Sheep are amazing creatures! They are cuddly cute as a lamb. They are sturdy in structure, they provide wool to bring warmth on a winters day. They follow other sheep blindly at times seeking a safe well fed environment.
However, sheep are also stubborn, don’t seek the easiest path, follow the leader, even if a fellow sheep goes near a cliff. They need a good shepherd to guide them. They need a poke by the shepherds staff to redirect their steps. They can run in fear and get lost.
Humans are no different! We are stubborn, don’t seek the best path, can be led to foolishness, in fear, we can take a cliff dive without meaning too.
John 10:1-16 NLT “I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! [2] But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. [3] The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. [4] After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. [5] They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.” [6] Those who heard Jesus use this illustration didn’t understand what he meant, [7] so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. [8] All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. [9] Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. [10] The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
The Lord is a Good Shepherd! Do not be afraid, He is our God! He wants you to lean into Him above all the noise! He is Almighty God!
He is the maker of heaven and earth ! The earth is His footstool! He wants all His children to come to Him and be saved!
Isaiah 41:10 NLT Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
He gives His children multiple chances to seek His face. He is the Ancient of Days! He is the Alpha and Omega!!
Ancient Gates is a powerful song by Brooke Ligertwood. The lyrics speak of His greatness!
Ancient Gates by Brooke Ligertwood
My pastor shared this week about this concept, He is our Shepherd, He wants us to enter His gates so we can be safe with Him. Yes, our Shepherd may need to discipline our stupidity and foolish impulsive choices. However, our Shepherd loves us and sees His children.
John 10:11-16 [11] “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. [12] A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. [13] The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep. [14] “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, [15] just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. [16] I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.
Despite the multiple distractions the world or others bring, praise Him in the hills and valleys. Praise for Him pushes back the darkness!!! Enter His gate and be changed for His plans. So run to Him, He is ready with open arms to lead His sheep ( He is a good, good Shepherd)!
Fear destroys not only the one who is afraid but others in the relationship. Fear sets a fire of anxiety, anger, and impulsive words that can’t be taken back.
God calls us to be self-controlled and cast out all fear. There are many scriptures describing the need to trust God over fear, here are three examples.
Exodus 14:13-14,16-17 NLT But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. [14] The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
Isaiah 66:5 NLT Hear this message from the LORD, all you who tremble at his words: “Your own people hate you and throw you out for being loyal to my name. ‘Let the LORD be honored!’ they scoff. ‘Be joyful in him!’ But they will be put to shame.
1 John 4:18-19 NLT Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. [19] We love each other because he loved us first.
God calls us to be strong and courageous and trust Him. We need His strength to endure life’s challenges!
Daniel 10:19 NLT “Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!” As he spoke these words to me, I suddenly felt stronger and said to him, “Please speak to me, my lord, for you have strengthened me.”
God calls us to not live in fear and timidity, but live with a sound mind and self control that comes as a reward for our faith in God!
2 Timothy 1:7 NLT For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
So why do we let fear rule our emotions and destroy our relationships? It’s because we don’t trust God, or we allow disappointment from past experiences to color our feelings toward another person. We allow preconceived notions the active projection onto another person. This destroys not just the person in fear, but many others through a domino effect.
Who wins when we let fear reign? The devil and his schemes cause destruction and we loose our faith and trust in God. This leads to our anxiety and anger emotions tumbling out in words that hurt instead of sharing compassion and the love of Christ.
What must we do when words are hurled by others due to fear? First, we must remember the devil wants to destroy families and relationships that are wanting to represent God. Second, we ask God to help us understand the other person, pray for a revelation of their perspective, third, we must ask God to help us forgive the hurtful words. Fourth, we may need to step back from the person, take a walk, seek wisdom from the Bible. Fifth, we must give grace and mercy to a fellow sinner for making a mistake. ( Hopefully there is repentance in the heart of the offender, this is the only way the relationship can be restored).
There are times when we may need to walk away from another person. Seek Gods wisdom for this!
