drugs or alcohol, cancer or long illnesses, or unsaved family, or prodigal children, people have shared publicly they didn't know how they would get through these situations without the Lord. Oh, that others would understand this. 

Praise God!


Psalm 107:31-32 - Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them exalt Him also in the assembly of the people, and praise Him in the company of the elders.

Thursday, July 6, 2017

Giver of Life

John 10:10 - The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

I am going to ask you to do something for me. But first...

There is only One who gives eternal life, Christ Jesus. If you think that life automatically comes by just knowing who He is without His being a very big part of your every day life, you are mistaken. That is exactly where the enemy wants you. It's his job to steer in wrong directions. He's as alive as Jesus Christ. (Think about the good and bad consciences that show up on shoulders!) He's a very jealous, prideful and destructive being. Also, he is just as active in this world as Jesus. He knows his time is almost up and that Jesus, the one who will reign victorious and will win the final battle. It's this enemy's job to bring as many as will ignore God's warnings into destruction along with him. 

While this may sound harsh, sometimes it's those hard words that need to be said. Jesus had many words of warning and rebuke along with words of His love for all. No child likes to be scolded for doing something wrong. It's even harder for an adult to be scolded by God!

So...I read an article about how science is close to creating eternal life of their own through stem cell technology. The article stated that Genesis 3:4 comes to mind: Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die.” That serpent has been our enemy since then.
  
A quote from the article: I believe we are watching humankind’s God-denying lust for the ultimate conquering of death in an attempt to thwart the curse that Yahweh has decreed upon a fallen creation. Of course, Yahweh will not be thwarted. He will not be mocked. To create and to give life – real life – is the glory of Yahweh himself. That glory will not be shared with fallen man.

That glory will not be shared...

As I began to read the article an indignation came over me. And sadness for those who think they are doing good in trying to create life without God. The idea has been around a very long time that man believes he can be like God. Some already know where that has taken them. Others alive who hold to this belief will one day also know. Satan thought he could be like God. It got him cast out of heaven. When someone dies without acknowledging God, heaven is not attainable.

I'm thankful for knowing the truth. It IS necessary for eternal life. Our life and our truths are not what matter. Only God's truth matters. Only God gives life. Only God. 

Okay, so here's what I want you to do: Read John 10. It's a picture of Jesus, our way to eternal life and the enemy who comes to steal, kill and destroy. Please do not be deceived. One Way, one Door, one Truth, one Shepherd. That's it. Go for it...

John 10:28 -  And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.