I want to be one of THOSE Sheep!

“The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong in the behalf of 'them' whose heart is 'perfect' (loyal to) toward HIM.”


Good Morning Lord above,
Can we ever escape your presence Lord? Should we want to?
Father, if we say that we love you, and that we are Christians called by your name- the name of your Son Jesus Christ- why oh why do we fear and worry about so many things?
Shift our focus off ourselves, troubles, fears, wrong motives or desires, and all our emotional baggage. Discontent, envy, hurtful feelings, pride, jealousy and more- may you take this away Lord and put our focus..mine..on YOU..this day..this hour.
Strengthen us Lord! According to your Word and also strengthen that which you have wrought for us Lord- for us your people. Ref. Psalms 68. You've brought us through so much...won so many battles for us..perfect in us..and all Lord...your desires, wishes and concerns for our lives.
PSALMS 23
My mom use to say to me (in her latter years) when we would be deciding which scriptures to read, “I don't know..maybe we should read Psalms 23”. So, I remembered Psalms 23 and when the words came pouring out of my mouth- they came pouring out of hers as well. So, enjoy:
“THE LORD IS MY SHEPERD”..That statement alone should be enough! The LORD on high..guiding and protecting us..can we grasp this? Can I? Can we hold on to this truth throughout each and every day and night? A shepherd always watches over the sheep!
“I SHALL NOT WANT”... I shall not want or lack anything! Food, water, shelter from the storm and 'storms of this life'.
“HE MAKETH ME TO LIE DOWN IN GREEN PASTURES- HE LEADETH ME BESIDE THE STILL WATERS” (tender green grass ...refreshing waters of REST) When I think of sheep it seems to me, that whether they are grazing on fresh green grass or rocky slopes, they always seem to be at rest..at peace- no stampedes here! Quietness reigns- They are in good hands!


“HE RESTORETH MY SOUL! HE LEADETH ME IN THE PATHS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS FOR HIS NAME'S SAKE” That 'for His name's sake' is mentioned all through the book of Psalms in the Bible. All I know is that the Lord's name is above every name. If the Lord cannot lead us (like sheep) in right paths- away from sin and destruction, or the enemy's pursuits, than
no one can! So, to me..we should pray and always ask for His guidance.


“YEA, THO' I WALK THRU THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH I WILL FEAR NO EVIL” The Bible teaches us that we should not fear death! The Lord will never leave or forsake us! Notice the Bible says, “The shadow of death”and that is what is is..a mere passing over. We should not fear the destruction already on this earth and His final judgments for the Lord above will keep us from fear when we obey and look to Him as our shepherd. He has already given His life on that cross to prove that to us..He took upon everything the enemy could dish out- and every sin and defeated it for you and me and all...if only we believe!


“FOR YOU ART WITH ME- YOUR ROD AND YOUR STAFF- THEY COMFORT ME!”
The Bible says that the Lord hems us in..behind and before. He will guide us and be with us through everything in this life and of course, the life to come. While we are here on this earth, the Lord goes ahead..searching..removing obstacles from our paths. He overtakes every evil force so we may be secure with Him!


“THOU PREPAREST A TABLE BEFORE ME IN THE PRESENCE OF MINE ENEMIES!
THOU ANNOINEST MY HEAD WITH OIL..MY CUP RUNNETH OVER!'
We are more than dependent sheep to our Lord. Oh, yes, we are much more to Him. In fact, we will one day be honored guests at His banqueting table. We are His children...heirs. He anoints us with His presence- vindicates us before our enemies. He pours out His gladness on us- Feeds us. Provides yes, but, so much more. He is a loving Parent to Us.


“SURELY GOODNESS AND MERCY SHALL FOLLOW US ALL THE DAYS OF OUR LIVES!
(Wow!) “AND WE SHALL DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD FOREVER!”
Just imagine this...these are the words of GOD given to His people, through His Holy Spirit. These are God's promises to us...God never breaks His promises. Ever! So He says that His loving kindness and His MERCY shall follow us..How long? All...ALL the days of our lives! I know I need that one!!! How about you?
Then He goes on to say that we will dwell in HIS HOUSE with Him. Think on this! We dwell with Him as our loving shepherd on this earth and we will dwell with HIM in His Heavenly Kingdom FOREVER! Who in their right mind wouldn't want this?
“So Lord above, teach us- teach me...to number our days aright..as the Bible says. Teach us to claim your Words to us Lord..each and every day..to think on them..to put our trust in you and these promises of yours. May we be the sheep and you be the shepherd . May we realize that you
are the most wise- you are eternal- loving- giving. You are the great and glorious Shepherd of our lives. I am so grateful for this message this morning Lord. I needed it.
Help me and all of us, your children, realize that you are leading us when we turn everything over to you. Our lives and our hearts...our actions..even our mouths! Get rid of all the evil that lurks about us Lord and may we center our hearts and minds on you.
I would like to be like those calm, contented sheep that I've seen before. I think this only comes about as we lean and put our trust in you ...our Heavenly Father above. You want this for us Lord. Why oh why do we worry and fear when you have promised to be with us forever and ever. Forgive us Lord. We sometimes forget who we are to you. In Jesus's Name, Amen.