Psalm 27:1-14 MSG Light, space, zest- that’s GOD! So, with him on my side I’m fearless, afraid of no one and nothing. [2] When vandal hordes ride down ready to eat me alive, Those bullies and toughs fall flat on their faces. [3] When besieged, I’m calm as a baby. When all hell breaks loose, I’m collected and cool. [4] I’m asking GOD for one thing, only one thing: To live with him in his house my whole life long. I’ll contemplate his beauty; I’ll study at his feet. [5] That’s the only quiet, secure place in a noisy world, The perfect getaway, far from the buzz of traffic. [6] God holds me head and shoulders above all who try to pull me down. I’m headed for his place to offer anthems that will raise the roof! Already I’m singing God-songs; I’m making music to GOD. [7-8] Listen, GOD, I’m calling at the top of my lungs: “Be good to me! Answer me!” When my heart whispered, “Seek God,” my whole being replied, “I’m seeking him!” Don’t hide from me now! [9-10] You’ve always been right there for me; don’t turn your back on me now. Don’t throw me out, don’t abandon me; you’ve always kept the door open. My father and mother walked out and left me, but GOD took me in. [11-12] Point me down your highway, GOD; direct me along a well-lighted street; show my enemies whose side you’re on. Don’t throw me to the dogs, those liars who are out to get me, filling the air with their threats. [13-14] I’m sure now I’ll see God’s goodness in the exuberant earth. Stay with GOD! Take heart. Don’t quit. I’ll say it again: Stay with GOD.
Tremble is an amazing song by Mosaic MSC from years ago, it reminds you where to find peace, it’s with Jesus. In Jesus Name we can push back the darkness. He makes the darkness tremble and He silences fear!
Tremble by Mosaic MSC
Out of the ashes of attempted destruction from fear, there can be restoration and new life! Don’t quit! Stay with God! He will never abandon you!
One step at a time, one moment at a time, reach for the Light in the darkness. Don’t stay captured by the past; choices and trauma that want to keep you stuck in the dark places.
Step into the Light and reach for the One who knows all about the past, your present, and your future. He extends His hand, seeks your beautiful face, and wants you to trust Him, He is Jesus!!
A friend and dear Sister Prayer Warrior sent me this song, ” You’re Gonna Be Okay” by Brian and Jenn Johnson. The lyrics are so powerful. You are never too far gone, His Hope is a free will choice away. Call out to Jesus today, take a step closer to a new beginning and a new life.
In your weakness, He works to bring you new strength. He is the Light in the Darkness!!He also brings across your path, like-minded people to help share your joys and trials. I am so blessed by the village of His people; men and women, both in person and far away.
Psalm 112 1-10 (The Message) Hallelujah! Blessed man, blessed woman, who fear God, Who cherish and relish his commandments, Their children robust on the earth, And the homes of the upright—how blessed! Their houses brim with wealth And a generosity that never runs dry. Sunrise breaks through the darkness for good people— God’s grace and mercy and justice! The good person is generous and lends lavishly; No shuffling or stumbling around for this one, But a sterling and solid and lasting reputation. Unfazed by rumor and gossip, Heart ready, trusting in God, Spirit firm, unperturbed, Ever blessed, relaxed among enemies, They lavish gifts on the poor— A generosity that goes on, and on, and on. An honored life! A beautiful life! Someone wicked takes one look and rages, Blusters away but ends up speechless. There’s nothing to the dreams of the wicked. Nothing.
Sunrise breaks through the darkness! Take your steps with Him to Light your path!
Jesus wants to lighten the burdens of your life, first comes trust in Him, second, comes declaring Jesus is your Savior, repenting (turning from the past choices that led you into a desert wilderness), and saying aloud, ” Jesus, I choose you today, do with my life what you will, I want a new life with you. Thank you for dying for me and loving me, a sinner! Amen!
Matthew 11: 28 - 30 28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Light, it is the thing that illuminates our path. It brightens our day. It provides a vision through the darkness. Light, it is what the Lord brings to us when we’re in the midst of storms and struggles. Light, it is what we need, today, in this dark world, more than anything else. Scripture tells us that He, the Lord, Jesus, is a light for our path. It is the guidance we need when things seem chaotic and insecure.
When God created the world and everything in it, He started with light. He created light on the first day.
Genesis 1:2-5 AMP The earth was formless and void or a waste and emptiness, and darkness was upon the face of the deep [primeval ocean that covered the unformed earth]. The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters. [3] And God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. [4] God saw that the light was good (pleasing, useful) and He affirmed and sustained it; and God separated the light [distinguishing it] from the darkness. [5] And God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.
Light came from Him! He separated it from the darkness. He had plans from the beginning of time for this amazing wonder on the earth and within us!
Genesis 1:14-18 AMP Then God said, “Let there be light-bearers (sun, moon, stars) in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be useful for signs (tokens) [of God’s provident care], and for marking seasons, days, and years; [15] and let them be useful as lights in the expanse of the heavens to provide light on the earth”; and it was so, [just as He commanded]. [16] God made the two great lights—the greater light (the sun) to rule the day, and the lesser light (the moon) to rule the night; He made the [galaxies of] stars also [that is, all the amazing wonders in the heavens]. [17] God placed them in the expanse of the heavens to provide light upon the earth, [18] to rule over the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness; and God saw that it was good and He affirmed and sustained it.
With Gods’ direction, Moses lead the people of Israel through the desert wilderness. It was God’s pillar of smoke, and the light that directed their path.
God guided His people as explained in Nehemiah, God sustained them.
Nehemiah 9:11-12 AMP You divided the sea before them, So that they passed through the midst of the sea on dry land; You hurled their pursuers into the depths, Like a stone into mighty and raging waters. [12] And with a pillar of cloud You led them by day, And with a pillar of fire by night To light the way for them In which they were to go.
We also must walk in the Light despite the darkness seeming to swirl around us! Do not forget to praise in the storms, it can push away depression, anxiety and fear.
Psalm 56:10-13 AMP In God, whose word I praise, In the LORD, whose word I praise, [11] In God have I put my trust and confident reliance; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? [12] Your vows are binding upon me, O God; I will give thank offerings to You. [13] For You have rescued my soul from death, Yes, and my feet from stumbling, So that I may walk before God In the light of life.
Choosing to follow the Creator of Light by following His promises can seem impossible but nothing is impossible with God!
Psalm 112:4 AMP Light arises in the darkness for the upright; He is gracious and compassionate and righteous (upright—in right standing with God).
Seeking the Lord at these times is mandatory! He will light your path and bring hope in the darkness that is internal and eternal when we trust in Him alone. Jesus is the Prince of Peace!
Isaiah 42:16 AMP I will lead the blind by a way they do not know; I will guide them in paths that they do not know. I will make darkness into light before them And rugged places into plains. These things I will do [for them], And I will not leave them abandoned or undone.”
He wants our free will choice for His plans, we were created to make our own personal decision. He loves us and wants us to choose Him.
He tells us in Isaiah 58 what will be our reward:
Isaiah 58:8-12 AMP Then your light will break out like the dawn, And your healing (restoration, new life) will quickly spring forth; Your righteousness will go before you [leading you to peace and prosperity], The glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. [9] Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; You will cry for help, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away from your midst the yoke [of oppression], The finger pointed in scorn [toward the oppressed or the godly], and [every form of] wicked (sinful, unjust) speech, [10] And if you offer yourself to [assist] the hungry And satisfy the need of the afflicted, Then your light will rise in darkness And your gloom will become like midday. [11] And the LORD will continually guide you, And satisfy your soul in scorched and dry places, And give strength to your bones; And you will be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. [12] And your people will rebuild the ancient ruins; You will raise up and restore the age-old foundations [of buildings that have been laid waste]; You will be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.
Let Him repair and restore your life bringing more of His Light to the world!
John 8:12 AMP Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, “I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”
What does it mean to be baptized in Jesus Christ?
Romans 6:3-5 MSG That’s what baptism into the life of Jesus means. When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus. Each of us is raised into a light-filled world by our Father so that we can see where we’re going in our new grace-sovereign country.
How can we bring His Light to others? It is not about us it is about bringing hope to others about Him!
2 Corinthians 4:5-6 MSG Remember, our Message is not about ourselves; we’re proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. It started when God said, “Light up the darkness!” and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful.
Our human minds can’t fully grasp how Jesus may use our life story!
1 John 1:7 AMPC But if we [really] are living and walking in the Light, as He [Himself] is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses (removes) us from all sin and guilt [keeps us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations].
Walk in the Light, find hope in His promises, ask Him to direct your steps to His sisters and brothers, , there is freedom in His Arms. Then shine your Light for all to see Him!
Father, I am a sinner in need of Your saving grace and mercy! Please forgive me for my selfish ways, my impulsive choices that have led to death. I want new life in your love, Jesus! I repent ( turn away) from the sins that have held me captive to the enemy___________. Forgive me of my sins. Fill my life with you, Jesus! I place my life in Your hands! I give you permission to guide my path! Thank you Jesus! I want your Light to shine through me! Amen!
Do you remember the times in your youth you needed to stay the course? Tasks to be conquered may be learning to tie your shoes, how to meet new friends, getting up after you have fallen down, learning how to slide as you ran the bases in a school softball game.
The tasks increased in complication the older you got, being able to navigate a new school, finding new friends, standing your ground when others tempt you with reckless choices.
No matter the age, life is full of choices for the future. Listening to the voice of truth, Jesus, can propel you into new trajectories. Flying high as an eagle is better than living in a pig pen of regret, shame snd impulsive choices that block the Lords plans. ( Luke 15: 11-32)
Anything worthwhile takes blood, sweat and tears! Who better to provide the encouragement than sticking with the One who created you.
Remembering our need to stay connected to our best friend, Jesus, regardless of the comments from others can be frightening. Do you want to go with the decisions of others or take steps into the future alone temporarily in order to obtain the goals God has for your life?
There will always be days, even moments to ponder our next steps. Who will have the last word in your life?
Who do you want to direct to greater purpose; your kids, friends, family, or even a total stranger? Let go and let God!
Psalm 119:41-48 MSG Let your love, GOD, shape my life with salvation, exactly as you promised; Then I’ll be able to stand up to mockery because I trusted your Word. Don’t ever deprive me of truth, not ever- your commandments are what I depend on. Oh, I’ll guard with my life what you’ve revealed to me, guard it now, guard it ever; And I’ll stride freely through wide open spaces as I look for your truth and your wisdom; Then I’ll tell the world what I find, speak out boldly in public, unembarrassed. I cherish your commandments-oh, how I love them!- relishing every fragment of your counsel.
His counsel trumps all other wisdom. He is for us not against us! He sees the full picture of our life. Guard your life so you can run in open spaces with joy!
Psalm 119:33-40 MSG GOD, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course. Give me insight so I can do what you tell me- my whole life one long, obedient response. Guide me down the road of your commandments; I love traveling this freeway! Give me a bent for your words of wisdom, and not for piling up loot. Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets, invigorate me on the pilgrim way. Affirm your promises to me- promises made to all who fear you. Deflect the harsh words of my critics- but what you say is always so good. See how hungry I am for your counsel; preserve my life through your righteous ways!
Taking the road less travelled can lead to a greater future. Trust is built when we see His hand at work reflecting on His goodness in the past gives us hope to trust in the future!
Why do we struggle with sin? Is it others who lead our choices or is it a battle within? What a tug of war between good and evil desires. It does not matter our skin color, it is a human condition!
I heard on the radio recently the best definition for the reason we sin. “We sin or make choices against the Lords’ ways because at the time is seems fun, and in our sin nature we want to rebel against the Lord God who created us. We want to be our own God!”
Wow, this is the truth, we struggle with sin because we want to be our own God!!! Sins can be impulsive, prideful, false appearances, murder, adultery, jealousy, anger, lies, the snarky need for the last word , disrespect of others; even parents for their children or children for parents. It can be a known sin or a hidden sin.
However, we must remember God sees all things and wants us to turn from all unrighteousness and return to Him, we must verbally call on the Lord Jesus to forgive us of our sin and guide us to a new mind, life and future.
If we don’t submit fully to the Lord we cannot resist the devil and we will not have the authority of Christ to protect us from the devil and his attempts.
Quarrels and fights within our family, in community, and the world come from evil desires, as James 4 relates, we all have a war within us. This is a reflection of our sin nature.
James 4:1-10 MSG Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it. [2-3] You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way.
The Word of God has the potential to bring new life, new hope, and grace to the humble.
[4-6] You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn’t care? The proverb has it that “he’s a fiercely jealous lover.” And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you’ll find. It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.”
I have had my eyes opened to my own areas of sin: pride, gossip, bitterness, and allowing fear of the future rule my mind.I repent today and ask the Lord to purge me of these tendencies. The work to remove my tendencies may take a while but having the lover of my soul, the Holy Spirit direction will complete His work when I allow it!
How about you, do you need to bend your knee and ask the Lord to chip away destructive habits? Is your loyalty divided between God and the world? We are all sinners, tears can bring cleansing but letting God transform you brings so much more.
[7-10] So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.
Look up James 4, it is filled with wisdom for living. All these steps are relevant for today. If you don’t have your own Bible consider these resources: Youversion Bible App or The website, Biblegateway.com.
It has to be an all-in decision, submit all your ways to the Lord, or you will remain stuck in past cycles of destruction. Just as the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, (Genesis 19) the wife of Lot looked back at the fiery town even though she was told to look forward to a new future, but she turned into a pillar of salt.
Looking back on life’s regrets does not bring hope. Looking at our future through the eyes of the Lord, brings strength, hope, and direction for a new trajectory.
So humble yourself before the Lord and let Him work from the inside out. Changing patterns of sin takes time but today is a great day to start a new habit.
Prayer: Father God, you are the Lord of my life, I repent for ——- and I ask Lord that you would forgive me of placing my own self as God. Free me from my sin, cleanse me of all unGodly behavior, I know you are a jealous God who loves me and wants me to seek You first. I want more of you, I want Jesus to fill my heart and soul, He is my Savior, change me from the inside out. I want you to be the authority in my life Father! I humbly submit to you alone, Amen!
Titus 2:11-15 NLT For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. [12] And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, [13] while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. [14] He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. [15] You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say.
Maverick City has a powerful song, God problems! What meaningful lyrics, enjoy!
Inspiring Light Through the Cracks 